Kandy
Sits comfortably
and securely in a bowl surrounded by the knuckles and Hunus Mountain
ranges with evocative names such as Bible rock, Lion rock and Camel
Hill. This isolation allowed Sinhalese monarchs to flourish until
1815 long after their influence 
had waned elsewhere. Its beauty,
agreeable climate and air of tranquility has encouraged its development
as the true religious, cultural and educational heart of Sri Lanka.
For the best mountain views and just 10 minutes from town, stay within
a colonial home at Stoney House Lodge.
The central man-made lake invites you to take a shady stroll around
its perimeter stopping at 
the Temple of the Tooth- housing Sri Lanka’s
most important religious relic, the sacred tooth of Buddha-,the
museum next door, and the Kandyan Arts and crafts center to buy
or admire and perhaps linger over a delicious lunch whilst admiring
the delightful architectural style.
Enjoy also an evening of entertainment at the Kandyan Arts and Cultural
Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and
drummers and culminates in impressive fire walking. Be 
warned the
heat is intense - you may not wish to sit at the front. To be able
to stroll back for a nightcap and a night of Frank Sinatra, stay
at the esoteric yet luxurious Helga’s Folly
Kandy truly comes alive in late July/August for Esala Perahera,
a 10 day festival and one of the most spectacular in all Asia. Beware-
hotel rooms are in short supply and some inflate their prices for
this period.
The Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest, is home to many gem
mines. The workers together with wonderful views of the valley can
be seen at breakfast or candlelit dinner from the delightful 
Villa
Rosa. The river meanders to enclose the Peradiniya Botanical Gardens,
a walker’s and gardener’s paradise. Admire the huge
Jarvan fig tree and Orchid House, note the flying foxes hanging
along the Avenue of Royal Palms, hire a bicycle, take a picnic and
take time to “smell the flowers”.
By now you may be in need of a pick-me-up, either physical or spiritual.
Pamper yourself and be rejuvenated at one of the Ayurvedic centres
(from $8-20) or release mental worldly tensions by visiting one
of the Buddhist meditation centers, which would appreciate an appropriate
donation for their ‘free’ course of study.
Your visit to Kandy may coincide with a date auspicious in the Buddhist calendar. You will then be treated to the colourful pageant of wedding processions, all the families and guest dressed in their finest. You may wish to reminisce or admire, but many of the hotels can also arrange a personal ceremony within their grounds.
At Kegalle, just about an hours drive away on the Colombo Road
is the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage. This houses about 60 young
abandoned or orphaned elephants who are trained for work but enjoy
the passage around the sanctuary meanwhile. Like any nursery there
is a fairly strict bathing and feeding routine. The nearby Millennium
Elephant Foundation and Uda Walawe Park are slightly more natural
venues.
Swimming is available in several venues- mostly with stunning settings
and views of Victoria Dam. Towels are included in the cost. Or you may enjoy a round
at Victoria Golf Club which deserves its superior reputation. It’s
a challenging course, but if your golf lets you down the views and
the lunch won’t.
For a detailed list of contacts, telephone numbers and opening times for:
- Places of Interest
- Activities
- Bars & Restaurants
- Entertainment & Nightlife
- Transport