The Capital of Sri Lanka
The Kingdom of Kandy which people around the world know as the Mahanuwara Kingdom . It was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka that was free from other countries. The Kingdom of Kandy was able to keep its independence for over two hundred years. Today the city of Kandy is the heart of Sri Lankas culture. People who love to travel visit the city of Kandy to see its buildings learn about its history and experience the traditions of the Kingdom of Kandy.
A Mountain Fortress of Strategic Design
The Kingdom of Kandy built in a place that made it hard for other countries to attack. The city surrounded by the Knuckles Mountain Range and the Mahaweli River which made it very safe. The kings of the Kingdom of Kandy built their city using wood, stone and special tiles. When you walk around the part of the city you can see how the kings built their palaces and government buildings to fit in with the natural surroundings.
The Sacred Temple and Royal Sanctuary
The important place in the Kingdom of Kandy is the Dalada Maligawa. which is also famous as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is a special place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and it is where the kings got their power to rule the country. The temple has carvings, colorful pillars and a roof that is covered in gold. The Udawattakele Sanctuary is a forest that’s right behind the temple and it was a special place where the royal family could relax and have fun.
Living Traditions and the Esala Perahera
The Kingdom of Kandy is still very proud of its traditions and culture. The city is where Kandyan dancing started. which is a type of dance that tells stories and is accompanied by music. Every summer the city of Kandy has a festival called the Esala Perahera, which is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in Asia. During the festival the streets are filled with dancers, musicians and decorated elephants.
The Final Chapter and Modern Exploration
The Kingdom of Kandy came to an end, in 1815, when the British Empire took over the country. Even though the kingdom is no longer free the people of the Kingdom of Kandy are still very proud of their history and culture. Today visitors can explore the gardens of Peradeniya, which originally built by a king of the Kingdom of Kandy. Staying in the city of Kandy allows visitors to learn about the history of Sri Lanka and experience the culture of the Kingdom of Kandy.
