About Sri Lanka

Places of Interest

Kandy - 'World Heritage Site'

The Temple of the ToothKandy is the famous city of Sinhala history, culture, religion and pageantry. The Kandyan Kingdom was the last independent state in Sri Lanka. It withstood the onslaught of three invading European armies for over two centuries. Kandy can be explored on foot, with the higher altitude making the climate conducive to long walks. The city is visually rich with its narrow streets lined with old buildings full of character, and crowded with people. The Municipal Market has colourful displays of fruit and vegetables, textiles and clothing. The Kandy Lake provides an attractive focal point to the town.

The Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, the Tooth of Lord Buddha.

Kandy Lake

The shady path surrounding the lake provides a view of the hills and the town. The last Sinhalese King created the lake in 1806.

Kandyan Dance

A nightlong ceremony to honour the God Kohomba became the focus of a style of dance perfected in Kandy under royal patronage. The religious performances require about 50 male dancers dressed in silver belts, beaded breastplates, anklets and headdresses jangling as they swirl and skip to the rhythm of 10 drums. Today, the Kandyan dances are often performed by women, and tend to emphasise the graceful rather than the acrobatic elements of the dance.

Gadaladeniya Vehera

Gadaladeniya Vehera was built on a hilltop around the 14th Century. Faded paintings provide many clues as to the manner in which the temple was built. The art is believed to be South Indian.

Lankathilaka Vehera

Lankathilaka Vehera is of the same period as Gadaladeniya Vehera (14th Century), but more in the traditional Sinhalese style. There is elaborate stone and woodwork in the shrine rooms for the four guardian deities.

Kataragama Devale at Embekke

Kataragama Devale at Embekke was also built in the 14th Century to house an image of the God Skanda, the Kataragama deity. The entire wooden structure is carved with mythical and other figures.

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a 60 hectare (147 acre) garden and is the largest in Sri Lanka. Ideal for walkers, you can also bike or drive through it.