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Kandy lies in the hills of central Sri Lanka, wrapped around a lake and surrounded by forested slopes. It was the capital of the last independent Sinhalese kingdom, which held out against European powers until the British took control in 1815. The city remains the cultural and religious heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism, and its sacred city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, is the focal point, especially during the evening ceremonies with drumming and offerings. Kandy Lake sits beside it, and the path around its shore makes a calm walk. Kandyan dance performances, with acrobatic dancers and fire walking, are staged most evenings in town. Udawattakele Forest Reserve offers shaded trails directly behind the temple, and the large white Buddha statue at Bahirawakanda Vihara overlooks the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just outside town, are known for orchids and avenues of towering palms.
Kandy suits travelers combining culture with Sri Lanka's hill country. The Ceylon Tea Museum explains the island's most famous crop, and the Knuckles Mountain Range offers serious hiking. Embekke Devalaya and Gadaladeniya Vihara reward those interested in old temple woodwork and stone carving. The city also serves as the gateway to the scenic train toward Ella.
WiserMap travel guideKandy Sri Lanka Temple of the Tooth and Tea CountryDiscover Kandy with this guide to the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya gardens, tea country, Esala Perahera, local food and getting around.Read the guide
Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, holds a tooth relic of the Buddha inside the old royal palace complex. Drummers and offerings mark the daily pujas. Dress with covered shoulders and knees, remove shoes at the entrance, and try to come for the evening puja.
Fourteenth-century stone temple built on a rock outcrop near Pilimathalawa, showing South Indian Dravidian influences in its carvings and image house. It still serves as a working Buddhist temple. Remove shoes before the hot rock surface, so visit in the morning and pair it with Lankatilaka nearby.
Grand fourteenth-century temple perched on a rocky hill near Kandy, with a tall image house holding a large seated Buddha and colorful wall paintings. Steps lead up from the road to fine views of the surrounding paddy fields. It is usually the middle stop when touring the three temples by tuk-tuk.
Artificial lake built by the last Kandyan king in 1807 in the heart of the city, with a scalloped white cloud wall along its edge. A flat walkway of about three kilometers circles the water past the temple and colonial buildings. Walk it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Nightly cultural shows near Kandy Lake, such as at the Kandyan Art Association hall, present traditional Kandyan dance with drummers, acrobatic moves and costumes, often ending with a fire walking act. Shows last about an hour in the early evening. Buy tickets at the door and arrive early for good seats.
Forested hill behind the Temple of the Tooth, once a royal pleasure garden and now a sanctuary with walking trails, a small pond, monkeys and many birds. It is a quiet escape from city traffic within walking distance of the lake. Bring water and insect repellent, and keep food away from the monkeys.
Hilltop temple with a giant white seated Buddha statue that is visible from much of Kandy. The terrace gives wide views over the city, the lake and the surrounding hills. It is a steep walk or a short tuk-tuk ride up. Sunset is the best time, and modest dress is required as at any temple.
Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden just west of Kandy, with an orchid house, a grand avenue of royal palms, a spice garden, giant bamboo and a famous Javan fig tree. Huge colonies of fruit bats hang in the trees. Allow at least two hours and bring an umbrella for sudden showers.
Museum in the old Hantane tea factory a short drive south of Kandy, displaying vintage rolling and drying machines and exhibits on James Taylor and the history of Ceylon tea. A rooftop tea room serves a cup with views of the hills. Combine it with a visit to a working tea estate nearby.
UNESCO-listed mountain range northeast of Kandy named for peaks that look like a clenched fist. Trails pass cloud forest, waterfalls, rice terraces and remote villages, with good bird watching. Hire a local guide for longer treks, and start early because mist and rain often build up in the afternoon.
Fourteenth-century shrine to the god Kataragama west of Kandy, famous for its wooden drummers hall with richly carved pillars showing dancers, wrestlers, animals and mythical figures. It is a stop on the classic three-temples loop. Bring small change for the entry fee and dress modestly.
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