Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural heart of the hill country—famous for its sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a peaceful lake walk, and green highland landscapes just beyond the city. Once the last royal capital of the Sinhala kings, Kandy still feels ceremonial and alive: you’ll hear drums and chanting near the temple, smell jasmine and incense in the evenings, and find viewpoints, forests, and tea-growing hills a short drive away.
Whether you’re traveling from Colombo, pairing Kandy with Sigiriya and Dambulla, or starting a hill-country train journey, this city makes a perfect 1–2 day stop. It’s compact enough to explore slowly, but rich enough to reward anyone who enjoys history, art, architecture, and nature.
Photos
Sacred sites, lakeside views, and lush gardens around Kandy.
History
Kandy’s story is woven into Sri Lanka’s royal and religious traditions. As the last seat of the island’s kings, the city became the guardian of the Sacred Tooth Relic—a symbol of sovereignty and spiritual authority. Today, that heritage is felt in the rituals at the temple, the elegance of Kandyan dance and drumming, and the historic neighborhoods that curve around the lake.
One landmark that ties everything together is Kandy Lake. Built as a royal project, it now forms the city’s most relaxing walking route, especially at sunrise and dusk when the air is cool and the hills appear misty in the distance.
Top things to do in Kandy
1) Visit the Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is the spiritual centerpiece of the city. Visit with respectful clothing (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes at the entrance, and keep an eye out for ceremonial times when drumming and offerings fill the courtyards.
Go early morning for a quieter atmosphere, or in the evening when the temple lights glow and the city feels most alive.
2) Walk the Kandy Lake loop
This is Kandy’s simplest pleasure: a gentle lakeside walk with views of the temple rooftops, trees, and hills beyond. It’s great for photos, people-watching, and a slow reset between sightseeing.
If you love calm mornings, do the loop around 6:30–8:00 AM. If you prefer atmosphere, aim for golden hour before sunset.
3) Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Just behind the temple area, Udawattakele is a small sanctuary of shaded trails and birdsong. It’s ideal if you want a short hike without leaving the city. Expect monkeys, tall trees, and a cooler temperature than the streets below.
Bring water, wear good shoes, and go in the morning for the best chance of seeing wildlife.
4) Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
A short drive from the city, the gardens at Peradeniya are one of the best places in Sri Lanka for an easy, beautiful stroll. Think tall palm avenues, huge shady trees, orchids, and open lawns.
Go early for cooler weather and softer light. Plan 2–3 hours if you enjoy walking slowly and taking photos.
5) Catch a cultural show (dance & drumming)
Kandyan dance is powerful and rhythmic, featuring traditional drumming, spinning costumes, and ceremonial movements. A cultural show in the evening is a fun way to connect with local tradition after a day of sightseeing—especially if you’re not visiting during festival season.
Esala Perahera (festival season)
If you visit in July or August, you may catch the Esala Perahera, Kandy’s most famous cultural celebration. During this period, the city’s nights can include processions, drummers, dancers, and ceremonial pageantry connected to the temple traditions.
It’s a wonderful experience—but it also means more crowds and traffic near the city center. If festival dates overlap with your trip, book accommodation early and plan to walk instead of relying on vehicles near the lake.
What to eat in Kandy
Local rice & curry
The classic Sri Lankan plate—rice with a mix of vegetable curries, sambol, and sometimes fish or chicken. Try it for lunch when places are freshest and the city is buzzing.
Kottu & street snacks
Kottu (chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and meat) is a Sri Lankan favorite—loud, delicious, and best enjoyed fresh. For snacks, look for short eats like patties, rolls, and vadai.
Tea in the hills
Kandy sits close to tea-growing regions, so don’t miss a tea stop— whether it’s a simple cup with a view, or a factory visit on the way to the highlands.
Best time to visit
December to April
Generally drier and comfortable—great for walking the lake and combining Kandy with the hill country.
May to October
Expect more rain and mist, but the hills look lush and dramatic. Plan indoor-friendly activities (temple, museums, cafés) as backups.
Tip: In any season, mornings are cooler and calmer. Start early, then save gardens and viewpoints for later in the day.
Suggested 1–2 day itinerary
Day 1: City + sacred sites
- Early: Temple of the Tooth + temple museum areas
- Mid-morning: Kandy Lake walk + photos
- Afternoon: café break + shopping (handicrafts / markets)
- Evening: cultural show or relaxed sunset by the lake
Day 2: Gardens + nature
- Morning: Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
- Midday: local lunch (rice & curry)
- Afternoon: Udawattakele Forest Reserve (short hike)
- Evening: viewpoint stop or tea break outside the city
Practical tips
- Dress respectfully for temples: cover shoulders and knees; you’ll remove shoes at entrances (carry socks if the ground is hot).
- Start early—Kandy feels best in cool morning air and you’ll avoid peak crowds in the center.
- Keep small cash for tickets, tuk-tuks, and snacks (especially around markets).
- If you’re sensitive to rain, bring a light jacket or umbrella; hill weather can change quickly.
- For onward travel, Kandy is a great hub to continue into the highlands (Nuwara Eliya / Ella routes) or back to Colombo.
Want to explore more?
Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s best cultural stops—easy to explore, deeply meaningful, and perfectly placed for hill-country adventures.