| Located in the heart of the hill country, the | | | | the four devales with spectacular traditional dances, |
| picturesque city of Kandy was the last bastion of the | | | | drumming, flute playing, acrobatic performances and |
| Sinhalese, withstanding three centuries of foreign | | | | fire displays. However, the central focus of the |
| invasion before agreeing to British rule in 1815. The | | | | pageant is the great tusker carrying a replica of the |
| geographical location of the city with thickly forested | | | | tooth relic distinguished from the myriad other richly |
| mountains rendered it difficult to approach, thereby | | | | arrayed elephants by its perfectly proportioned build |
| safeguarding it as the final Sinhalese kingdom. To this | | | | and majestic demeanour. |
| date it remains rich in its ancient traditions and arts, | | | | Kandy also has several museums showcasing its |
| providing visitors with a view of the vibrant cultural | | | | history and artistic achievements. The tusker |
| heritage of Sri Lanka. | | | | museum at the Temple of the Tooth encases the |
| The city is home to the island’s most important | | | | world’s only stuffed elephant: the mortal |
| Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Tooth which holds | | | | remnants of the country’s most famous |
| the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. A visit to the | | | | elephant, Raja. The city regularly has traditional |
| temple and its surrounding devalas or shrines | | | | dances and cultural shows as well as many interesting |
| honouring the four protective deities of the city will | | | | handicrafts unique to the region. A visit to this |
| provide an insight to the religious observances, the | | | | historical city with its tranquil natural beauty is a must |
| amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu practices and the | | | | for everyone who wishes to experience the dynamic |
| art and architecture that is characteristic of Kandy. It | | | | cultural legacy of the island. Comprehensive |
| is also the venue of one of the most magnificent | | | | information on cities in Sri Lanka can be obtained |
| pageants in the world, The Esela Perehera which | | | | from the TrulySriLanka website ensuring that visitors |
| takes place in early August. The carefully | | | | will be able to successfully plan out a truly memorable |
| orchestrated, gigantic event is formed by five | | | | tour of this paradise island. |
| processions from the Temple of the Tooth and from | | | | |