Visiting Sri Lanka can be a very exotic experience for most. The history and culture of this city and island is full of intrigue, struggles, and beauty. To better understand the culture that has been being produced in Kandy for hundreds of years requires some extra reading. The city was protected from invasion by its optional location and because of this the culture is all the more intense. There are many different rituals and basic etiquette rules as well that travelers should respect. Doing some additional background reading before you visit Kandy, will not only enhance your stay but will also get you allow you to slip into the culture respectfully.
There are several great books to fill you in on the history of Sri Lanka and of Kandy. Check out any of the following to get started on more history knowledge as well as a better understanding of the country's culture and etiquette rules:
- "Sri Lanka: A History" by by R. de Silva
- "Social and Cultural History of Ancient Sri Lanka" by S. B Hettiaratchi
- " Customs and Cultures of Sri Lanka" by Ganesan Amirthalingam
- "India and Sri Lanka (Cultures and Costumes)" by Conor Kilgallon
- " Culture Shock! Sri Lanka" by Robert Barlas and Culture Shock
- "Economy, Culture, and Civil War in Sri Lanka" by Deborah Winslow and Michael D. Woost
A guide will definitely help you in this region as well, pick up Lonely Planet's Sri Lanka guide to help you find your way around Kandy and the rest of the island.