KANDY
The capital of the central province and the Kandy District, the city of Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. The palace buildings, shrines and the British period buildings all give Kandy a special character, while the religious importance of the tooth relic and the annual procession of the Dalada perahera contribute a dynamism and unique cultural importance to the historic hill capital. In 1592 Kandy became the last capital of the Sinhala Kings in Sri Lanka, after the coastal regions had been captured by the Portuguese. Kandy preserved its independence by successfully repelling invasions by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, until it finally fell to the British in 1815. The geographical location of Kandy was very important in creating a natural defense strategy. The city was built in a valley surrounded by 3 mountain ranges and the Mahaweli River which forms a triangular boundary.

Kandy has played an important role in Sri Lankan history not only as the last capital of Sri Lanka but also as the last bastion of the Sinhala culture that flourished for more than 2000 years. Fortunately Kandy has preserved certain aspects of the performing arts, architecture and religious practices of by-gone civilizations. Kandyan architecture has a distinct character of its own which is comfortable rather than luxurious. The buildings are smaller in scale, and simpler in appearance, but refined in detailing.

As the capital Kandy became home to the Tooth Relic of the Buddha which symbolizes a 4th century tradition, that links royalty with being the protector of the Tooth. The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. Often referred to as the palladium of the Sinhala kings, it was protected and venerated by the King who built a temple for it within the royal palace. This happens to this day. The building which housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was always considered an extremely important edifice and was thus located next to the palace. It became a building of great importance and was well decorated and carefully looked after.

Dalada Maligawa
Was built in the 15th century and currently houses the most sacred Buddha relic, the Tooth of Lord Buddha.

The Dalada Perahera held continuously in honor of the sacred Tooth Relic is famous the world over. The pageantry unfolds through 10 nights each year with colorfully caparisoned elephants, drummers, dancers and chieftains.

The 3 Temples

Lankathilaka Rajamaha Temple

Built on a rocky outcrop, the temple is reached by a long series of steps cut directly into the rock. The temple is full of exquisite painted scenes of the lives of 24 former Buddha’s and there is a colossal seated image of the Buddha.

Embekke Temple

Built in the 14th century. This temple has been completely built from wood, and is famous for the unique wood work and the splendid carvings. A deistic shrine is dedicated to the God of Kataragama. The wood art of this temple is astounding with dancers, swans, soldiers on horseback, floral emblems and double headed eagles to name a few. Special treasures are the doorways of sandalwood.

Gadaladeniya Rock Temple

This temple is built almost exclusively from stone in the 14th century and sits on a hilltop with commanding views of the countryside. The Gadaladeniya rock Temple is famous for its stone carvings. The structure of the temple is influenced by South Indian architecture.