Things To See & Do
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sacred Buddhist Temple
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.
1 hour
Suggested Time
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Historic Forest Sanctuary
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.
2 to 3 hours
Suggested Time
International Buddhist Museum
Informative Buddhist Centre
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.
1 to 2 hours
Suggested Time
Kandy Lake
Centrally Located Lake
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.
30 minutes
Suggested Time
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Protected Elephant Habitat
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.
2 hours
Suggested Time
St Pauls Church
19th Century Church
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.
30 minutes
Suggested Time
National Museum of Kandy
Historic National Museum
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.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Best Time To Visit Kandy
Perfect winter destination
DEC-APR
Peak Season
SEP-NOV
Moderate Season
MAY-AUG
Off-season
- What To Expect:Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
- Things You'll Love:Sightseeing and trekking.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
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Places to Visit in Kandy for a Cultural Holiday
The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy comes with an abundance of nature. Whether you are having a vacation with friends or family, there are some attractive places to visit in Kandyincluding gardens, museums and lakes. The best tourist places in Kandy are perfect for couples, families and even solo travellers.
Attractions for a Natural Escape
- Royal Botanical Gardens:Witness the huge collection of flowers, tropical trees and shrubs in this 147-acre sprawling Royal Botanical Gardens. Make sure to visit the Orchid House which displays beautiful flowers such as Oncidium, Dendrobium, Vanda, etc. Do not miss the Spice Garden which hosts the finest selection of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
- Wales Park:One of the loveliest places to visit in Kandy, Wales Park has beautiful walking trails and woodlands where you can explore nature away from city life.
- Hanthana Mountain Range:Navigate lush pine forests and reach the sun-soaked summit of Hanthana to get a mesmerising view of the surroundings.
- Kandy Garden Cafe:One of the best places to visit in Kandy at night, Kandy Garden Cafe offers spectacular views of the surroundings along with authentic Sri Lankan and international cuisines.
Romantic Spots in Kandy
- Kandy Viewpoint:Enjoy the Kandy landscape from the highest point in the city while taking photographs of the surroundings.
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:One of the most loved places to visit in Kandy for couples, this orphanage offers shelter and food to baby elephants.
- Kandy Lake:Enjoy the ethereal beauty of one of the best places to visit in Kandy with family, the artificial Kandy Lake while engaging in a boat ride with your loved one amid sprawling greenery.
Other Stunning Spots to Explore
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic housesLord Buddha's left canine and has a royal palace, gardens and a museum.
- Udawattakele Sanctuary:One of the best places to visit in Kandy with friends, this sanctuary comes with a bio-reserve spanning 257 acres, home to almost 80 bird species. Lose yourself in the wilderness or plan a fun trek with your friends while spotting rare bird species, wet zone butterflies and exotic varieties of trees along your way.
- Ceylon Tea Museum:Among the top places to visit in Kandy, the Ceylon Tea Museumexhibits ancient tea manufacturing instruments and is a great place for tea lovers.
How to Reach Kandy
You will need to book an international flight from India to Colombo and then reach Bandaranaike International Airport. From Colombo, you can take a cab or board a train to reach Kandy. While an average train journey takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, a trip from the airport to Kandy by cab can take around 3 or 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's famous in Kandy?
Some of the best attractions for a family visit are Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Ceylon Tea Museum and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
When should I go to Kandy?
December to April are the best months to explore the different tourist places to visit in Kandy.
How long is the taxi from Colombo to Kandy?
It is approximately 122 km from Colombo to Kandy and the landscape is dotted with beautiful coastal lowlands and hills. It can take about 3 to 4 hours to cover the journey.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy
What is the best time to visit Kandy?
Ideally the best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions are delightful. For Kandy, you can choose to go in December, January, February, March and April which is the peak season and September, October and November which is the moderate season. Both will serve you well to unwind from your tedious routine.
For which type of travelling is Kandy a perfect destination?
Kandy is a perfect destination for International themed holidays.
What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Kandy?
In the peak season months December, January, February, March and April you will experience pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C wherein around moderate season i.e. September, October and November you will enjoy extremely hot and humid weather. Whatever that suits your calendar, Kandy awaits you for a good time.