The laid-back `capital' of the hill country and the historical bastion of Buddhist power is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. It has a distinctive architectural character thanks to its gently sloping tiled roofs. The town centre is a delightful compendium of old shops, noise, buses, markets and hotels.

Its standout attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), a temple which houses Sri Lanka's most important religious relic - the sacred tooth of Buddha. There are daily ceremonies of homage to the Tooth Relic, each attracting white-clad pilgrims carrying lotus blossoms and frangipani. ..

Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) , Kandy
 

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy

Elephants dressed up for the Esala Perahera