Kandy

The city of Kandy is considered to be the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
In 1592 Kandi became the capital of the last remained independent state on the island when all the sea-side regions were conquered by Potugese invaders. In 1815 the British troops conquered Kandi and it remained it under protectorate of the British Empire.
Its geographical position made it an important transportation hub of the island. Via Kandi main highways and railways go. Colombo-Kandi and Kandi-NuvaraElya lines are the most picturesque roads on the island. They run through the most beautiful tea plantations, mountain landscapes and rice fields.
On the little island in the middle of the lake there is a Royal Summer Residence where Sri Vikrama Radzhasinghe housed his harem.Now the building houses National Museum.
Near the city there is a Royal Botanical Gardens. Trees there reach unbelievable sizes. It has a bamboo grove, wild orchids’ collection; beautiful green lawns create unique atmosphere for rest.
At the city center, there is a Temple of Buddha’s Tooth collecting pilgrims from all over the world.
As of 1988 Kandy is announced a UNESCO World Heritage Cite.