Come Friday, come Kandy !

"The majesty and splendour of Kandy
Kandy - The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central region of this paradise island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here once the Sinhala kings ruled majestically. The shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, is the reason for the city being the most venerated in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Kandy is a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures that make Sri Lanka a great nation. It was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, the last bastion of resistance to the colonial domination of the nation. This royal city fell to the British in 1815 sealing the fate of Sri Lanka's long cherished independence.
This last seat of the Sinhalese kings, who ceded power to the Britishin in 1815 after many a battle with the western colonial forces, still retains much of the old charm and tradition of the truly Sri Lankan life style.
Among the most picturesque cities in the island, the importance of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth - which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. .
The city is a monastic centre of Buddhism with the two biggest monasteries - the Malwatte and Asgiriya temples located here. The numerous smaller temples that dot the Kandyan landscape are places of unusual calm and peace, where one could still discover the close link between the temple and the village, which was the mainstay of Sinhalese social organization.
The Kandyan areas are where the crafts of the Sinhalese have been kept alive. From the art of mat weaving at Dumbara, to the silver craftsmen of Nattaranpotha, and wood carvers of Embekke.
Your progress through the winding streets of Kandy could often be obstructed by a tame elephant, carrying its load of palm leaves for the daily lunch, or an elephant stopping at the wayside tea kiosk for a lunch of bananas. The Elephant Bath, at the Mahaweli River near Katugastota is where the many domesticated elephants of Kandy come for their daily bath, a must to keep the elephants happy.
After the Temple of the Tooth, the most famous landmark of Kandy is its lake, in the centre of the city. The old building at its edge near the Temple of the Tooth was the Queen's Bath.
The Kandy Market is a great bazaar full of the sounds of exciting trade and bargaining. The stalls are full to overflowing with fresh vegetables, spices and fruits.
Nearby Kandy, at Peradeniya is the Royal Botanical Gardens, part of which was the pleasure garden of the last Queen of Kandy.
The Peradeniya Gardesn is easily one of the best ofits kind in the world. The many beautiful avenues will lead one to sections which provide a burst of tropical colour. The great lawns highligth huge tropical trees, while you will be surprised at the variety of bamboo that can be found in one place.
A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka. The Herbarium grows many of the plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia."
(http://members.lycos.co.uk/withanage/kandy.htm)

I am very excited about going here - leaving Friday early morning (another Poya day, so work's off), returning Sunday. I have heard that it should be an extraordinary picturesque place with mountains, lakes, waterfalls and SO green! Going by train 7 O'clock friday and I'm sure the train ride will be something on its own.
Come on already Friday :)