Kandy’s proud heritage and splendid lakeside setting has long made it a favourite haunt for Sri Lanka travellers. This bustling hill-country capital is the natural gateway to a lush central region of tea plantations, gurgling streams and stirring history.
The Kandyan kingdom withstood European invasion for more than two centuries and still proudly regards itself as the bastion of Buddhist philosophy. The town is easily explored by foot, with the climate a little cooler and less humid than in the capital, Colombo.
It is never busier than during the annual Perahera, a fortnight’s festival in late July and August, when the town is enlivened by parading elephants, acrobats, drummers and dancers. This is one of the finest festivals in Asia and hotel space is limited months in advance.