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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

12 Best Things to Do in Kandy

1. Visit the Temple of the Tooth

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

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

2. Stroll around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a scenic walk around this picturesque lake.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

3. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

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

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

4. Witness a Kandy Cultural Show

Experience traditional dance and music performances.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

5. Visit the Kandy Market

Shop for local crafts and taste fresh produce.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

6. Explore Udawattekele Sanctuary

Hike through this lush forest reserve in Kandy.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

7. Tour the Tea Museum

Learn about Sri Lanka's tea history and production.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

8. Take a train ride to Kandy

Enjoy stunning views on the scenic train journey.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

9. Visit Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

See the impressive giant Buddha overlooking Kandy.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

10. Engage in Ayurveda Wellness

Experience traditional healing therapies in Kandy.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

2 hrs

11. Visit the Kandy Garrison Cemetery

Explore the historic cemetery with colonial graves.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

< 1 hr

12. Explore the National Museum of Kandy

Discover Kandy's rich history and cultural artifacts.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

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)