This energetic city surrounded by dense forest is a stopover point for many tourists on their way to Sri Lanka’s lush Hill Country, but its convenience isn’t the only reason to pause here. Due to its elevated position (500 meters above sea level), the Kingdom of Kandy held off both Portuguese and Dutch colonizers for many years, preserving its customs, traditions and art until British rule in 1815. This means it has some of the oldest religious relics in the country, along with a blend of colonial architecture, aristocratic gardens and ancient temples.

It can be a little overwhelming in the thrumming heart of the city, but it’s worth braving the chaos for a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism's most important shrines, and a wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens. Even better, explore the markets with a local guide showing you the best places to stop for snacks and tea. Or pop into a community center for dance practice, where septuagenarians teach world-class Kandiyan dance techniques to the next generation. For the best of both worlds, many stay in the lush, green surrounding areas so they can spend the day exploring, and the evening listening to the gentle chirp of crickets and cicadas. If you’re looking to ride on the famous blue carriages of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country train, the line runs from Kandy to Ella, and there are plenty of stops to hop on and off along the way.