Kandy is the reputed ancient hill capital of Sri Lanka nearly 105km away from capital of Colombo. It is is the famous city of Sinhalese history, culture, religion and pageantry. The Kandyan Kingdom, the last independent state in Sri Lanka withstood the onslaught of three invading European nations for over two centuries. The islanders looked upon the King of Kandy as their King and the city of Kandy as the last bastion of independent Buddhist thought, which gave spiritual strength and virtue to the Kandyan people. Kandy can be explored on foot, with the higher altitude giving it a cool climate conducive to long walks. The city is visually rich with its narrow streets lined with old buildings and crowded with people. The Municipal Market has superb displays of fruits, vegetables, textiles and clothing and the man-made lake provides an attractive focal point in the heart of the city.