Kandy

Kandy is one of the most important cultural and historical cities in Sri Lanka, situated in the Central Highlands of the island. It served as the last capital of the Sinhalese kings from the 15th century until the British takeover in 1815. Because of its historical and religious significance, Kandy is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is most famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. This temple is one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in the world and attracts thousands of local and foreign pilgrims every year. The annual Esala Perahera, a grand cultural procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants, is held in Kandy to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic.