Kandy is a major city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Situated within the hills of the Kandy plateau, it serves as the administrative capital of the province and is widely regarded as the cultural capital of the country due to its significant architectural heritage.
The city served as the final capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818 under the Kingdom of Kandy. During this period, local Buddhist rulers resisted expansion and occupation by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial forces. Today, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is considered one of the most important sites in the Buddhist world.
In 1988, Kandy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city remains a primary destination for its historical significance and religious importance within Sri Lanka.