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Explore Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Sacred Hill Capital

Welcome to Kandy: UNESCO World Heritage city.

Kandy, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is often referred to as the hill capital or the cultural capital of the island. This sacred city is rich in history, tradition, and spiritual significance. Over time, Kandy has been known by several names, reflecting its deep cultural roots and royal heritage. Historically, Kandy was called Senkadagala or Senkadagalapura, with its full formal name being Senkadagala Siriwardhana Maha Nuwara meaning “the great city of Senkadagala of growing resplendence.” Today, locals commonly refer to it as Maha Nuwara, simply meaning “Great City.” There are a few different stories behind the name Senkadagala. According to local folklore, it may have come from a Brahmin named Senkanda who lived in a nearby cave, a queen of King Vikramabahu III with the same name, or a colorful stone called Senkadagala. During colonial times, the Kingdom of Kandy was known by various names. The English name Kandy is believed to have come from the Sinhala term Kanda Uda Rata, which means “land on the mountain.” The Portuguese called it Candea, a name they used for both the kingdom and its capital. In Sinhala, Kandy is still known as Maha Nuwara, though it is often simply shortened to Nuwara, keeping alive its identity as a great and historical city.

History of Kandy

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 Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is home to what is believed to be the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. According to ancient times, the Buddha allowed the worship of his remains, and his four canine teeth were enshrined in different places. After the Buddha’s cremation, a monk retrieved the left canine tooth from the funeral pyre and gave it to the King of Kalinga in Eastern India. Over time, the relic became a royal treasure, passed down through generations. It was so revered that many battles were fought over it, as rulers either wanted to possess or destroy it. The last Indian king to safeguard the relic was King Guhasiva, who protected it from constant threats. By the time of this historic journey, Buddhism was well established in Sri Lanka and practiced by both the royal family and the people. King Mahasena of Sri Lanka had a close friendship with the King of Kalinga. Trusting this bond, King Guhasiva of Kalinga decided to send the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka for safekeeping. He entrusted the task to Prince Danta, husband of his daughter Hemamala. Though hesitant at first, Prince Danta honored the king’s dying wish. Disguised as a Brahmin couple, Danta and Hemamala hid the relic in Hemamala’s hair and set out on their sea voyage to Sri Lanka. Their journey, filled with challenges, is recorded in the ancient text Dhātuvamsa, which details the hardships they endured to protect and deliver the sacred relic.

The Esala Perahera

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.

National Musuem of Kandy

The National Museum of Kandy is one of the most important cultural sites in Sri Lanka. Located in the historic city of Kandy, the museum showcases the rich history of the Kandyan Kingdom, which lasted from the 17th to the 19th century. Visitors can view a wide variety of artifacts, such as traditional tools, clothing, weapons, and handmade crafts, offering a deep insight into Kandyan life and culture. The museum is housed in the Palle Vahala building, a former royal residence built in 1840. The building itself is a highlight, featuring a unique blend of traditional Sri Lankan and colonial architecture. Made of wood and brick, it includes beautifully carved doors, windows, and roofs that reflect the fine artistry of the Kandyan era. The architecture adds to the museum's charm and makes the visit a complete cultural experience. The Kandy National Museum is located in the historic Palle Vahala building, which was built in 1840 as the royal residence for the queens of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of the Kandyan Kingdom. As the final independent kingdom in Sri Lanka, Kandy held off colonial powers for centuries before falling to the British in 1815. After the fall, the building served various colonial functions until it was transformed into a museum in 1942 to preserve and celebrate Kandyan culture. Today, the museum operates under the Department of National Museums and features a rich collection of royal artifacts, weapons, clothing, art, and crafts from the Kandyan era. Ongoing restoration projects help maintain its historical charm and educational value.

Explore the Halls of the Kandy National Museum

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.

Udawattakale Sanctuary

Udawattakele Sanctuary is a peaceful forest reserve in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, covering about 104 hectares (257 acres). Known as Kandy’s urban forest park, it offers a refreshing escape from city life and is home to rich biodiversity and great ecological and historical value. Originally a royal forest reserve for Kandyan kings, Udawattakele was used as a retreat and pleasure garden near the Royal Palace of Kandy. During British invasions, it even served as a royal hideout. Once off-limits to the public, it was guarded and only accessible to monks who meditated in peaceful hermitages, some of which still remain. In 1856, the area was declared a forest reserve and became a public sanctuary in 1938, making it one of Sri Lanka’s first protected forests. Today, it welcomes nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking quiet walks. Udawattakele is a vital ecological site, serving as a green lung that helps purify air, regulate temperature, and support biodiversity. It shelters numerous native plant and animal species, some found only in Sri Lanka. Beyond nature, the sanctuary holds spiritual and cultural significance, with ancient Buddhist monasteries still in use, offering a peaceful space for worship and reflection. As a living museum of Kandy’s past, Udawattakele remains a symbol of heritage and harmony.

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya (Bahirawakanda Temple)

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.

Plan Your Visit to Kandy

Before you begin your memorable journey to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, here are some practical details to help you make the most of your visit:

Getting There

Kandy is located in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands and is accessible by car, bus, or scenic train ride from Colombo or other major cities. Use this [Google Maps link] for directions.

Visitor Information:

Main Attractions: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Udawattakele Sanctuary, and the Kandy Cultural Show.
Tickets: Some sites require entrance tickets (e.g., the Temple of the Tooth Relic). Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Suggested Duration: Spend at least a full day exploring the city and its nearby attractions.

Travel Tips

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.

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