Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and historical destinations. Surrounded by green hills and built around a beautiful lake, the city offers a unique combination of heritage, religion, nature and modern Sri Lankan life.
From the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic to the Royal Botanical Gardens and spectacular hill-country viewpoints, Kandy deserves a place on almost every Sri Lanka itinerary.
Discover the complete Kandy destination page
Explore attractions, locations, things to do, nearby places and useful travel information.
In This Guide
About Kandy
Kandy is a historic city located in the central hills of Sri Lanka. It was the final royal capital of the island's ancient kingdoms and remains one of the country's most important cultural centers.
Today, visitors come to Kandy to experience its religious heritage, traditional arts, colonial history, botanical gardens, surrounding mountains and lively city atmosphere.
Culture
Discover temples, traditions and historic landmarks.
Nature
Explore lakes, gardens and surrounding mountains.
History
Experience one of Sri Lanka's most important historic cities.
Best things to do in Kandy
Kandy has enough attractions to keep travelers busy for several days. Here are some of the highlights.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Explore one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist religious sites and learn about its history and traditions.
Walk around Kandy Lake
Take a relaxing walk around the lake and enjoy views of the city and surrounding hills.
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
Spend several hours exploring beautiful gardens, tropical plants and large avenues of trees in Peradeniya.
Visit Kandy viewpoints
Climb to elevated viewpoints for panoramic views across Kandy and the surrounding mountains.
Experience traditional Kandyan culture
Learn about traditional dance, music, crafts and cultural performances.
Explore local food
Try authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, kottu and other local dishes.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, commonly known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka.
The temple is located beside Kandy Lake and attracts both local devotees and international visitors. Its architecture, religious traditions and historical significance make it one of the essential places to visit in Kandy.
Visitor tip: This is an active religious site. Dress respectfully and follow the site's photography and visitor rules.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake sits in the center of the city and provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets around it. A walk around the lake is one of the simplest ways to experience the city.
Morning Walk
Enjoy cooler temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere.
Evening
See the city lights and surrounding hills after sunset.
Photography
Capture views of the lake, temple and surrounding mountains.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Located near Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are among the most popular botanical attractions in Sri Lanka.
The gardens are known for their extensive plant collections, large lawns, palm avenues and peaceful walking paths. Allow several hours if you want to explore the grounds comfortably.
Best viewpoints in Kandy
Kandy is surrounded by hills, which means there are several places where visitors can enjoy elevated views over the city.
Kandy city viewpoint
Head to one of the elevated viewpoints around Kandy around sunrise, sunset or after dark for a different perspective of the city and surrounding mountains.
Experience Kandyan culture
Kandy is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to experience traditional Kandyan culture. Music, dance, costumes and religious traditions remain an important part of the city's identity.
Food to try in Kandy
Kandy has plenty of restaurants, cafés and local eateries. Travelers should take the opportunity to try authentic Sri Lankan food.
Best time to visit Kandy
Kandy has a tropical highland climate and can experience rainfall throughout the year. Weather can vary considerably between days, so it is useful to keep some flexibility in your itinerary.
Outdoor sightseeing
Plan outdoor attractions earlier in the day when possible, especially if rain is forecast.
Hill-country weather
Even when the city is warm, evenings and elevated areas can feel cooler.
How to get to Kandy
Kandy is well connected with Colombo and other major destinations across Sri Lanka.
By Train
Train services connect Kandy with Colombo, the hill country and other destinations. The railway is also a popular way to continue toward Nanu Oya and Ella.
By Private Vehicle
A private car or driver provides flexibility for stopping at attractions along the way.
By Bus
Public buses connect Kandy with many towns and cities around Sri Lanka.
Where to stay in Kandy
Kandy offers accommodation for almost every budget, from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels overlooking the city.
Kandy City
Convenient for restaurants, shopping, transport and major attractions.
Lake Area
A popular choice for visitors who want to stay close to Kandy Lake and the Temple.
Hills Around Kandy
Ideal for travelers looking for quieter surroundings and scenic views.
Places to visit near Kandy
Kandy is an excellent base for exploring some of central Sri Lanka's most famous destinations.
Suggested 3-day Kandy itinerary
Day 1 — Kandy city & Temple
• Check into your accommodation.
• Walk around Kandy Lake.
• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Explore the city center.
• Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner.
Day 2 — Gardens & culture
• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
• Explore Peradeniya.
• Return to Kandy.
• Visit a cultural performance if available.
• Enjoy an evening viewpoint.
Day 3 — Explore beyond Kandy
• Visit a nearby attraction.
• Explore local villages or countryside.
• Try local food.
• Continue toward your next Sri Lankan destination.
Essential Kandy travel tips
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites.
Remove shoes and hats where required by religious-site rules.
Carry a light rain jacket because weather can change quickly.
Start sightseeing early to avoid the busiest periods.
Allow enough time for the Temple of the Tooth because visitor procedures can take time.
Use comfortable walking shoes.
Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
Try authentic local food instead of only international restaurants.
Respect photography restrictions at religious sites.
Consider using Kandy as a base for exploring the central highlands.
Kandy travel FAQ
How many days should I spend in Kandy?
Two to three days is a good starting point for most travelers. This gives you enough time to see the main cultural attractions while also exploring the gardens and surrounding areas.
What is Kandy famous for?
Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Kandyan culture, the Royal Botanical Gardens and its historic importance as Sri Lanka's former royal capital.
Is Kandy worth visiting?
Yes. Kandy offers an excellent combination of culture, history, nature, food and access to Sri Lanka's central highlands.
Can I visit Kandy and Ella together?
Yes. Kandy and Ella are commonly combined as part of a Sri Lankan hill-country itinerary. The railway connection between the region's destinations is particularly popular.
What should I wear when visiting the Temple of the Tooth?
Wear respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Visitors should follow the temple's current requirements and instructions.
Is Kandy suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the lake, botanical gardens, cultural attractions and many easy sightseeing activities around the city.