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Travel Destination Guide - Kandy
Kandy (Sri Lanka) 
Kandy Information
Slideshow of Photos
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The ancient capital of Sri Lanka's hill-country kings, Kandy has changed little over the last two centuries, still boasting traditional temples, bustling shanty streets and assorted examples of colonial architecture. Home to the country's most important Buddhist treasure the Buddha's tooth, hidden inside the Temple of the Tooth. The town is the animated commercial and communication hub of the central upland region.
This resort is used as a short-stay base for those exploring the local sights and en route to Sigiriya and Dambulla in the north or Nuwara Eliya and the tea plantations in the South.
The accommodation here offers a handful of attractive high-quality medium-sized hotels, one a converted colonial residence, there is also one or two purpose-built self-contained properties further out.
Locality:
Kandy is in very centre of island, (it is 73 mls NE of Colombo; 80 mls E of Bandaranaike international airport). It is surrounded by hills in Mahaweli river valley beside 18th-century man-made lake.
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Shopping here is unsophisticated, with the exception of locally mined precious gems and jewellery. There are some good buys such as hand-dyed batiks, carved masks, leather, spices and, of course, tea. The main town shops mainly serve local community.
During the daytime there are numerous local historic and religious sights. The nightlife here is low-key and hotel based. You will find daily folklore shows.
Thera are numerous fish and curry restaurants, although tourists tend to keep to hotels.
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Population: 20.064.800
Languages: Sinhala 74% (official and national), Tamil 18% (na
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Currency code: LKR
Local Times:
Sri Lanka - Colombo
Country Dialling Code: +94
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
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For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors.
Head for the rolling hills to escape the heat of the plains in the cool of tea plantations. The entire island is teeming with bird life, and exotics like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. To top it all off, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low.
The island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, a verdant paradise that is the cradle of the Buddhist faith. Apart from hundreds of miles of the world's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches, Sri Lanka boasts no fewer than seven World Heritage Sites listed by Unesco, ranging from sacred cities, palaces and cliff-top citadels to colonial strongholds, spanning close to 3,000 years of history. To complete the picture of perfection, Sri Lanka is situated just three degrees north of the Equator, meaning the weather is constantly hot, humid and tropical. Sunny skies are the order of the day; even in the brief monsoon season there is always a daily spell of sunshine.
There has, however, been trouble in paradise. Modern Sri Lanka has experienced indigenous terrorism, particularly in the north of the island and the metropolis of Colombo city, but the beautiful beaches and towns of the south and southeast coast have been unaffected. Visitors who enjoy some mystery and wonderment will marvel at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara, where the remains of a great civilisation are to be seen. The cities of Colombo and Kandy show the influence of the foreign colonial powers that fought for control over the strategic, lush island in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Dutch-inspired buildings stand cheek to jowl with Victorian British mansions and Portuguese fortifications. |
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Local Area Weather
Colombo, SRI LANKA |
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Fair |
25°C
Feels like: 26°C |
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