The Kingdom of Kandy holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s history. Despite its tumultuous past, marked by resistance and foreign influence, it remained a symbol of national pride and spiritual strength. During the 16th century, European colonizers began to arrive in Sri Lanka, leading to political upheaval across the island. Kandy stood strong as the last Sinhalese kingdom, only falling to British rule in 1815. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Kandy was initially a client kingdom under the powerful Kingdom of Kotte in central Sri Lanka. However, this changed after the dramatic Vijayabā Kollaya in 1521, where King Vijayabahu VI was killed by his three sons, who then divided the kingdom. The youngest son, Mayadunne, became ruler of Sithawaka and posed a major threat to Kandy with his strong leadership. To protect itself, Kandy even considered alliances with the Portuguese, but later had to fight them off during a Portuguese invasion in 1546. In 1581, Sithawaka’s new king, Rajasinghe I, successfully invaded Kandy. As a result, King Jayaweera III of Kandy fled to the Kingdom of Jaffna with his daughter Kusumasana Devi, marking a turning point in Kandy’s struggle for survival and sovereignty. Kandy stood as the only independent kingdom in Sri Lanka while much of the island fell under European rule. A popular legend claimed that anyone who built a road into Kandy by cutting through rock would earn the right to rule it. This seemed nearly impossible at the time, boosting the Kandyans’ belief that their city was protected from foreign conquest.

The Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most important religious and cultural festivals, attracting thousands to the city of Kandy each year. While today it honors the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, this wasn’t always the case. Originally, the Esala Perahera was a traditional ceremony held in July to ask the gods for rain. Over time, after the sacred tooth relic arrived in Kandy, the ancient ritual merged with celebrations to honor the relic. This fusion created the grand procession we now know as the Kandy Esala Perahera.

The Kandy National Museum takes visitors on an immersive journey through Kandyan culture across 8 themed halls, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Halls 1 & 2 showcase royal garments, jewelry, weapons, and accessories from the Kandyan era, including attire worn by national hero Keppetipola Adigar—highlighting the elegance and identity of the time. Hall 3 serves as a lecture space without exhibits. Hall 4 features traditional kitchen tools made from ceramics, metal, and coconut shell, offering insight into ancient culinary life. Hall 5 presents a variety of Kandyan weapons such as swords, daggers, and shields, as well as ancient punishment tools, shedding light on warfare and justice. Hall 6 focuses on traditional industries—woodwork, pottery, agriculture, and more—featuring tools and items used in daily trades and noble transport. Hall 7 displays intricately carved ivory artifacts and serene Buddha statues, reflecting Kandyan spiritual and artistic mastery. Hall 8 exhibits Pethikada paintings and historical coins, tracing Sri Lanka’s artistic expressions and currency from ancient kingdoms to colonial times. Informative placards in English and Sinhalese guide visitors through each hall, making the museum an enriching and accessible experience for all.

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, also known as Bahirawakanda Temple, is a prominent Theravada Buddhist temple located just 2 km from Kandy city centre. It is famous for its towering white Buddha statue, one of the tallest in Sri Lanka, standing at 26.83 meters (88 feet). The statue, visible from across the city, depicts the Buddha in Dhyana Mudra, the meditation pose linked to his enlightenment. The temple’s origins trace back to the 1970s when Minister Hector Kobbekaduwa donated land to Ven. Ampitiye Dammarama Thero. Though met with early opposition, the project gained support from President Ranasinghe Premadasa, and the statue was completed in 1992, officially opening on January 1, 1993. Beyond its spiritual value, Bahirawakandameaning "Gnome Mountain"is known for its mystical legends. One tale from the time of the Nayakkar Kings tells of a temple where virgin sacrifices were made to the god Bahiravar. The dark tradition ended when Dunuwilla Gajanayake Nilame stopped the sacrifice of his fiancée, breaking the ritual. Another story speaks of an evil gnome who disguised himself as a minister and tricked the king into demanding annual sacrifices. When his own son’s lover was chosen, the son exposed and defeated the gnome, freeing the village from fear. Today, the temple stands as both a symbol of peace and a reminder of history and legend.

What to Wear:

• Modest clothing (especially for visiting temples)
• Comfortable shoes for walking or light hiking

Carry Water and Snacks:

• Bring a reusable water bottle, especially when exploring in the heat.
• Carry light snacks, but avoid littering help keep Kandy clean and green.

Photography Tips

• Drones are not permitted near religious sites without prior permission.
• Respect signage on photography restrictions, particularly inside the Temple of the Tooth and museum halls.

Visitor Caution:

• The Temple of the Tooth can get crowded during prayer times, so plan your visit accordingly.
• The city is walkable but expect some hilly terrain and uneven paths near older heritage areas.

Download the Travelyonka app or visit our website to uncover hidden gems, secret viewpoints, and audio guides that narrate the royal tales of Kandy’s glorious past.

Let Kandy enchant you one shrine, one stroll, and one story at a time.