Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese monarchy before British colonization. Nestled among misty hills and surrounding the tranquil Kandy Lake, it remains one of the most sacred cities for Buddhists worldwide. At its core lies the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), believed to enshrine a tooth of the Buddha, making it a spiritual beacon and one of Asia’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Every July or August, the city comes alive with the Esala Perahera, a grand festival where dancers, drummers, and caparisoned elephants parade through the streets in a dazzling display of devotion and heritage. Beyond this sacred identity, Kandy also reflects layers of royal grandeur and colonial influence, seen in its architecture, old markets, and cobbled streets, while nurturing traditions of Kandyan dance, arts, and handicrafts.

For those seeking perspective both literal and spiritual Arthur’s Seat (Kandy View Point) offers sweeping vistas across the lake, city, and surrounding hills, especially magical at sunset.

In recent years, Kandy has embraced its role as a wellness haven. Boutique resorts and retreats tucked into the highlands offer Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, and meditation practices, often set against views of forests, tea estates, and mist-cloaked valleys. This unique combination of cultural richness, spiritual depth, and holistic healing makes Kandy not only a historic treasure but also a rejuvenating escape for mind, body, and soul.