Kandy

Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom and due to the natural defences of river and hills remained independent from1505 until its capture by the British in1815. The historic centre, on one side of the manmade Kandy lake, includes; the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the former Royal Palace and Audience Hall and St Paul’s church. Nearby is also the Kandy Garrison Cemetery, containing graves from colonial times.

The Sacred Tooth of the Buddha is said to have been removed from his funeral pyre, eventually being smuggled to Sri Lanka in the hair of a princess. In the 16th century, the Portuguese tried to destroy it, however it survived, was transported to Kandy, and the temple was built to house it. It is kept is a series of seven gold caskets; three times a day worshipers can see a glimpse of the exterior casket. Sri Lankan Buddhist believe that they must complete at least one pilgrimage to see the ceremony – for our guide it was approximately his 500th visit.

There are still signs of Kandy’s colonial past with buildings being protected by heritage status. The cost of renovation is such that many are falling into disrepair, however the pub remains in working order !