Kandy has one of the richest cultural heritages in Sri Lanka, tracing its legacy as the last ancient kingdom back to the 14th century. Considered a cradle of Sinhalese culture, Kandy preserved indigenous traditions while other regions fell to colonial powers. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic houses Buddha’s tooth, making it one of Buddhism’s most venerated sites worldwide. Kandy’s strategic mountain location allowed it to resist European colonization until 1815, when it finally surrendered to British rule. The annual Esala Perahera festival, featuring elaborately adorned elephants, dancers, and drummers, continues a tradition dating back centuries, showcasing Kandy’s living cultural heritage that earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Kandy has one of the richest cultural heritages in Sri Lanka, tracing its legacy as the last ancient kingdom back to the 14th century. Considered a cradle of Sinhalese culture, Kandy preserved indigenous traditions while other regions fell to colonial powers. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic houses Buddha’s tooth, making it one of Buddhism’s most venerated sites worldwide. Kandy’s strategic mountain location allowed it to resist European colonization until 1815, when it finally surrendered to British rule.