Discover Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Last Royal City, Kandy, Sri Lanka

During my trip to Sri Lanka, I had the chance to explore Kandy. It is the island’s last royal city, and I was completely fascinated by its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this article I’m sharing my travel tips, must-see sights, and practical advice to help you make the most of your visit to this city located in the central hills. Kandy has something for every traveller, and I’m here to guide you through it all.

Kandy is situated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. The city has a history as rich and layered as the landscapes that surround it. Known in earlier times as Mahanuwara, the city increased its fame in the late medieval period. This was at the time when Portuguese and Dutch powers had already established control over the island’s coastal regions. Its natural defences were the steep hills, dense forests, and rivers. These elements made Kandy an ideal stronghold. It allowed the citizens to preserve its independence long after other Sinhalese kingdoms had fallen.

By the late 16th century, Kandy had become the last bastion of the Sinhalese monarchy. The kings of Kandy were deeply connected with Buddhism, and the city’s spiritual heart was the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It is the home to a sacred tooth of the Buddha. Possessing the relic was not only a religious honour but also a symbol of political legitimacy, reinforcing the authority of the kingdom. Throughout its history, Kandy skillfully navigated the threats posed by colonial powers, using diplomacy, strategic alliances, and the challenging terrain to resist repeated attempts at conquest. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).