Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by misty hills, Kandy is the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and the spiritual heart of Buddhist Sri Lanka. The city is best known for the Sri Dalada Maligawa — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — which houses what is believed to be the Buddha's left canine tooth, one of Buddhism's most important relics.
The Temple of the Tooth
The Sri Dalada Maligawa sits elegantly beside Kandy Lake, its white walls and octagonal tower reflected in the still water. Three daily pujas (ceremonies) allow visitors to glimpse the golden casket said to contain the relic. The most spectacular time to visit is during the evening puja, when drummers fill the corridors with rhythmic beats and the air is thick with incense and devotion.
The Esala Perahera
Every July or August, Kandy hosts one of Asia's most spectacular festivals. The Esala Perahera is a 10-night procession of over 100 elaborately decorated elephants, Kandyan dancers, fire performers, and whip crackers, all accompanying the sacred tooth relic through the lamp-lit streets. The final night draws hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens
The man-made Kandy Lake, created by the last Kandyan king in 1807, offers peaceful walks along its tree-shaded perimeter. Just outside the city, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya spans 60 hectares of tropical plants, orchids, and a famous avenue of Royal Palms — a favourite of both botanists and couples.
Best Time to Visit
January to April and July to September are the driest periods. If visiting specifically for the Esala Perahera, book accommodation months in advance — it is the most popular festival in Sri Lanka.
