Key Attractions in Kandy

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) – One of the most sacred Buddhist sites, housing a relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
• Kandy Lake – A scenic lake in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing walk.
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens – A stunning botanical garden with over 4,000 species of plants, including giant bamboo and orchids.
• Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue – A large Buddha statue on a hill offering panoramic views of Kandy.
• Udawattakele Forest Reserve – A peaceful nature reserve with hiking trails and diverse wildlife.
• Kandy Esala Perahera – An annual grand festival featuring traditional dances, fire performances, and elephants parading through the streets.

Why Visit Kandy?

• It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It has a mix of history, culture, and nature.
• It's the gateway to Sri Lanka’s tea country and the scenic Ella and Nuwara Eliya regions.

Are you planning a trip to Kandy or just curious about it? 😊

History of Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom, has a rich history marked by resistance against colonial rule, religious significance, and cultural heritage. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance.

Ancient and Medieval Period

• Kandy was originally known as Senkadagalapura, named after a hermit called Senkanda.
• It became an important city in the 14th century under King Vikramabahu III of Gampola.
• Kandy later became a stronghold of Sinhalese kings who resisted foreign invasions.

Kingdom of Kandy (1473 - 1815)

• The Kingdom of Kandy was established in the late 15th century.
• It remained independent while the Portuguese, Dutch, and British controlled the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
• King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1590–1604) brought the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha to Kandy, making it the religious center of the island.
• The kingdom successfully resisted several invasions by Portuguese (16th century) and Dutch (17th century) forces.

British Rule and Fall of the Kingdom (1815)

• The British defeated the last king of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, in 1815 through the Kandyan Convention.
• The British took control of the entire island, ending over 2,300 years of Sinhalese monarchy.
• The Uva Rebellion (1817-1818) was a failed attempt by locals to regain independence.

Modern Kandy

• Today, Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, famous for its Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
• It hosts the annual Esala Perahera, a grand Buddhist festival with traditional performances and elephant parades.
• The city preserves Sinhalese traditions, arts, and architecture while embracing modern development.