Sri Lanka′s
sweet spot
Sitting atop the central plateau,
cooled by welcome breezes and
often shrouded in mist, is the last
city of the Sinhala kings and a
sacred Buddhist site. These days,
Kandy is the capital of the Central
Province, but UNESCO World
Heritage status ensures its
laidback magic remains intact.
Stroll around one of the world’s
most important religious sites.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth
is home to the tooth of Buddha.
Devotees and visitors flock here
during prayers, not to stare at
the tooth, but at the gold
casket that protects it.
For those who time their visit
correctly, the 10-day Esala
Perahera (expected to start on
16 August this year) is one of the
most spectacular festivals in Asia.
Dating back to the third century
BC, it starts quietly, with the
ceremonial planting of a jackfruit
tree, but culminates in a parade
featuring dancing, drumming,
singing, fire breathers, acrobats
and lavishly decorated elephants.
Once you’ve had enough – if that’s
possible – there is only one way to
leave, and that’s on the train that
rolls through tea plantations and
past waterfalls on its way to Ella. It’s
a slow journey – about seven hours
in all – and while scoring a first-
class ticket is commonly advised,
travelling second class means you
can hang from the windows for
that perfect Kodak moment.
srilanka.travelThe train journey through
the countryside around
Kandy is one of the most
beautiful in the world. RM FERREIRA/SHUTTERSTOCKPLaceS We Love
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