Kandy the hill capital, the last kingdom in Sri Lankan history, as described by the British Governor Sir William Gregory (1872 – 1877), is the “loveliest town in the loveliest island”. Kandy was identified as the most picturesque spot in the British Empire. While being the most venerated city among the Buddhists world over due to the presence of the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha Kandy also remains the most picturesque city to the tourists both local and foreign.

The magnificent golden roofed Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth enshrining the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is situated beside the Kandy Lake surrounded by the green hills.

The Pattirippuwa or the Octagon is the most attractive building of the temple. This building which is currently used as a library, had

been built by the last king, Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe to address the people on important occasions.

The inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is kept dates back to the 18th century which had been improved from time to time by the kings. The Audience hall consisting of elaborately carved columns made of expensive timber is an excellent illustration of the Kandyan architecture.

The Pinnawela elephant orphanage was established in 1975 to conserve the elephants that are fast heading towards extinction. The orphanage feeds, nurses and houses the young and older elephants who are abandoned or threatened of existence.

The orphanage commenced with seven orphans some of whom are

fortunate of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing this orphanage inclined more towards of tourism, but it soon became a conservation and education centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for receptive individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born.

Esela Perehera is one of the most popular events in the country and easily the most colourful pageants in Asia. Held during July/August of every year to pay homage to the sacred Tooth Relic, many local and foreign visitors gather to Kandy to view this event. The pageant unfolds through ten nights giving the feeling of torch lit dreamland. Elephants clad in colorful attires, Kandyan dancers dressed in their

shining dancing kits with anklets that add a jingle of music with every step, the lively beat of the drummers with a rhythm that livens the entire surroundings, the chieftains attired in the rare colourful trappings of the old Kingdom are some of the attractive features of the pageant that one would get addicted to seeing.

Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is 147 acres extent of land with a wide variety of trees, plants and flowers. The winding pathways formed across beautifully landscaped green lawns highlighted with huge tropical trees, plants bearing flowers of exquisite tropical colours refreshing the generally cool and comfortable atmosphere of the hill country is in fact a dream come true to the discerning traveler.

The Orchid Centre, housing more than 300 varieties is one of the best known in the world.