Culture of Kandy

The culture of Kandy has been influenced by the incidents in the pages of its history. Most of all, it has been influenced by the religion and colonization of the land by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. The fascinating culture of Kandy dates back to about three centuries.

The Yaksha and Naga tribes of Kandy used updated modes of agriculture and irrigation and nourished from the Buddhism of early 2nd century BC as also the invasion of India, and later that of Portugal, Holland and England respectively. It is in this way that the culture of Kandy is as diverse as its natural heritage.

As part of the land that is home to the Smiling People, the dwellers of Kandy enjoy a lifestyle that is unique, humble, artistic, entertaining as well as heart warming. There is something about Kandy that touches you - especially the centuries-old hospitality and the generous people. The proximity of the social life of the peoples with the Buddhist religion as well as the dance forms, art and music contribute to the fusion of the travelers with the spirit of the natives, and thereby, of Kandy.

In the early 19th century, the British introduced democracy, modern education, the legislative body and the commercial system of agriculture. The Kandy of today is a mirror of its own ancient and modern cultures which is a far cry from the life in the cities. The distant villages in this tiny island country beckon the visitor to return again and again. Kandy is a land of immense social diversity as there are people involved in software engineering to traditional farmers using buffaloes to work in the paddy fields. The local festivals of Kandy are a delight as well.