Kandy is a fighter. The last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka was established in the 14th century. By the end of the 16th century, it was the last independent kingdom on the island, fiercely resisting the Dutch invasion that took over the rest of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). Under British colonial rule, Kandy resisted invasion for more than a decade before succumbing in 1815. Now, the city is now best known for the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most famous sites in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is curious in that it experiences two monsoon seasons. One hits the south and west of the island in summer, while the other hits the north and east of the island in winter. As Kandy lies in the middle, it can be visited at any time, but October and November tend to be the rainiest.
The best way to get to and from Kandy is on the iconic blue train, which winds its way through the tea plantations all the way from Ella, six hours southeast. Passengers can also pick up the train from Nuwara Eliya or Hatton (four and two hours from Kandy, respectively). In the city itself, booking a driver is most practical, but be aware that the traffic can be hellish.
Don’t overlook the scenery just outside Kandy. Low-lying tea plantations, rubber plantations, and spice plantations are just some of the variety you'll see. Hikers should head to the Knuckles Mountain Range, the highest mountains in Sri Lanka, easily accessible on a day trip from Kandy. If visiting for the Esala Perahera Festival, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, book well in advance, as accommodation can fill up months in advance.
