The last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinha wanted 'a city that floats in the sky' and to achieve this, in illusion at least, the monarch converted a large tract of paddy south of the holy temple into a lake. The reflection of the temple against a backdrop of blue sky and forest-clad hills in its crystal waters was as close as the king got to his dream of a 'cloud palace'.

Kandy city is looped by the country's longest river -the Mahaweli- which visitors cross upon entering or leaving Kandy on a main highway.

The Udawattekelle Forest Reserve spreads on the hill just behind the Temple of the Tooth. Entrance is restricted by tickets issued by the area Forest Department. The reserve makes a great early morning hike, especially to a point where a bird's-eye view of Kandy city can be obtained.

An office that once belonged to Lord Mountbatten, the viceroy of India, now stands amidst a lush botanical garden that stands at the entrance to Kandy. The Peradeniya Park is open to the public daily and has restaurant/ rest room facilities.

Kandy offers quite a wide selection of hotels. From cosy guest houses to five star plus hotels, from relaxed pool-sides to an 18-hole golf course to polished conference tables- Kandy can boast of all this and more.

The Victoria Golf and Country Club, set in a stunning reservoir locked hillock east of Kandy is worth a visit even if one is not partial to the sport. The Club House plans to introduce horse riding, hiking, bird trails and picnics on its 500-acre parkland set in a finger of land jutting into the Victoria reservoir.

Kandy is famous for its hand-made silver jewellery and traditional craftsmen working in bronze.