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Kandy
The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central
region of this paradise island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful
cities in the world. It was here once the Sinhala kings ruled majestically.
Next to Colombo, it is also the most visited city in Sri Lanka . As the
shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in
the heart of the city, it's also the most venerated city in Sri Lanka.
Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this
exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Kandy is
a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures
that make Sri Lanka a great nation. It was once the capital of the Kandyan
kingdom, the last bastion of resistance to the colonial domination of
the nation. This royal city fell to the British in 1815 sealing the fate
of Sri Lanka's long cherished independence.
This last
seat of the Sinhalese kings, who ceded power to the Britishin in 1815
after many a battle with the western colonial forces, still retains much
of the old charm and tradition of the truly Sri Lankan life style.
Among
the most picturesque cities in the island, the importance
of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada
Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth - which houses
the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Here visitors can observe
the ancient traditions of drumming and sacred chanting in
honour of the Tooth Relic, being performed several times each
day.
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