Known as the Hill Capital, this city is situated deep within lush green hills near Sri Lanka´s longest river, Mahaweli. The lush surroundings of Kandy are a true picture of a Tropical Landscape. Historically the Kingdom of Kandy originated in 1357 and was the last stronghold of the country´s Royalty until 1815 when it came under the British rule. Places to be visited are; The Upper Lake Drive-from for a panoramic view of the Kandy city. Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, once the pleasure gardens for the Kandy Kings. The rich flora of the tropics is exhibited at its best here. The Peradeniya University. "Dalada Maligawa" - the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha , where you will see many devotees who come to worship and participate in religious ceremonies. A very special traditional style of architecture unique to Sri Lanka is seen in this temple which was also the former Royal Place, The museum, Arts & Crafts centre. the market place. A Cultural Dance show with a variety of the traditional performing arts of Sri Lanka can also be seen in Kandy.