Introduction
Kandy, a picturesque city in central Sri Lanka, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and scenic beauty.
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, a World Heritage Site, sits pretty in a valley surrounded by rings of mountains, 115 km away from the seaport of Colombo. One of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Kandy was once home to the Kandyan Kings of yore in the 16th century and a fountainhead for the country’s music, arts, crafts, and culture.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the world’s most sacred and revered Buddhist Temple. It is situated within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy and is a must-visit destination in Kandy.
Open Hours
- Open throughout the week from 05:30 AM to 08:00 PM
- Morning Puja: 5.30 AM – 7:00 AM, 9.30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening Puja: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, is located approximately 5.5 km west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Prince of Wales Royal Park
It stands overlooking the Kandy Lake and was established by King Sri Wikrama Rajasingha.
Kandy View Point
Kandy City View Point is one of the main places to visit in Kandy to capture the picturesque view of Kandy city. This is situated in Rajapihilla Mawatha. It is also known as Arthur’s Seat, located 1.7 km from Kandy City. It is regarded as the highest point in the city, from where one can appreciate the Kandy Lake as if it were just below their feet, and also the Dalada Maligawa Temple.
Visiting Kandy View Point is not just about its picturesque beauty, but also provides a quick and simple adventure – a short hike through the steep slopes on the way to the View Point to admire the magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings, accompanied by an occasional misty breeze.
Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center
The place is situated 6 kilometers away from the busy City of Kandy. You can observe the famous Hanthana Mountain Range from there.
Opens Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Closed on Monday
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake is located towards the Eastern part of Kandy City, and the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, built this lake, popularly known as ‘Nuwara Wewa’. It is an artificial lake that is also known as the Kiri Muhuda (or the “Sea of Milk”).
Udawattekele Sanctuary
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, also known as the Royal Forest Park of Kandy, is situated on the hillside behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Consisting of rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is the ideal place for a quick trek, where you’ll spot rare and endemic bird species, as well as other organisms, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and wet-zone butterflies.
Ambuluwawa Tower
Ambuluwawa Tower is situated in the suburbs of Gampola Town, Sri Lanka. It is the first Multi-Religious Center in Sri Lanka. You can see a Temple, a Kovil, a Mosque, and a Church. Reaching the top of Ambuluwawa, one can experience the most amazing views, which the ongoing mist could sometimes cover.
Ceylon Tea Museum – Places to visit in Kandy
The Ceylon Tea Museum, located in Hantane, three kilometers from Kandy city, is accessible via a motorable road that encircles the museum, providing easy access and ample parking facilities for cars and tourist coaches.
Tuesday – Saturday: 08:30 AM to 03:45 PM
Sunday: 08:30 AM to 03:30 PM
Closed on Monday
National Museum of Kandy
Located just beside the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the National Museum, established in 1942, is one of the city’s main attractions. It is a must-visit destination for travelers and explorers seeking to discover the unknown and understand the past. Formerly known as Palle Vahala, the museum used to serve as accommodation for royal guests.
International Buddhist Museum – Places to visit in Kandy
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy has established the International Buddhist Museum (IBM) to showcase the expansion of Buddhism throughout Asia and the rest of the world. This is the only museum that showcases the global expansion of Buddhism. The inception of Buddhism in the above countries and its applications, showcasing the Buddha’s message and its evolution into the modern world, is the purpose of this museum.
Highway Museum Complex – Places to visit in Kandy
The Expressway Exhibition Hall Complex is Sri Lanka’s first throughway historical center, situated in Kiribathkumbura, Kandy. It is an open-air museum that displays machinery used to construct roads during the colonial era. It includes locomotives, such as trains used in the past. It is a free museum that is especially useful for children.
Natural Gems and Gemological Museum
The Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum is situated on Colombo Road, Kiribathkumbura, in Kandy. This museum is considered one of the best geological museums in Sri Lanka, providing visitors with comprehensive knowledge of minerals and their formation.
British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy
The British Garrison Cemetery is on the far side of Kandy Lake, past the Temple of the Tooth and a short walk up the hill. This small oblong plot of cleared ground, bordered on three sides by the Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary, where chattering monkeys and the acrid smell of elephants mingle with the peace.
Commonwealth War Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Cemetery (also called the Kandy War Cemetery/ Pitakande Military Cemetery) lies around 1.5 kilometers away from the entrance to the Royal Botanical Garden.
Kandy War Cemetery is officially open every day between 07 AM and 04 PM, but in practice, your & BEYOND guide will always ring ahead.
Lankatilaka Vihara Temple – Places to visit in Kandy
Located at Udunuwara Hiyarapitiya village of Kandy. It was constructed as a four-story building that stood eighty feet high and sat on an uneven rock bed overlooking the Hantane mountain range. King Buwanekabahu IV built this temple in 1344 AD. The King’s Chief Minister, Senalankadhikara, was entrusted to carry out the construction work of this temple.
Gadaladenyia Vihara – Places to visit in Kandy
Gadaladeniya Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy.
Embekka Devalaya
The Embekka Devalaya (also known as Embekke or Embekka) Temple is situated in the area of Udunuwara in the Kandy district.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The temple on the hill of Bahirawakanda, called the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, is most well-known to tourists for its giant Buddha statue, which can be seen from almost any point in the city of Kandy, just 2 km from the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Standing at 88 feet, it is considered one of the largest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka.Galmaduwa Viharaya
The Galmaduwa Temple is a temple with strange architecture situated in Kalapura village, on the Kundasala Road. This 125-year-old temple was built during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (the last king of Kandy). Additionally, this temple is renowned for its stunning roof artwork and architecture, which seamlessly combines Piyo rocks and bears a striking resemblance to a Hindu Kovil.
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya
The Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in a village called Amunugama, 7 km from Kandy city. It was built in 1771 AD by King Rajadi Rajasinha and was initiated during the reign of his elder brother King Kirti Sri Rajasinha [1747-1782 AD]. This is considered a cave temple featuring Kandyan-era Paintings and Architecture.
Anyone traveling through Kandy can reach the Degaldoruwa Viharaya via the road over the Lewella Bridge or by turning off at Nattarampota along the Kundasale Road.
Sri Natha Devale
This temple was built in the distant past and is considered the oldest building in Kandy. Natha Devalaya is one of the Hatara Devalayas (four main Devalayas) in Kandy, the other three being Vishnu, Kataragama, and Patini.
Vishnu Devalaya
Maha Vishnu Devalaya is situated to the northwest of the Royal Palace.
Red Mosque
The Red Mosque is situated in E.L. Senanayake Veediya, Kandy.
St. PPaul’sChurch
The architectural style is Neo-Gothic, and the interior is a quintessential piece of English Victorian design. It is an Anglican church, affiliated with the Church of Ceylon.
Chariot Path
Chariot Path of King Rawana is a GrassLand (Plain) on the top of a mountain range that is surrounded by a pygmy forest, which looks like a pathway. It is a wonderful place with breathtaking views and an extraordinary environment. This is located near the Frotoft Tea Estate in Kandy.
Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana Mountain Range is located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It consists of seven peaks. The highest peak is named “Ura Kanda.” It is a popular destination for bird-watching, hiking, and camping. The mountains have served as locations for movies and music videos. The peaks of the mountain offer stunning views of Kandy city, the Knuckles Mountain Range, the hills of Sabaragamuwa, and the Dolosbage Range of Aranayake.
Kandy Brassware Village
Kandy Brassware Village is situated on Kalapura Road, about 13 km from Kandy town. These brass items are of the highest quality and have made a mark among the many tourists visiting the area.
Bogambara Prison
The Bogambara Prison was the 2nd largest prison in Sri Lanka. The largest prison in Colombo is Welikada Prison. On the 24th of August 2019, the Bogambara Prison was transformed into a cultural and tourism center named “Bogambara Cultural Park”
Ran Avuda Mandapaya
The Ran Auda Mandapaya is situated within the premises of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Constructed in 1592 by King Wimaladharmsooriya I, the Ran Avuda Mandapaya was believed to be the place where the crowns and swords of the Kandyan kings were designed, molded, and bejeweled.
Gurugal Oya Dam
Located at Gabadagama village, it is 7 km away from Delthota town. It is a beautiful artificial reservoir surrounded by hills, just 8 km from Loolcondera Tea Estate, which is the first tea estate in Sri Lanka.
When to Visit Kandy
Kandy enjoys a cooler climate than Sri Lanka’s coastal regions due to its elevation (about 500 meters above sea level).
If possible, plan your visit to coincide with the spectacular Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s grandest festivals. Held annually in July or August (dates vary according to the lunar calendar), this ten-day celebration features elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and fire performers in nightly processions through the city.
Getting Around
Within the Kandy city center, walking is a viable option for many attractions. For more distant sites, tuk-tuks provide convenient and affordable transportation. Negotiate the fare before setting off, or ask your accommodation to recommend reliable drivers.
For day trips outside the city, consider hiring a car with a driver or joining organized tours that combine multiple attractions. Public buses connect Kandy with nearby towns and villages, but they may be crowded and have limited schedules.
Where to Stay
Kandy offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxurious hotels overlooking the lake to charming boutique properties and budget-friendly guesthouses. Many colonial-era buildings have been converted into characterful hotels that blend historical charm with modern amenities.
For the best experience, consider staying near Kandy Lake or in the leafy suburbs, which are slightly removed from the city center. This location offers cooler temperatures and peaceful surroundings, while remaining within easy reach of major attractions.
FAQ
Q: How many days is enough for Kandy?
While Kandy’s main attractions can technically be covered in one hectic day, 2-3 days are ideal to fully appreciate the city without rushing. This allows time to explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens, and cultural sites at a leisurely pace, plus take in a cultural show and perhaps a day trip to nearby attractions like the Three Temples Loop or Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Q: What is Kandy best known for?
Kandy is best known for being the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism’s sacred sites. The city is also renowned for its annual Esala Perahera festival, traditional Kandyan dance, exquisite handicrafts, and as the gateway to Sri Lanka’s central highlands and tea country.
Q: Is Kandy worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kandy offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic Sri Lankan experiences. Its cooler climate provides relief from coastal heat, while its UNESCO World Heritage status reflects its historical and cultural significance. For most visitors to Sri Lanka, Kandy is considered an essential stop, offering insights into the country’s heritage, religion, and traditions that coastal destinations cannot provide.
Q: What is special about Kandy?
Kandy’s special character comes from its unique position as a living cultural center where ancient traditions remain vibrant parts of daily life. Unlike many historical cities that feel like museums, Kandy strikes a balance between preserving its royal heritage and the energy of a modern regional center. The natural setting amidst misty hills, the sacred atmosphere surrounding the Tooth Relic Temple, and the distinctive cultural expressions, such as Kandyan dance, make this city unlike any other in Sri Lanka or indeed South Asia.
How do I get from Colombo to Kandy?
Several transportation options connect Colombo and Kandy:
- Train: The scenic train journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours and is considered one of the most beautiful rail trips in Asia. First and second-class tickets with reserved seats are recommended and should be booked in advance.
- Bus: Frequent public buses make the journey in approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.
- Private car/taxi: The most flexible option takes about 3 hours and allows stops at interesting sites along the way.
The train journey offers the best combination of comfort, scenery, and cultural experience, particularly if you secure a window seat on the right side when traveling from Colombo to Kandy.
Final Thoughts
Kandy is not just a city; it’s an experience that blends culture, spirituality, and nature in a truly magical way. Whether you’re watching the sunset from a hillside temple, walking through a misty forest, or listening to the rhythms of traditional drums, Kandy will touch your soul in unforgettable ways.
Plan your journey wisely and avoid rushing. Kandy is best savored slowly.
If you’ve visited Kandy, feel free to share your experience in the comments below and inspire other travelers to discover this incredible destination.
By Tour My Lanka Editorial Team
– promoting sustainable and authentic travel across Sri Lanka.
Last Updated: December 2025
Images in this article are for illustration purposes and sourced from royalty-free platforms such as Pixabay and Unsplash.
