Kandy 'The Hill Capital' "Let the LIFE enjoys traveling to Kandy 'The Hill Capital" Kandy was first established by the King Wickramabahu (1357-1374 CE) near the Watapuluwa area, north of the present city, and named Senkadagalapura at the time. Kandy (maha nuvara) is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura) in the centre of Sri Lanka. It is also known as the hill capital of Sri Lanka. It lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. The city of Kandy lies at an altitude of 488.6 meters (1629 feet) above sea level in the center of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. 115 kilometer from Colombo Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. Kandy had become home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Kandy has preserved its function as the religious capital of the Sinhalese and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists namely those belonging to the Theravada school. Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itenary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.