Kandy

Overview

Kandy is Sri Lanka's historic cultural capital, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the island's holiest Buddhist site, with grand festivals each year.

History

Kandy was the capital of the last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka and is famed for safeguarding the relic of the Buddha's tooth. The Kingdom of Kandy resisted Portuguese and Dutch colonisation from 1592 until it surrendered to the British in 1815, the longest resistance to foreign invasion on the island. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was built in the 16th century, and each year during the Esala Perahera elephants parade the relic through the city before vast crowds. It became a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Highlights

• •The sacred shrine housing the Buddha's tooth relic
• •The August full-moon Esala Perahera procession
• •Evening walks beside Kandy Lake beneath misty hills
• •Traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performances
• •Nearby hill-country tea estates and factories

Practical tips

• •Remove shoes and dress modestly at the temple
• •The July and August festival period is especially lively

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

Temple about LKR 3,000 including the inner shrine

Opening hours

Temple 5:30 to 20:00, with three puja ceremonies at 5:30, 9:30 and 18:30

Local food

Ceylon tea, curry and coconut milk sweets

Getting around

The Temple of the Tooth is walkable and the lakeside area is pleasant for a slow stroll

Visa

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required and can be arranged online; apply at least three days ahead.

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