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Where2Go in Kandy - Things to Do, Travel Stories & more

Kandy

What To Expect

Things You'll Love

PEAK SEASON

MODERATE SEASON

OFF-SEASON

Kandy Esala Perahera

Vesak Poya

Tamil New Year

Deepavali

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

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Kandy_Heritage_and_culture

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Moon Hills Hotel

Rivorich Residence Kandy

Hill Roost

Devon Rest

Stone House Kandy

Villa 49

Mountbatten Bungalow

The Elephant Stables

Earls Regency

Stay in Kandy

Book Your Trip to Kandy

Delhi

Amidst tea and spice plantations of Sri Lanka, Kandy showcases remnants of its colonial past and affords spectacular lush landscapes and a rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic dates back to the 16th century and houses the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha that is symbolically bathed every Wednesday.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Spread across 104 hectares, Udawattakele Forest Reserve has various plant species along with abundant birdlife like the three-toed kingfisher, crimson-fronted barbet and brown fish owl.

Udawattakele Forest Reserve

The International Buddhist Museum features Buddhist artefacts and informative material that has been contributed by 17 countries including Sri Lanka, India, Japan, China and Bhutan.

International Buddhist Museum

Built in 1807 by Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy, Kandy Lake is an artificial waterbody popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Kandy Lake

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was set up by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation as a protected environment for the largest herd of elephants in captivity in the world.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Consecrated in 1853, the Anglican St. Paul’s Church affords Neo-Gothic architecture with Victorian interiors that include tapestries, teakwood carved panels and a stained glass window.

St Pauls Church

Located in the Royal Palace complex, the National Museum of Kandy has over 5,000 artefacts including weapons and jewellery from the Kandian and post-British Colonial eras.

National Museum of Kandy

Located north of Kandy, the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising five caves with Buddhist and Hindu statues and paintings.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

Established in 1817, the British Garrison Cemetery contains graves of 195 British nationals who died in colonial Sri Lanka with some headstones detailing causes of death.

British Garrison Cemetery

The 14th century Royal Palace of Kandy comprises large chambers and halls like the Royal Audience Hall, King’s Harem Quarters and the Queen’s Bathing Pavilion.

Royal Palace of Kandy

Housing over 4,000 species of flora including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens that dates back to 1371.

Stroll through Royal Botanical Gardens

Located southwest of Kandy, the Hanthana Mountain Range is ideal for hiking with Uura kanda being the highest peak at 1,158 metres from where views of Kandy are spectacular.

Hike through Hanthana Mountain Range

Spread across the districts of Matale and Kandy, Knuckles Mountain Range will delight you with its numerous forest trails passing through lush woodlands and local villages.

Trek through Knuckles Mountain Range

Sample local food in Kandy at homely eateries that serve authentic Sri Lankan food with dishes like kukul mas curry and fish ambul thiyal on the menu.

Sample Local Food Near Kandy

See a Kandyan cultural dance show with dancers decked in makeup and colourful costumes along with other performances like walking on hot coals and fire-breathing.

See a Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Peradeniya Bridge, located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a historic structure spanning the Mahaweli River, the country's longest river, offering picturesque views of lush greenery and the nearby Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Originally built in the 19th century and later replaced by an iron bridge in 1905, this iconic landmark remains a vital connection for commuters while captivating visitors with its cultural significance and scenic beauty.

Peradeniya Bridge

The Kandyan Cultural Centre in Kandy offers an exclusive glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage through vibrant traditional dance performances. Located in the historic KAA building on Sangaraja Mawatha, it is also associated with the Kandyan Art Association, where visitors can purchase authentic local art and crafts. The centre provides a multifaceted cultural experience, including Sri Lankan fashion and silk artistry.

Kandyan Cultural Centre

Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it is adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a tranquil setting for visitors. The lake is bordered by lush flora and fauna, providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

The ancient holistic healing practice of Ayurveda is deep-rooted in Sri Lanka, and getting a treatment is a sure way to relieve stress and tension.

Try Ayurvedic Therapies

With a height of 26.8 metres, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka seated in a dhyana mudra pose.

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Located south of Kandy in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, the Ceylon Tea Museum features exhibits on tea pioneers like Thomas Lipton along with vintage tea-processing information.

Ceylon Tea Museum

A guided tour with an English speaking guide at New Ranweli Spice Garden offers an insight into the history and cultivation of Sri Lankan spices.

New Ranweli Spice Garden

Kandy Viewpoint offers a serene escape with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The short hike to the viewpoint, through steep slopes, adds a touch of adventure, while the occasional misty breeze enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

Kandy

Things To See & Do

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Sacred Buddhist Temple

Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Historic Forest Sanctuary

International Buddhist Museum

Informative Buddhist Centre

Kandy Lake

Centrally Located Lake

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Protected Elephant Habitat

St Pauls Church

19th Century Church

National Museum of Kandy

Historic National Museum

Best Time To Visit Kandy

Perfect winter destination

DEC-APR

Peak Season

SEP-NOV

Moderate Season

MAY-AUG

Off-season

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay in Kandy

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

₹3,114

Moon Hills Hotel

₹4,144

Rivorich Residence Kandy

₹2,739

Hill Roost

₹2,459

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

₹12,741

Devon Rest

₹5,885

Stone House Kandy

₹22,722

Villa 49

₹9,616

5 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

₹14,721

Mountbatten Bungalow

₹13,672

The Elephant Stables

₹22,516

Earls Regency

₹7,975

Discover by Interest

Serene Hill Stations

Honeymoon destinations

Perfect Weekend Spots

Idyllic Romantic Destinations

Affordable International Destinations

Best Beach Destinations