Kandy is the second most populated city in Sri Lanka. It is a heartland city surrounded by misty mountains and a winding river. Lush green forests, spice lands and tea plantations dominate the Kandyan landscape. Historically, the ancient city served as the last Sinhalese capital until 1815. Today, it continues to be a bastion of Sri Lankan culture and way of life. The city is designed around the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple houses the venerated left canine Tooth of the Buddha. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Thousands of pilgrims regularly visit Kandy in memory of Buddha, which gives the city a religious atmosphere. Each year, an annual procession is known as the “Sri Dalada Perahera” attracts thousands of both local and foreign visitors to the temple (usually held in July or August). It is, without doubt, the most colourful celebration of Sri Lankan culture. The final night-time procession (The Randoli procession) is one of the most colourful events in the world. Even on a regular day, Kandy is a busy place but it’s part of the city’s charm. The chaotic commercial city is bordered by a beautiful artificial lake.

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most important tea producers. There are thousands of tea plantations all around the island. Instead of automated tea processing, Sri Lanka still uses the mechanized colonial process. This is because it ensures higher quality than the new brands. Giragama Tea Plantation has opened its factory for in-depth tours on tea processing. The tour provides insight into refining black teas and the complex process conceived back in the British colonial era. The factory is located just outside Kandy.

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya is one of the best botanic gardens in Asia. It is exquisitely maintained and the area spans over 147 acres. Over 10000 flora have found within the garden. It has much appreciated for an extensive collection of orchids. The botanic garden houses the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka as well. The beautiful pathways and green lawns are picture-perfect. Historically, the garden dates back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu built his council chamber in this area. After 1815, the British used it as a commercial crop arboretum. It was formally open as the Royal botanical garden in 1843. Ever since it has attracted visits from not only the British royalty but also distinguished guests from all over the world. Notably, the botanic garden was the South East Asia Command headquarters, under Lord Louis Mountbatten, during the Second World War. The Peradeniya royal botanic garden is about 5.5 km from Kandy.