Kandy

Kandy is a major city in central Sri Lanka, serving as the administrative capital of the Central Province and the district capital of Kandy District. It lies in the Kandy plateau, surrounded by hills at an elevation of about 480 meters above sea level. The city is a center of education, religion, and culture, and a popular base for exploring the Central Highlands.

Historically, Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala kingdom, remaining independent until 1815 when the Kandyan Convention brought it under British rule.

The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the sacred relic of the Buddha's tooth. It forms a core part of the Sacred City of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1988 that also includes the royal palace complex and other historic structures around Kandy Lake. The Esala Perahera, a prominent annual Buddhist festival, is held in and around the temple area.

Other attractions include Kandy Lake, the Kandyan Arts Museum, and nearby botanical gardens in Peradeniya.

Transport: Kandy is connected to Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka by rail and road; the Colombo-Kandy railway provides a scenic route to the capital, while the A-1 road links the city to Colombo.

Education and economy: The city hosts government institutions and is a gateway to the Central Province's economy, with the University of Peradeniya and Royal Botanical Gardens located nearby in Peradeniya.