Kandy

About Kandy

Cradled by misted hills around a tranquil lake, Kandy is Sri Lanka's spiritual and cultural capital and one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island. Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, watch a thunderous Kandyan dance, then wander Peradeniya's Royal Botanical Gardens. Climb to the 88-foot Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue for panoramic city views, ride up to the Kandy View Point at Rajapihilla Mawatha, and if you can, time your visit for the 10-day Esala Perahera festival, when lavishly costumed dancers and caparisoned elephants parade the sacred tooth relic through the streets.

Top experiences

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  Temple of the Sacred Tooth

  Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist shrine, housing a tooth relic of the Buddha.

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  Kandy Lake walk

  A leafy 3 km loop around the city's central lake built by the last Kandyan king.

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  Royal Botanical Gardens

  Sprawling 60-hectare gardens at Peradeniya with giant bamboo, orchids and a 200-year-old fig.

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  Kandyan cultural dance show

  Thundering drums, fire walkers and acrobatic dancers in jewelled costumes.

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  Udawatta Kele forest reserve

  A historic royal forest sanctuary on the hills behind the Temple of the Tooth.

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  Guided walking tour

  See the highlights with a knowledgeable local guide.

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  Photography excursion

  Golden-hour trip to the area's most photogenic spots.

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  Local cuisine tasting

  Sample regional Sri Lankan dishes and street food.

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  Scenic viewpoint drive

  Half-day drive to the region's best panoramic viewpoints.

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  Historic town centre

  Colonial-era streets, markets and heritage buildings.

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  Local temple or shrine

  A living place of worship at the heart of the community.

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  Scenic viewpoint

  Sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.

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  Regional museum

  Small collection covering the area's history and culture.