Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Kandy, also known as the Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka, is spread around Kandy Lake. From Kandy city, you can easily access the famous Sri Lanka Hill Country that is carpeted with the world famous Ceylon tea plantations.
Sri Lanka’s second largest city of Kandy is a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for its great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years until 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. The renowned Esala Perahera or the Festival of the Tooth, takes place at the Sri Dalada Maligawa also known as the Temple of the Tooth. The incomparable Perahera celebration, a procession of more than 100 elephants, is held here every July/August. Strategically nestled amidst three mountain ranges, Kandy was initially built in this location as a natural fortress against attack.
The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the least explored areas by tourists in Sri Lanka. You will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and authentic villages. The Knuckles Mountain Range is located towards the North East of the city of Kandy. The name derives from its shape of a clenched fist and it offers one of the most breathtaking climbs among the Sri Lankan hill country.

Kandy’s main architectural monuments date mainly from the 19th century when King Vikrama Rajasinha, the last King of Kandy, constructed many new buildings. At the time of the eventual surrender of Kandy to British rule in 1815, King Rajasinha was captured, imprisoned and finally deported to India where he died in 1832. The most visited places of cultural, religious and natural interest in Kandy are the Temple of the Tooth, the markets and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. When you walk through the town you will see the brilliantly coloured bazaars, smell the aromatic food stalls and hear the throngs of people. There are numerous shrines and temples in and around Kandy city where you can appreciate the intricate sculptures and intriguing paintings. The Kandy period marks another golden era of Sri Lanka‘s legendary past.
Kandy is a great place for shopping or for taking a stroll around the lake and enjoying the beautiful scenery and narrow streets. Kandy Lake, sometimes referred to as ‘Milky Sea’, was built in 1806 and was constructed in order to bring more beauty to the Palace of King Sri Rajasinghe. In the centre of the lake a small island was built to enable the King to be rowed out and relax whilst surveying his kingdom. The Queen’s Bathing House is set on the edge of Kandy Lake.