Misty Hills Villa
Kadugannawa
Nearby Destination Guide
The last royal capital of Sri Lanka and cultural sanctuary
Nestled amidst green hills and bordered by the sweeping Mahaweli River, Kandy is Sri Lanka's spiritual capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the last independent kingdom to hold out against European colonial powers, it remains a fierce guardian of traditional Sinhala culture, arts, and religion.
The crown jewel of Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth, a golden-roofed royal palace complex that houses the sacred tooth relic of Gautama Buddha. For Buddhists worldwide, this is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites. The relic has historically played a critical role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the island.
Visitors can witness traditional "Tewava" (offering prayers) ceremonies held daily at dawn, midday, and evening. The temple itself is a masterpiece of classical Kandyan architecture, featuring intricate wood carvings, painted ceilings, and stone reliefs.
Right next to the temple lies the beautiful Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda), created in 1807 by the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The peaceful lake path is perfect for an afternoon stroll under shady trees, offering beautiful views of the temple buildings, surrounding hills, and water birds. In the center of the lake lies a small decorative island once used by the king's harem.
Kandy is famous for its energetic Kandyan dance performances. In the late afternoon, local theaters host cultural shows featuring acrobatic dancers, pulsating drums, traditional costumes, and dramatic fire-walking acts. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the living heritage of the hill country.