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At an altitude of about 500 m above sea level lies Kandy which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is about 115 km from Colombo.

The city was founded in 1592 by King Vimaladharmasuriya I. It was the last capital of Sri Lanka until it was captured by British in 1815.

The valley of Kandy is surrounded by magnificent hills which made it as the last bastion of the Sinhalees Kings.Even though Kandy is a new city it was evident that the inhabitance was the more than 880 years. Today Kandy offers its visitors rich collection of art and craft
and historical buildings. It includes a collection of ancient temples buildings, handicrafts, souvenirs, rich cultural practices and rituals. Most of all the world popular Kandy pageant or “Kandy Asela Pererahara”. Boating on the lake visiting the royal Botanical Gardens are some of other attractions.

Kandy “Asela Perahera” is annually held in the months of July or August. The inner caskets used to cover the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. It includes traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, flag of the provinces of Kandyan kingdom and the elephants are grandly dressed with attire specially made for them. The, it attracts large crowds from all parts of the island.

The temple of Tooth Relic (Dalda Maligawa)

Temple of tooth relic houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, the Tooth of loard Buddha. Buddhists from all around the world venerate this place. During the ancient times the Tooth Relic is considered the symbol of Kingship and became the most sacred object.

The temple was built in 17th Century by King Wimaladharmasuriya and renovated by his son King Narendrasingha and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe. King Sri Wickramasinghe built the octagen known as the “Pattirippuwa”. The only remaining relic of Buddha is housed in this temple. There are seven golden caskets enclosed for the tooth relic. The relic casket is covered with bullet proof glass frame. Daily rituals are performed three times a day (at dawn, at noon and in the evening) by two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya vihara monks.

Peradiniya Botanical Gardens

Peradiniya botanical garden is situated 1500 feet above from the sea level and covers an area of 150 arches. Mahaweli river flows from North and West of the gardens making a beautiful place. This garden was used by King “ Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe” in the year of 1747 – 1780.

Peradiniya botanical Garden is home for so many plant species which are local and foreign. At the entrance of the garden you can see the species Amherstia nobilis which as flowers blossom all the time. Along the river banks of Mahaweli river there are many plant species from many different countries such as Japan, China and Java. The most attractive place of all is the orchid house.

The most suitable time to visit is from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Contact Golden Lanka Travels for reservations.