Kandy
The Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka

Kandy is located in the scenic central hills. The city is famous for the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, beautiful Kandy Lake, traditional Kandyan culture, and the world-renowned Kandy Esala Perahera festival. Surrounded by lush mountains and tea plantations, Kandy offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and spirituality.

Temple of the Tooth relic of Lord Budha

Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Initially the temple and  Kings palace built in the 16th century. This temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King’s palace complex as it was the symbol of royal authority.

 

The  golden canopy, ornate carvings, and the inner sanctum where the relic is kept in seven golden caskets. Daily rituals are held for devotees, and the temple is the focal point of the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, a grand procession with dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. The temple not only serves as a spiritual center but also as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Kandy Esala Perahera – Kandy Pageant 

The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the most spectacular cultural and religious festivals in Sri Lanka, held annually in the historic city of Kandy. The festival is organized in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined at the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Dating back over centuries, the Esala Perahera combines Buddhist traditions with ancient Sinhala cultural rituals and is considered one of Asia’s grandest street processions. The festival usually takes place during July or August and lasts for 10 nights.
 
The procession features magnificently decorated elephants adorned with colorful costumes and illuminated lights, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire performers, drummers, whip crackers, stilt walkers, and cultural performers parading through the streets of Kandy. The highlight of the procession is the majestic tusker carrying the sacred casket symbolizing the Tooth Relic.

Stage show of Cultural Dance and Music

The  Cultural Show is a traditional dance and music performance of Low and upcountry dance and  music that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. It features vibrant Kandyan dances, drumming, fire dances, and acrobatic performances, often performed in colorful traditional costumes. The show highlights ancient rituals and stories from Sri Lankan history and Buddhism, offering visitors an exciting glimpse into the island’s artistic and cultural traditions and social values.

Royal Botanical gardens in Kandy

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, located approximately 5.5 km west of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is the largest botanical garden in the country, spanning 147 acres (61.25 hectares) at an elevation of 460 meters above sea level . Established in 1821 by King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of the Kingdom of Kandy, it was later expanded and officially recognized as a botanical garden during the British colonial era . The garden has  over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees, and is renowned for its collection of orchids. Notable attractions include the Orchid House with more than 300 varieties of orchids.

At Aloy’s Travel, we offer carefully planned tour packages for nature lovers, honeymoon travelers, photographers, families, and adventure seekers. Whether you are looking for a scenic getaway, cultural experience, wildlife adventure, luxury escape, or a complete Sri Lanka round tour, our personalized travel services ensure comfort, convenience, and unforgettable memories.
 
From private transport and guided sightseeing tours to hotel bookings and customized holiday packages, we help you discover the beauty and charm of Sri Lanka’s most amazing destinations—from misty hill country landscapes and golden beaches to ancient heritage sites and vibrant wildlife experiences.