Culture & Living Traditions
Kandy
Central Province
The last royal capital, built round a lake, and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — the most venerated site in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
- How long
- 2 days is usually enough
- Best months
- January, February, March, July, August, September
Kandy held out against European powers until 1815, which is why it feels like the cultural centre of the island rather than a colonial one.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses a tooth of the Buddha, brought here in the fourth century. The relic itself is never displayed, but the casket is, three times a day during puja when the drummers play. Go for the evening puja at half past six.
The Esala Perahera in July or August is one of Asia’s great processions — dancers, fire performers and tusked elephants in illuminated regalia, over ten nights. If your dates fall near it, tell us and we will build around it, because accommodation books out months ahead.
