Kandy

A historic hill city known for its sacred temples, rich cultural heritage, and scenic lake surroundings.

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, hill country capital, and sacred city. It is home to the famed Temple of the Tooth, the most revered relic of Buddha. It was the last ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka before the country fell to the British. It is the first stop before going deep into the highland and tea country, places such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella. The notable architecture of Kandy city and its culture remain dominant in Sinhala Buddhist culture. It played a principal role in the British colonialism, as Kandy was Sri Lanka’s last stronghold. Kandy Perehara is one of the most important religious events in the country and has been the case for centuries.

Hidden Gems

Bahirawakanda Viharaya Buddha Statue perched on a hill is 88ft tall.
Ceylon Tea Museum tells the story of tea in Sri Lanka with its vintage exhibits.
The Railway Museum showcases trains from Sri Lanka’s past.
Kandyan Dance and Drum show let you soak up some of that unique culture.
The Spice Garden is a place to see famous spices in their natural habitat.

Best Times to Visit

It has favourable conditions all year. November to April is Kandy’s dry season

Weather

Top Attractions

It is an artificial construction by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Sri Lanka. It is part of the temple complex and is a scenic sight and place of ritual.

Kandy Lake

This Kandy tourism hotspot is nearby the Mahaweli River. The 147 acres of garden contains more than 4000 species of plants including spices and medicinal plants.

Royal Botanical Gardens

This forest reserve of 257 acres has a variety of plant and animal species. It was once a pleasure park for Kandyan kings. It has forest monasteries and cave dwellings.

Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Situated inside the royal palace complex, this museum is a treasure trove of Buddhist knowledge and information. It showcases the spread of Buddhism in Asia

International Buddhist Museum

This 14th Century Devala is the oldest Devala of Kandy dedicated to local and Hindu gods. It stands on a stone terrace surrounded by bodhi trees and dagobas

Natha Devalaya

The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, housing the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha and showcasing centuries of spiritual and cultural heritage.