Set among the green hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy was the last royal capital of the island and remains one of its most important cultural and religious cities. At its heart is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world and an important pilgrimage destination. A visit to Kandy can also include a walk around the picturesque Kandy Lake, the historic streets of the former royal city, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and a traditional cultural performance featuring Sri Lankan music and dance. With its combination of history, spirituality, nature and living traditions, Kandy offers a particularly rich introduction to Sri Lankan culture.