Known as the ‘city of the hills’ and generally considered to be Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, centrally located Kandy is a city with great ambience and many cultural attractions. Visitors to Kandy will be spoilt for choice with temples, museums, wildlife and gardens. 

Sri Lanka’s most significant temple is situated in Kandy. Named the Temple of the Tooth, this temple is a holy shrine for Buddhists as it houses a tooth relic from Lord Buddha. Each day, the temple sees a long queue of people line up to catch a glimpse of this holy relic. The grand and majestic temple is of itself a sight to see, especially when all lit up at night. 

Another important Buddhist temple in Kandy is the Bahirawakanda temple, from where you can visit the famous Buddha statue that can be seen from just about anywhere in Kandy. 

Sri Lanka is famous for the most gentle of giants, the elephant. If you want to experience a close encounter with these beautiful creatures then a visit to Kandy’s Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a must. Set up in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Wildlife Department, Pinnawela Orphanage is home to around 70 semi tame orphaned elephants. In 25 acres of land, the elephants are allowed to roam freely and the baby orphans are in the main being readied to be released back into the wild. In that sense the place acts as a rehabilitation centre as well as a home to some orphaned elephants for whom it is better that they remain in captivity. Visitors can help with daily activities such as feeding and bathing of the elephants and it is a unique setting in which to see these animals closely whilst helping the sanctuary earn enough to maintain its good work. 

For more relaxation, pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, allegedly the finest gardens in Sri Lanka. With a strong nod to the British colonial era, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and there is a fine orchid house. 

As a country that is defined by its tea growing, it only seems right that Sri Lanka should have a Tea Museum and Kandy has come up trumps. The museum is located in the ancient tea factory at Hantana Estate and it is here that you will learn the delightful history of Sri Lankan tea. How very British! Great to regale to your friends back home over a cuppa!