Tucked among misty hills and ringed by lush forests and tea estates, the Sacred City of Kandy is a captivating blend of spirituality, history and natural beauty. As the last royal capital of the Sinhala kings, Kandy served as a bastion of indigenous culture during periods of foreign occupation. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated not only for its historic buildings and the iconic Temple of the Tooth but also for its vibrant festivals and serene lakeside scenery. Visitors to Kandy find a harmonious mix of sacred rituals, colonial architecture, bustling markets and tranquil nature all within a compact city that sits at 500 metres above sea level.
The Last Royal Capital
Kandy (formerly Senkadagalapura) became the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom in the late 15th century. Its remote, hilly location helped protect it from Portuguese and Dutch invasions, allowing kings to preserve Buddhist traditions and local arts. The city’s significance was cemented in 1592 when King Vimaladharmasuriya I constructed the original Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) to house the Buddha’s tooth, which had been smuggled into Sri Lanka centuries earlier. For Sri Lankans, the presence of the tooth symbolised legitimate sovereignty; whomever possessed it had the right to rule the island. The temple became the spiritual and political heart of Kandy. Later kings, including Vira Parakrama Narendra Singha in the 18th century, expanded the temple and embellished it with wood carvings, golden roofs and ivory inlay.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth remains one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Set beside the tranquil Kandy Lake, the temple complex contains a series of ornately decorated halls, shrines and museums. Pilgrims and visitors file through elaborately carved doorways to the inner sanctum, where the sacred relic is kept within a golden casket shaped like a stupa. The relic itself is not on public display; instead, visitors view the casket from a balcony during the daily puja (offering) ceremonies, which take place at dawn, midday and evening. The scent of incense, the rhythm of traditional drums and the chanting of monks create a deeply moving atmosphere. Adjacent to the main temple are the audience hall, the royal bathhouse and the World Buddhist Museum, which contextualises Buddhism’s global spread.
Esala Perahera – The Festival of the Tooth
Every July or August, Kandy hosts the exuberant Esala Perahera, a 10‑day procession honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dating back to the 18th century, this festival is considered one of Asia’s grandest religious pageants. Nightly parades wind through the city streets, featuring elaborately decorated elephants, traditional drummers, dancers wielding flaming torches and whip crackers. The high point is the moment when a lavishly adorned tusker carries a replica of the sacred relic through the crowd. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness the spectacle, which combines religious devotion with cultural celebration. If you plan to attend, book accommodation well in advance, as Kandy fills up quickly during Perahera season.
Colonial and Cultural Landmarks
While Kandy is deeply rooted in its Buddhist heritage, it also bears the marks of colonial influence. The Royal Palace complex, which houses the Kandy National Museum, showcases artefacts from the Kandyan period. Nearby, the Royal Audience Hall displays carved wooden pillars and a sloping roof. Around the lake, you’ll find Victorian‑era buildings such as the Queen’s Hotel and St. Paul’s Church. The leafy Udawatta Kele Sanctuary on the northern edge of town offers serene walking trails among giant lianas and monkeys; it once served as the royal park. South of the city, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya boast a collection of orchids, towering bamboos and an avenue of royal palms. Wandering through these sites reveals the layers of history that have shaped Kandy.
Markets, Arts and Daily Life
Kandy is not just a city of monuments; it’s a place where tradition lives in everyday life. The central market buzzes with vendors selling fruits, spices and textiles. Craft shops specialise in silver jewellery, wood carving and batik fabric. Music and dance thrive at the Kandyan Arts Association, where you can watch performances of traditional drumming and elaborate costumes. The city’s train station retains an old‑world charm, serving as a gateway to scenic rail journeys through tea country. Local cafés serve steaming cups of Ceylon tea alongside sweets like mung kavum and aluwa. A stroll around the lake at sunset offers glimpses of schoolchildren feeding fish, couples chatting on benches and monks strolling back to their monasteries.
Practical Tips for Travellers
Kandy sits at a cooler elevation compared to coastal regions, but midday can still be warm. Pack light clothing along with a shawl or jacket for evenings and visits to religious sites. The city centre is easily walkable, though tuk‑tuks are plentiful for reaching outlying attractions. The Temple of the Tooth has an entrance fee for foreigners; dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Early mornings and evenings are less crowded at the temple. If you wish to attend the Esala Perahera, seating options range from simple mats to premium balconies—reserve early. Viyala Travels can arrange Perahera viewing platforms, guided temple tours and excursions to nearby tea estates, ensuring you experience Kandy from multiple perspectives.
Integrating Kandy into Your Sri Lankan Adventure
Located midway between the Cultural Triangle and the southern plains, Kandy serves as a natural hub in many itineraries. From here, you can take the scenic train journey to Ella or Nuwara Eliya through rolling tea plantations, or drive to the Central Highlands to hike in the Knuckles Range. Cultural travellers may continue to Dambulla and Sigiriya, while wildlife enthusiasts head to Udawalawe or Minneriya. Viyala Travels crafts bespoke journeys that link Kandy with these destinations, balancing cultural immersion with nature and relaxation.
Kandy’s Enchantment
The Sacred City of Kandy exudes a charm that lingers with visitors long after they have left its misty hills. Perhaps it is the rhythmic chanting that emanates from the Temple of the Tooth, the elegance of Kandyan dance or the sight of tea pickers dotting emerald slopes outside town. It might be the way colonial bungalows stand beside Buddhist shrines or the generosity of Kandyan hospitality. Whatever captures your heart, Kandy offers a vivid tapestry of experiences that celebrate Sri Lanka’s spiritual traditions and cultural resilience. Travelling with Viyala Travels ensures you delve deeper into Kandy’s stories, attend its sacred rituals and explore its natural surroundings with ease and respect. Come discover a hill capital where faith and heritage create a captivating harmony.
