Facts for Kids

Kandy is a beautiful city in Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean! 🌊

It is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and is located in the central part of the country. Kandy is famous for its gorgeous lake, temples, and rich history. The city is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a beautiful place to explore. In 1988, Kandy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it is considered very important and special to the world! 🌍

This city is known for being the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is full of fascinating stories.

The food in Kandy is as delicious as it is diverse! 🍛

One of the most famous dishes is "Kottu," made from chopped roti (a type of bread) mixed with vegetables, eggs, and meat. It's served hot and is super tasty! Another famous dish is "Dhal Curry," made from lentils and spices. Many locals also enjoy "Hoppers," which are bowl-shaped pancakes. 🍽

️ You can't forget about the sweet treat, "KALU Dodol," a sticky dessert made from rice flour, coconut milk, and jaggery. 🍬

Trying Kandy's local cuisine is a must for any visitor!

Getting around Kandy is easy and fun! 🚍

The city has buses that connect it to other places in Sri Lanka, and they are quite affordable. Many people choose to travel by tuk-tuks, which are colorful three-wheeled vehicles that are popular in Sri Lanka! 🛵

If you want to explore Kandy's central areas, walking can be delightful, especially around the lake. For those traveling from far away, Kandy can be reached by train from Colombo, offering beautiful views along the way. 🚂

Exploring Kandy is a great adventure waiting for you!

Kandy has a long and exciting history that dates back to the 14th century! 📜

It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kandy until it was captured by the British in 1815. One of the most famous kings of Kandy was King Vikramabahu III, who ruled in the 15th century and helped protect the city from invaders! The Temple of the Tooth, where a sacred relic of Lord Buddha is kept, was built in Kandy in the 16th century. The city played a significant role in protecting Sri Lankan culture and is known for its brave kings and queens who fought for freedom. 🏰

Kandy is known for many amazing attractions! The Temple of the Tooth is the main highlight, attracting visitors who want to learn about Buddhist traditions. 🕌

The Kandy Lake, located in the heart of the city, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. 🚣

Other notable places include the Royal Palace, which was once home to kings, and the beautiful Kandy Botanical Gardens, where you can see thousands of colorful plants and flowers! 🌷

Don't forget to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum to learn all about tea-making! 🍵

Kandy’s rich history and stunning views make it a must-visit destination!

Kandy is surrounded by beautiful nature and fascinating wildlife! 🌳

The city is close to the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a forest reserve where you can see many birds, monkeys, and other creatures. 🐦

Sri Lanka is known for its unique wildlife, and Kandy is no exception! You can also find colorful butterflies and lovely plants everywhere you look. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the lush green hills and tea plantations around Kandy. 🦋

Whether you're hiking or picnicking, Kandy's natural beauty is perfect for outdoor adventures!

Kandy's economy is diverse and thrives on agriculture and tourism. 🌾

Many people in the area grow tea, which is one of Sri Lanka's biggest exports! The lush tea plantations around Kandy are famous for their high-quality tea leaves. Besides tea, farmers also grow rubber and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. 🥥

Kandy's economy greatly benefits from tourists visiting its historical sites, temples, and beautiful landscapes. Many shops, restaurants, and hotels help provide jobs for the locals while making the city a vibrant place to visit! 🌟

Kandy is famous for its exciting festivals! 🎊

The most popular one is the Esala Perahera, a grand festival held in July or August. It lasts for 10 days and features vibrant parades with traditional dancers, drummers, and magnificent elephants carrying the sacred relic! 🐘

The festival marks the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Another significant event is the Kandy Avurudu (Sinhala and Tamil New Year), celebrated in April with delicious food, games, and cultural performances. 🎉

Festivals in Kandy bring everyone together and showcase the beautiful traditions of Sri Lanka!

Kandy is a treasure trove of Sri Lankan culture! 🏆

One of the most unique aspects is the Temple of the Tooth, which holds a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. People from all over the world come to Kandy to visit this holy temple. The city is also known for traditional dancing and arts, such as the famous Kandyan dance. 💃

The Esala Perahera festival, held in July or August, showcases grand parades with dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants! This festival celebrates the Tooth Relic and is a significant event in the Buddhist calendar, attracting thousands of visitors each year! 🎉

Kandy is nestled in the hills of the central province of Sri Lanka, about 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the capital city, Colombo. 🗺

️ The city is situated at an elevation of around 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level, which gives it a cool climate compared to other regions. 🌤

️ Kandy experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with warm temperatures ranging from 17°C (62°F) to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. The city gets quite a bit of rainfall, especially from May to August, which keeps its beautiful gardens and forests lush and green! 🍃