Kandy is reckoned the traditional and
cultural capital of Sri Lanka and indeed it deserves to be so because of the historical importance of the city in the pre-colonial era.
Kandy was the capital city of Sri Lanka before the British invasion followed by take over from Sri Wikrama Rajasinha.
Kandy is now inclusive of the major world heritage sites, drawing thousands of foreign tourists each year.
Kandy is currently the capital city of Mahanuvara district, Central province. The original, regional name for
Kandy is
Senkadagalpura. It is because of the location of Kandy, that it is popularly known as the
Hill Capital of Sri Lanka. Tourist destinations in
Kandy are unique as they are varied. This versatility is due to the various religious influence on the people over many centuries.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KANDY
- Tooth Temple or Dalada Maligawa: A 16th century Buddhist shrine which houses one of Lord Buddha's teeth. It's architectural beauty is enhance by the octagonal marquee.
- Kandy Lake: The lake and the island at the center, constructed by Kandy king Sri Wikrama Rajasinha for his personal pleasure is doubly important. The first reason being the furore during its construction and secondly, the island being the storehouse of ammunition of the British colonial.
Other important
sightseeing spots in Kandy include Hanthana Mountain, Peradeniya Gardens,
Knukles, Lankstilaka Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple, The Old Royal Palace Compound, Embekke Temples.
Being a hot tourist destination,
Kandy the hill capital has several tourist lodgings such as Amaya Hills, Chaaya Citadel, Helgas Folly, Hunas Falls Hotels and a lot more to choose from. Wherever you lodge, do not miss out on the
Kandy Perahera celebrations.
