Kandy

Sri Lanka, Asia

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is famous for its stunning blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. Nestled amidst lush hills, it is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can enjoy tranquil boat rides on Kandy Lake, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the Kandy Esala Perahera, an annual festival showcasing traditional dance and procession. With its serene vibe, historical significance, and enticing landscapes, Kandy offers a unique window into Sri Lanka's soul.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Bandaranaike

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

12 Best Things to Do in Kandy

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore this sacred Buddhist shrine housing Buddha's tooth relic.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a scenic walk around this picturesque lake.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

Discover diverse flora in Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Witness a Kandy Cultural Show

Experience traditional dance and music performances.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Kandy Market

Shop for local crafts and taste fresh produce.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Udawattekele Sanctuary

Hike through this lush forest reserve in Kandy.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Tea Museum

Learn about Sri Lanka's tea history and production.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a train ride to Kandy

Enjoy stunning views on the scenic train journey.

No booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

See the impressive giant Buddha overlooking Kandy.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Engage in Ayurveda Wellness

Experience traditional healing therapies in Kandy.

Booking required
11

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Kandy Garrison Cemetery

Explore the historic cemetery with colonial graves.

No booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the National Museum of Kandy

Discover Kandy's rich history and cultural artifacts.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-6 (#109 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Sinhala

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry

VE

Rice served with various curries. (National dish)

Kottu Roti

VE

Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.

Hoppers (Appa)

VE

Fermented rice flour pancakes.

Pol Sambol

VE

Coconut sambol with chili and onion.

Lamprais

Rice and meat wrapped in banana leaves.

Phrases to learn

English

Sinhala

Hello

Ayubowan

(Ah-yoo-boh-wahn)

Yes/No

Ow / Nae

(Ow / Neh)

Thank you

Sthūti

(S-thoo-tee)

Excuse me

Samāvenda

(Sah-mah-ven-dah)

How much?

Keeyada?

(Kee-ya-da)