Central Province
Kandy
The last hill capital, and home to Sri Lanka's most sacred relic.
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Kandy was the final stronghold of Sri Lanka's kings before colonial rule, and it still feels like a capital — a lake at its centre, hills on every side, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic drawing pilgrims every evening for the drumming that opens its doors.
It's also the best place on the island to see a full Kandyan dance performance — drummers, fire, and the acrobatic Ves dance in full costume — and it sits right on the scenic train line up to the hill country.
Worth knowing
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Evening Kandyan dance performances
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, nearby
Best time to visitPleasant most of the year; the Esala Perahera festival (July/August) is spectacular but very crowded.
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