Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri
Lanka's hill capital is sometimes acclaimed as the most
beautiful city
in the island. Situated just 100 kms north east of
Colombo, the city of
Kandy lies at an altitude of 488.6 meters (1629 feet)
above sea level
in the center of the island. It is surrounded by a range
of mountains
and enjoys a cooler climate than most cities in Sri
Lanka.
The city's
history dates back to the 5th cent. B.C. Kandy was
temporarily occupied
by the Portuguese (16th century) and the Dutch (18th
century) but as a
stronghold, it remained free until 1815, when the
British captured it
and exiled the last king to India. A palace, an art
museum, and a
library provide you a glimpse of the royal period.
The main part of
the city overlooks a scenic artificial lake built by the
last king of
Kandy in 1806. Near the lake is the Temple of the Tooth,
said to house
one of Buddha's teeth. The relic, has made Kandy a
pilgrimage and
tourist attraction especially at the annual Esala
Perahera pageant. The
event marks one of the most spectacular pageants in Sri
Lanka, the
Kandy Perahera.
Links on Kandy
Sri Lanka
Kandy -
Wikipedia
Kandy City
Centre
Weather
Guide:
Kandy Sri Lanka
Kandy-
the
hill Capital of Sri Lanka
|