Kandy - Sri Lanka

Kandy, also known as Maha Nuwara ("Great City"), is a city in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, at an elevation of 1,640 feet (500 metres). It is located on the Mahaweli River, on the edge of an artificial lake built by the last Kandyan king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, in 1807. Kanda, from which Kandy is named, is a Sinhalese term that means "hill," and the city was originally known as Kanda Uda Pas Rata ("Palace on Five Hills") when it was built in 1480 CE. It became the capital of the Sinhalese monarchs in 1592, and they maintained their independence throughout the era of European colonial rule—except for brief Portuguese and Dutch occupations—until 1815, when the British removed Sri Wickrama Rajasinha.

Kandy became a center for both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, the religion's two major sects, in the 13th or 14th century. The most notable of the city's numerous Buddhist temples is Dalada Maligava ("Temple of the Tooth"), which has housed a precious relic, said to be the Buddha's left upper canine, since 1590. During the reigns of Kandyan kings (1687–1707 and 1747–82), the temple was built. It's connected to a tower (1803), which used to be a jail but now holds a significant collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The temple was attacked by Tamil rebels in January 1998, causing damage to the front and roof; repair work began immediately. The Lankatilaka Vihare (Hindu) and the Gadaladeniya Vihare (Buddhist), both established in the 14th century, are important temples southwest of Kandy. Peradeniya Botanic Gardens and Peradeniya University (1942; restructured 1972) are also nearby.

In 1988, the city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Esala Perahera, a 10-day torchlight parade including dancers and drummers, dignitaries, and ornately dressed elephants, honors the sacred tooth. It is now one of Asia's most well-known festivals, and it may be the world's greatest Buddhist event.

Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka

The settlement of Nuwara-Eliya is the starting point for trips to Horton Plains National Park. It takes only an hour to get from Nuwara-Eliya to Horton Plains. Horton Plains National Park is the island's highest plateau, consisting of grassland intermingled with areas of woodland and some peculiar high altitude plants, and is a fantastic trip and a paradise for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and bird watchers. It is located in the Nuwara-Eliya District, 200 kilometers from Colombo's Horton Plains. Within the park, visitors may enjoy the panoramic splendor of the hill area. The Plains are a gorgeous, quiet, mysterious place with some fantastic walking opportunities.

Many more wild animals still roam the grassy plains. Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Langur are all found here. The Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Yellow-eared Bulbul are all endemic highland birds.

Plains of Horton The most magnificent location is the World's Stop, where the southern Horton Plains abruptly end and descend to approximately 1050 meters, creating an incredible spectacle. On clear days, this sheer drop provides a stunning perspective of the area below. There are both easy and strenuous paths, making this a popular destination for hikers.

Plains of Horton Early morning trips are recommended to see the animals and to see World's End before the mists shut in later in the day.

Flora — Trees and shrubs; there are now 744 species of flowering plants recognized in the region, 112 of which are indigenous and 78 of which are threatened. Because it is a grassland, over 50 grass species have been identified, the bulk of which are indigenous.

Fauna — There are 460 species of birds documented in Sri Lanka, 33 of which are endemic - more than 100 of these species are exclusive to Horton Plains. Horton Plains is home to 12 indigenous species of these birds.