A world heritage site and once capital of the Sinhalese Kandyan kingdom. Kandy is the religious capital of Sri Lanka and a place of pilgrimage. Near Kandy lake is the Temple of the Tooth or 'Sri Dalada Maligawa', which houses Sri Lanka's most important religious relic, the sacred tooth of Buddha - brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century. The annual festival known as the "Esala Maha Perahera" in which the casket containing the tooth relic is carried on a royal tusker and taken on a grand procession through the streets of the city is held in July or August. The procession includes 75 or more caparisoned elephants, traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers and the Nilames (temple custodians) wearing their traditional costumes. In the suburb of Peradeniya are the famous botanical gardens, noted especially for their orchids.

The town was founded by Sir Samuel Baker in 1847 and soon became the favourite hill station of the British. It was known as "Little England" for it's temperate climate and English-style houses, lawns and gardens. At the base of Mount Pidurutalagala (the island's highest point at 2,518m), is the 18 hole Nuwara Eliya Golf Course. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya's countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is the perfect getaway from the tropical heat of the coast.

At the top of the mountain is a rough impression in the rock like that of a huge footprint which is claimed by Muslims to be the footprint of Adam, by Buddhists to be that of Buddha, by Hindus that of Lord Shiva and by Christians of Saint Thomas. It is has been a place of pilgrimage for over 1000 years. From December to April, pilgrims converge to climb the 2,244 m peak. The view from the peak at dawn is absolutely breathtaking and worth the long climb.

The park is at a height of 2,000 m, covers an area of 31.60 km² and is a mixture of highland forest and wet grassland. Species found here include leopard, Sambar deer, and the endemic purple-faced Langur as well as all 6 highland endemic birds. Within the park can be seen World's End, a sheer precipice of 1,050 m and the scenic Baker Falls. Early morning visits are essential, both to see the wildlife, and to view World's End before mists close in.