Traverse through

The Sacred City of Kandy

A city encompassed by the central hills of the island, Kandy, Sri Lanka, is often quoted as the ‘cultural capital’ of the country. A world away from other tourist hubs in the country, the hill capital is a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Colombo.

kandy lake at night
The Sacred City of Kandy
Inside Kandyan

History


The historic city of Kandy carries with it a rich past. Kandy got its name from the Sinhala term “kanda”, which translates to ‘mountain’, due to its geographical location.

Adventure in the Hills

Things to do


Life moves rather quietly in the homely city of Kandy, but hidden thrills await those looking for it.

Esteemed

Hotels


The Enchanting Kandy Esala Perahera

Watch as culture, tradition, and history come to life at the Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as ‘The Festival of the Tooth’.

Amazing

Offers

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Hilly Adventures

Explore Kandy


Top things do in Kandy

The second-largest city in Sri Lanka is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This laid-back, homely city is perfect for a few days away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns. Although quite small in size, Kandy is easily navigable and boasts some wonderful things to see and do.

Walk down the streets of the city and you’ll come across the magnificent palace everyone speaks of. You can also pay a visit to an ancient temple or walk through rows and rows of vibrant flowers in a massive garden.

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Explore the city
  • Gadaladeniya Viharaya
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Walk the Lake
  • Udawattakele Forest Reserve
  • Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Best photo spots in Kandy

Looking to make your Instagram more colourful during your holiday in Sri Lanka? Well, hop on over to Kandy, the scenic hill country at the very heart of the island.

Staying true to its history, the relics of the past are clearly visible on the streets and they are photogenic, to begin with. As you continue to explore further, the well-manicured gardens fit for royalty is yet another great place for snaps. Capture the essence of the people of Kandy when you spot the graffiti that will surprise you in the most unexpected corners. Here are some picture-friendly spots around the city.

  • The Royal Botanical Gardens
  • The Kandy Lake
  • Arthurs Seat
  • Graffiti around the city
  • Kandy Clock Tower

One day excursions from Kandy

Are you wondering what to do next, as you’ve pretty much covered your Kandy itinerary? Kandy is just the one place you’ve visited within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Worry not, as plenty of exciting attractions and experiences lie beyond the city of Kandy.

Discover ruins of a grand castle that once existed on a massive rock or make your way to an ancient cave temple. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can marvel at waterfalls and the gentle giants of the wild. A game or two of golf won’t be a bad idea either. Here are a few attractions that await.

  • Sigiriya
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Hunnasgiriya Waterfalls
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Victoria Golf Course
  • Embekke Devalaya

Getting around in Kandy

Kandy, when compared to Colombo and other cities around the island, is easily navigable with no high-rise buildings. Therefore, getting around from place to place is not very time consuming (unless it’s peak traffic hour!). Here are some means on how you can get about in Kandy.

Enjoy a fun bumpy tuk-tuk ride or an exhilarating train ride. Maybe take it slow and walk the streets of Kandy to let it all gently sink into your memory or a ride on a two-wheeled beast is also always an option.

  • Tuk-tuks
  • Rent a car
  • Train rides
  • By foot
  • Cycle
galadeniya rajamaha viharaya kandy

The second-largest city in Sri Lanka is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This laid-back, homely city is perfect for a few days away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns. Although quite small in size, Kandy is easily navigable and boasts some wonderful things to see and do.

Walk down the streets of the city and you’ll come across the magnificent palace everyone speaks of. You can also pay a visit to an ancient temple or walk through rows and rows of vibrant flowers in a massive garden.

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Explore the city
  • Gadaladeniya Viharaya
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Walk the Lake
  • Udawattakele Forest Reserve
  • Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
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FAQs About Kandy


Got a question? Browse through our FAQ section and save some time.

The best to visit Kandy is from December to April when the weather is dry and ideal for sightseeing.

You can travel to Kandy by car, taxi, train or bus.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Ceylon Tea Museum, Kandy Lake, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hanthana Mountain Range among so much more.

It’s best to dress modestly if you plan on visiting attractions with a religious significance; wear long pants past your knees and cover your shoulders.

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, explore Uduwattakale Sanctuary and hike the Hanthana and Knuckles mountain ranges.

Scenic hotels, elegant bungalows, and even charming hostels are available for a stay.

You can travel by tuk-tuk or walking is an option too as most attractions are not very far from each other.

special thanks to cinnamon air for sharing the pictures
www.cinnamonair.com