Kandy

Kandy is a vast district that lies in a valley in the center of Sri Lanka surrounded by mountains including the Knuckles Mountain Range, and encircled by the picturesque Mahaweli River. Kandy is a central destination from which the rest of the island can be accessed including the magnificent Central Hills. Kand was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings until it was conquered by the British in 1815. Kandy still retains its ancient cultural and religious heritage, traditional cuisine, and way of life of the Kandyan people. The sacred Temple of the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha is a central religious focus in Kandy and venerated by Buddhist devotees from all parts of the country. Although Kandy is now a bustling city…its pleasant climate, ancient heritage, lush green paddy fields and misty mountains, temples, and rural villages where traditional Kandyan rituals are still very much a part of daily life, makes this an interesting destination to explore.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Extending across the districts of Kandy and Matale is the vast Knuckles Mountain Range with several peaks, some of which rise to 6,000 ft. It is named after five distinct peaks that resembles the knuckles of a closed fist. The Knuckles is an oasis of biodiversity providing a range of habitats for many species of rare and endemic plants, trees and animals including mammals, amphibians and over 150 species of birds. Exploring the Knuckles conservation range is an incredible experience. Trek through thick forests and stretches of Pathana and savana. Stop along the way to cool your feet in a gurgling stream and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are some remote villages within the Knuckles where Kandyan communities retain their traditional way of life and go about their unhurried lives immersed in nature. The Knuckles Conservation Range is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.