Sri Lanka’s culture, arts and religious centre, Kandy, once at the heart of the kingdom of the same name, resisted the colonial onslaught for far longer than the rest of the island. Fending off the Portuguese and Dutch from its highland stronghold, the city had until 1815, when the British finally broke through, to continue ancient religious and cultural traditions that are still so strong here today. Set around a picturesque lake, this city with a small town vibe is an eclectic mixture of colonial and uniquely Kandyan architecture, and is the home of Sri Lanka’s most sacred temple, the Temple of the Tooth. Nestled in lush greenery and with a cooler climate, Kandy is the perfect place to cool off, relax and experience unique and fascinating traditions.