Places to visit in 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, 115km away from the seaport of Colombo. Kandy district is situated in the centrel province of Sri Lanka. 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 all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in the world. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. The Temple which is venerated by thousands of local & foreign devotees and tourists daily was named as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1988. The Temple which carries a lot of value to Buddhists all over the world also has immense cultural value. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country.
Open Hours
Open throughout the week from 05:30 AM – 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
Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is near the Mahaweli River (The longest river in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall.
Prince of Wales Royal Park
Wales Park in Kandy is known by many names: The Royal Palace Park, Wace Park, or Rajawasala Park. Situated on top of a hill, the park covers approximately 2 hectares of land and is known for its majestic views of the surrounding city and Kandy Lake. It stands overlooking the Kandy Lake and was established by King Sri Wikrama Rajasingha. The park was later renamed by the British as Wales Park to honor the Prince of Wales. The park displays a Japanese field gun which was captured by the British army during World War II and given to the city of Kandy.
Kandy View Point
Kandy City View Point is a place to capture the picturesque view of Kandy city. This is situated in Rajapihilla Mawatha. It is also called 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 Kandy Lake as if 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 simple adventure – a short hike through the steep slopes on the way to View Point to admire the magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings with an occasional misty breeze.
Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center
Hanthana Birds Park (Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center) is a recently established travel destination near the famous Kandy City. The place is situated 6 kilometers away from the busy City of Kandy. You can observe the famous Hanthana Mountain Range from there. The park covers an area of about 4 acres and is home to over 100 species of birds. Visitors can stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens and enjoy the sight of birds flying freely in their natural habitat.
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”). The Kandy Lake Round walking path is very popular with visitors and the walking path around the lake perimeter covers a distance of 2.7 Kilometers at present. The whole distance can be walked under the shades of large trees, watching many species of birds and creatures that inhabit the lake such as fish, turtles, and Asian water monitors.
Udawattekele Sanctuary
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary or 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 get to spot rare and endemic bird species among other organisms, such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and wet zone butterflies. Also contains three Buddhist forest monasteries that one could explore on their trek. It was once a pleasure garden for Kandyan royalty and was reserved for the exclusive use of the royal family.
Ambuluwawa Tower
Ambuluwawa Tower is located in the suburbs of Gampola Town in Sri Lanka. It is the first Multi-Religious Center in Sri Lanka. You can see a Temple, Kovil, a Mosque, and a Church. There has been an increased popularity in recent times especially due to the breathtaking views you can experience when you climb to the top of the Ambuluwawa Tower. Reaching the top of Ambuluwawa one can experience the most amazing views which could sometimes be covered by the ongoing mist.
Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantane, three kilometers from Kandy city is served by a motorable road that circles the museum and provides easy access and adequate parking facilities for cars and tourist coaches. Ceylon Tea Museum was structured in 1925 as the former Hantana Tea factory. Later in 1998, this tea factory was converted into the famous Ceylon Tea Museum.
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, acclaimed its status in 1942. It is a must-visit place for travelers and explorers who have a thirst to know the unknown and to understand the past. Sri Lankan history and heritage, which has come a long way over the decades, is rightly preserved in the National Museum in Kandy. Formerly known as Palle Vahala, the museum used to serve as accommodation for royal guests.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and all public holidays
International Buddhist Museum
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 demonstrates the expansion of Buddhism all around the world. It is nestled in the complex that once served as the King’s residence along with the National Museum and Temple of the Tooth. The contributions of over 17 countries can be seen here including India, Pakistan, Japan, and China. The inception of Buddhism in the above countries and its applications, showcasing Buddha’s message and how it diverges into the modern world is the purpose of this museum.
Highway Museum Complex
Expressway Exhibition Hall Complex is Sri Lanka’s first thruway historical center and is 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 back in the day. It is a museum which is free of charge and 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, which provides the visitor with comprehensive knowledge of minerals and how they are formed, the prices of gemstones in Sri Lanka are suitable for everyone. The museum exhibits rare minerals in the world which are found in Sri Lanka and the oldest fossils of living beings from the Cambrian era about 541 – 485 million years ago.
British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy
From its establishment in 1822, this cemetery was the designated final resting place of many British and European greats from Sri Lanka’s colonial era. 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 and quiet of this tranquil place, are tombstones and black headstones.
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. 196 Allied officers and men from seven nations during World War 2 are buried in this sacred place. During World War 2 Kandy was an important centre and the headquarters of the South East Asian Command from April 1944.
Kandy War Cemetery is officially open every day between 07 AM – 04 PM but in practice, your & BEYOND guide will always ring ahead. Outside of these hours, the cemetery is locked. Wheelchair access is possible via the main entrance. The British Garrison Cemetery is open from 08h30-17h00 every day.
Lankatilaka Vihara Temple
Located at Udunuwara Hiyarapitiya village of Kandy. It was constructed as a four-story building that stood eighty feet high and sits on an uneven rock bed overlooking the Hantane mountain range. The Lankatilaka temple history runs back to the Gampola Kingdom era. 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
Gadaladenyia Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy. It is considered one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka. Gadaladeniya is famous for Sri Lanka’s best paintings from the Middle Ages. Another remarkable feature is a stupa with four adjacent chapels in a cruciform layout and protected by a roof.
Embekka Devalaya
The Embekka Devalaya (Embekke or Embekka) Temple is situated in an area known as Udunuwara in the Kandy district
The Embekka Devalaya, situated in the Medapatha Korale of Udunuwara, is within easy access via the Colombo – Kandy main road, turning off at Pilimathalawa. It was built during the Gampola Era (AD1357 – 1374) by King Vikramabahu lll, as a place of worship dedicated to Mahasen, also known as “Katharagama Deviyo”. It has been said that the Embekka Devalaya may be the best place in the world, certainly in Sri Lanka to see the finest wood carvings of old.
From then it is a mere 7 -8 km to reach the Devalaya. Two more famous Temples – Lankathilaka and Gadaladeniya can be seen along the way. Ruins of the ancient Embekka Ambalama (Rest) are also visible just before the actual Temple is sighted.
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. This beautifully sculptured white Buddha statue was built in 1972. Standing at 88 feet, it is considered one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka.Galmaduwa Viharaya
The Galmaduwa Temple is a temple with strange architecture situated in Kalapura village, on Kundasala Road. This 125-year-old temple was built by the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (the last king of Kandy), this temple is known for its stunning roof artwork and architecture that amalgamates Piyo rocks and seems vividly similar to a Hindu Kovil. The king has not completed the building of this temple and has shifted his attention towards Degaldoruwa. In its unfinished state, this building was never used as a temple.
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 with 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 way back in the past and is considered to be the oldest building in Kandy. At this Devale, Natha is venerated as Senkadagala Devindu (the god of Senkadagala, or Kandy), due to a legendary link with the establishment of the kingdom of Kandy. Natha Devalaya is one of the Hatara Devalya (four main Devalayas) in Kandy, the other three being Vishnu, Kataragama, and Patini. These four Devalayas have a long association with the Royal Palace ( Maha Vasala) and the Temple of Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and have been venerated by Buddhists and Hindus alike from their inception.
Vishnu Devalaya
Maha Vishnu Devalaya is situated to the northwest of the Royal Palace. It is also known as “Maha Devale” and is one of the Hathara Devale (Four Temples) in Kandy. Maha Vishnu Devalaya will give you a more in-depth understanding of the area’s spiritual beliefs.
Sri Maha Paththini Davalaya
The “Pattini Devale” dedicated to the goddess Pattini is situated to the west of the “Natha Devale”. In the past, the two devales were separated by a cross-road called “Et Vidiya” or the Elephant Street which is no more.
Red Mosque
Red Mosque is situated in E.L. Senanayake Veediya in Kandy. It is a red and white building located down the same road as Lord Kataragama Temple. The mosque is located among the surrounding commercial buildings. The beautiful facade of the mosque which is visible from the road, is painted red which gives the mosque its name. It is amongst the most beautiful mosques in Sri Lanka. The mosque shows hints of Indian architecture in its building and structure.
St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church is located in the historical district of Kandy, Sri Lanka on sacred grounds west of the Temple of the Tooth. Situated in the Dalada Maligawa Square, near Natha Devale and Patthini Devale. Construction began in 1843 and was completed in 1848. The architectural style is Neo-Gothic, and the interior is a piece of English Victoriana. It is an Anglican church, affiliated with the Church of Ceylon.
Alagalla Mountain Range
Alagalla Mountain Range is located at the boundary between the Central Province and the Sabaragamuwa Province. The mountain range is a popular hiking destination among local travelers. You need to walk around 3 km to reach the Alagalla Tea Factory from the Ihala Kotte Railway Station. Then you need to walk along the tea estate to find the small footpath to the mountain. Both the Poththapitiya route and the Ihala Kotte route join together near the Alagalla Tea Factory. Finally, you have to follow one route to reach the summit.
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 remarkably beautiful place, which has breathtaking views and an unspoiled extraordinary environment. This is located near Frotoft Tea Estate in Kandy district in the Central province of Sri Lanka.
Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana Mountain Range is located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It consists of seven peaks. The height of the highest peak in the range is 3800 ft. The highest peak is named “Uura Kanda”. It is a popular location for bird watching, hiking, and camping. The mountains have served as locations for movies and music videos. The peaks of the mountain offer amazing 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. At Kandy Brassware Village there is almost everything made of brass to be found here. 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 second largest prison in Sri Lanka, the first being the Welikada Prison in Colombo. It was built by the British Ceylon Government in the year 1876. 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 located 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 and is 7km away from Delthota town. It is a beautiful man-made reservoir surrounded by hills, just 8 km from Loolcondera Tea Estate which is the first tea estate in Sri Lanka.
Can be accessed through Kandy ➡ Rikillagaskada ➡Pallebowala ➡Gurugaloya Dam
Or
Kandy ➡Galaha Junction ➡Galaha ➡Deltota ➡Gabadagama ➡Gurugaloya Dam
Nearly 8km from Loolcondera Tea Estate (First Tea Estate in Sri Lanka). Good sub-destination if you are planning to visit Rikillagaskada/ Hanguranketha area or Deltota/Loolcondera area.
