Concerning the chief cities and towns of this Island.
In this island are several places where, they say formerly stood cities, and which still retain the name; though little or nothing of building be now to be seen: but there are five cities now standing, which are the most eminent, and where the King hath palaces and goods; yet even these—all of them, except that wherein his person is,—are ruined and fallen to decay.
The first is the city of Kandy—so generally called by the Christians, probably from Conde, which in the Cingalese language signifies "hills," for among them it is situated—but by the inhabitants called Hingodagul-newera, as much as to say, "The City of the Cingalese people;" and Mauneur, signifying "The chief or royal city." This is the chief or metropolitical city of the whole island. It is placed in the midst of the island, in the Province of Yattenowera; bravely situated for all conveniences, excellently well watered. The King's palace stands on the east corner of the city, as is customary in this land for the King's palaces to stand. This city is three square, like a triangle, but has no artificial strength about it: unless on the south side, which is the easiest and openest way to it, where they have long since cast up a bank of earth across the valley from one hill to another; which nevertheless is not so steep but that a man may easily go over it anywhere. It may be some twenty feet in height. In every way to come to this city, about two or three miles off from it, are Thorn Gates and Watches to examine all that go and come. It is environed around with hills. The great river [the Mahavilla Ganga] coming down from Adam's Peak, juns within less than a mile of it, on the west side.
It has oftentimes been burnt by the Portuguese in their former invasions of this island; together with the King's palace and the temples. Insomuch that the King has been fain to pay them a tribute of three elephants per annum. The King left this city, about twenty years ago [i.e. about 1660], and never since has come to it. So that it is now quite gone to decay.
