Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, this city is home to botanical gardens, famous temples, serene lakes plus vibrant markets. Located 1,600 feet above sea level, the cool environment and the lush green hills surrounding this enchanting city make Kandy a top attraction that you simply must visit when touring Sri Lanka.

Image via Wikimedia Commons - Satheesha J., Hanthana Mountain Range, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Also known as the Temple of the Tooth, this sacred site is revered by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world since it houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The temple's architectural structure is characterized by the traditional Kandyan style of " Dalada Mandira". Murals, intricate carvings and shrine rooms depict the Buddhist culture. If you visit during the months of July and August, you will get the chance to observe the Kandy Esala Perera also known as the Festival of the Tooth in which several processions consisting of traditional dances take place on the streets. Although the streets get extremely crowded during this time, you will get a rare opportunity to truly experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and watch special religious traditions like the "Diya Kapana Mangalya" or the water-cutting ceremony.

A bountiful garden that spans over 147 acres, the Royal Botanical Garden has a long history that traces back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu III kept court on this location after ascending from the throne. Nature lovers will be thrilled to see more than 4000 species of plants in this green paradise. The Royal Botanical Gardens are particularly famous for the orchid house in addition to its spice garden, medicinal garden, fernery, suspension bridge and memorial tree collection planted by special dignitaries like King Edward, Yuri Gagarin, King George V and Queen Mary. Don't forget to grab your camera gear because the stunning sceneries with tall palm trees in the background are sure to serve well in a memorable photoshoot.

Extend your stay in Kandy if you're an avid hiker seeking adventure. Just 10 kilometers away from the city lies the Hanthana Mountain Range, offering an enchanting getaway with stunning vistas of Kandy. The highest peak, Adara Kanda, standing at 1240 meters above sea level, is affectionately known as the "Mountain of Love" by university students who frequently visit the area for annual trips. The mist-filled mountains provide breathtaking views, especially during the early morning hours, making the effort of an early start well worthwhile. Many holiday bungalows in Sri Lanka, such as the Mountbatten Bungalow, offer the services of local trekking guides to enhance your hiking experience. Until you've been exposed to the unparalleled beauty of the Hanthana Mountain Range, you are yet to realize the magic of visiting Kandy.

Located close to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, this iconic museum is the perfect spot to amuse any type of traveller, be it, families, honeymooners, history enthusiasts or nature lovers in pursuit of the surreal cool climate that the Central Hills of Sri Lanka comforts one with. If you are wondering how a tea museum became an all-in-one entertainment centre, the Ceylon Tea Museum houses cool machinery from the colonial era like the first tea dryer which is around 100 years old and artifacts such as the oldest packet of Ceylon tea known to be preserved for a period of 56 odd years; all of which would fascinate children and adults equally. The third floor of the museum hosts tea sales outlets of the country's leading manufacturers of the famous Ceylon tea - check off souvenir shopping from your list here. Step into the fourth floor and you'll be thrilled to find a telescope to view the surrounding mountain ranges like Knuckles and Hunnasgiriya.