Kandy

Kandy, the second-largest city of Sri Lanka is one of the popular travel destinations of the island country. Nestled amid mountain ranges and tea plantations, Kandy is renowned for its scenic beauty, colourful heritage and profusion of tourist attractions. Located at a 3-hour distance from the capital Colombo, the town is favoured spot on a Sri Lanka tour.

Known as Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic; Dalada Maligawa. Located in the premises of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. In fact the holy city of Kandy is associated with the history of Buddhism. Pilgrims and history lovers are mesmerized by the charm.

For nature lovers in Kandy, there is the beautiful rainforest to explore blessed with picturesque views.  Mists descending down the mountains add to the appeal. Among the tourist attractions, The Botanical Gardens is always a special place to visit. The Royal Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind with the whole island providing residence to over a large variety of plants, some even hundreds of years old.

Kandy is also host to the popular annual festival known as the Esala Perahera. The festival involves in the grand procession of one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of Buddha through the streets of the city. The royal elephant bedecked in finery carries the casket while the procession includes traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers of the provinces of the old Kandyan kingdom, torch bearers and more. Held in the months of July or August, the festival attracts large crowds from all parts of the country as well as foreign tourists.

Other must visit places include Udawattekele Sanctuary, Horton National Park, Millenium Elephant Foundation, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, International Buddhist Museum, Ceylon Tea Museum, etc. The town is also known for some of the most epic train journeys in the world.