Hill Country

Every visitor is drawn to Kandy, home of the Temple of the Tooth, site of the annual Perahera - a magnificent procession of elephants, dancers and drummers. One must also visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with its fine collection of orchids and other tropical vegetation. Kandy also has its share of temples, monasteries, museums and arts and crafts.

Adam's Peak or Sri Pada ('sacred footprint'), which rises to 2224m is a mountain sacred to all faiths. The large 'footprint' found at the summit is believed to be that of Adam, Lord Buddha, Lord Shiva or St Thomas, the early apostle of India. Whatever the belief, it has been a pilgrimage centre for over 1000 years. The 7km climb to the summit takes 3-4 hours from Delhousie and the longer route through Ratnapura takes about seven hours. It can get bitterly cold at the peak, so one is advised to take warm clothes and even a sleeping bag. The best time to undertake the climb is at night, arriving in time for sunset to witness the mysterious shadow of the peak reflected in the clouds.

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