Kandy Guide
If you’re travelling around Sri Lanka, make sure you set aside a few days to spend in the country’s cultural capital. The ancient city of Kandy is the second largest in Sri Lanka and is littered with fascinating sites of cultural and historic importance. For those hungry to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, Kandy is a must-visit!
Home to the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this bustling (yet beautiful) city is an important place of worship for Buddhists.
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Besides temples, Kandy has a whole host of sights and activities to delight visitors. From sensational gardens to sumptuous restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy during your stay.
So, what else is there to see and do in Kandy, and what’s the best time of year to visit? Whether you’re travelling with your family, as a couple, with friends or solo, here are the most unmissable sights and activities in Kandy!
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, sightseeing | 63mi | * * * | * ** * | * | ** * | * | * | * |
Who should go to Kandy?
The spiritual city of Kandy is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s religion, cuisine and vibrant past. Anyone thirsting for knowledge about the culture and history of Sri Lanka will enjoy exploring the ancient streets of Kandy!
- Solo travellers
- Romantic couples
- Groups
When should you go to Kandy?
For the best weather
For the warmest, sunniest weather, head to Kandy from March to May. Temperatures at this time of year are warm and pleasant (26 – 28 C /79 -82 F), and rainfall is less frequent – perfect conditions for exploring the city!
To beat the crowds
Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is busy and bustling year-round. To avoid the heaviest tourist crowds, however, head over in January or February. These months are just outside of high season, so there will be fewer travellers in Kandy at this time of year. Weather conditions will be slightly wetter, but you should still see plenty of sunny days!
For the coolest events
Kandy Esala Perahera
When? July/August
Where?
To witness some of the most exuberant celebrations in Sri Lanka, get involved with Kandy Esala Perahera! This elaborate festival is the most vibrant event in the Kandy calendar and takes place over 10 days in July or August, starting from the date of the full moon. The festivities are held in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic, an ancient remnant of the Buddha himself and one of the most important historical artifacts in the country.
The festival is, therefore, sensationally elaborate, and features incredible performances, displays and parades. Join the celebrations to marvel at the processions and costumes of the performers, and to immerse yourself in one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural traditions!
Things to see and do in Kandy
Take a stroll around Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake has been a feature of the city since 1807 when it was created by the ruler of the kingdom during this era.
Today, it is one of the most scenic locations in town. Sites of idyllic beauty and historical interest lie scattered around its shore, where people gather daily to take in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake. This wide expanse of mirror-smooth water is broken only by the small island in its center and is a charming location for a walk during your time in Kandy.
The spot is especially popular among romantic couples, and the sight of the sky reflecting on the water at sunset is magical.
Immerse yourself in culture at The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage captivates thousands of travellers every year, and nowhere more so than Sri Dalada Maligawa; The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
A must-visit for anyone passing through Kandy, this incredible world-heritage site is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, as it houses the sacred tooth of Buddha himself. The holy tooth, enshrined in a golden casket, has resided in the temple since its construction in the 18th century. Make sure you set aside a few hours to wander through the grounds and soak in the incredible atmosphere of this ancient holy site.
Peradeniya Botanical Garden
If the crush of the city gets you down, hop in a taxi and make the 5km journey to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, this 147-acre sprawl of vibrant greenery is the best place to surround yourself with natural beauty! The Peradeniya Garden is the largest in all of Sri Lanka and is home to over 4000 species of plants. The rare and fascinating collections within include giant bamboo, orchids, the cannonball tree, coconut palms and more!
Visit from Monday to Friday to avoid the weekend rush and immerse yourself in the soothing greenery of the flora!
Ranweli Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is world-famous for its rare herbs and spices, and you can learn all about them at the Ranweli Spice Garden. This popular tourist attraction is located close to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and houses several plantations of exquisite herbs and spices. If you want to explore the production process of the world’s finest flavours, it’s a must-visit!
Turmeric, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, aloe vera and cocoa are among the plants sown, grown and harvested in these fertile gardens. These sensational plantations have a tranquil beauty and a soothing atmosphere – a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Kandy!
Check out a Kandyan dance and drum show
The ancient kingdom of Kandy is famous for its spectacular dance and drum shows. These energetic performances have their roots in the temples of the city, where they were enacted in honour of the gods. Today the tradition has entered mainstream society, and the performances can be seen in several locations around Kandy!
These shows have a distinctive dance and drumming style that’s unique to the region. A quintessential part of Sri Lankan culture, the Kandyan dance and drum show is a must-see if you’re in town!
Off the beaten track in Kandy…
Take an excursion to Sembuwatta Lake
If you’re ready to escape the crowds of Kandy for a day, you’ll love Sembuwatta Lake. Located a little outside of the city, the lake is nearer the town of Matale than Kandy. However, it’s easy to reach by road and you can make the scenic drive by taxi, rented car, or motorbike.
The tranquility of the lake is palpable as soon as you get there, and this is the perfect way to detox from the stress of the city!
Admire the scenic views of this vast, mirror-smooth body of water and the beauty of the surrounding tea plantations with a stroll around the lake. Swimming here is prohibited, but the beauty of the water reflecting the endless blue of the sky is soothing enough! This is the ideal location for a romantic outing, a family picnic, or some quiet time alone out in nature.
Where to eat in Kandy
World Spice – KCC
For a bit of everything, check out World Spice in the Kandy City Centre. Their food court is full of dishes from around the globe, from Indian to Thai! With something to suit all tastes and a casual atmosphere, this is one of the best places to grab lunch or dinner while you’re staying in Kandy!
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Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a beer or cocktail with your meal, Slightly Chilled is the best place for it. This vibrant bar boasts spectacular views of the city and a delicious menu of Chinese dishes – great for an evening meal with your mates!
Sala Thai
Fans of Thai cuisine must not miss out on Sala Thai in Kandy. Their extensive menu of authentically Thai food is sure to satisfy and their service is spot-on. Make sure you head over for a relaxed evening meal in Kandy!
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Where to stay in Kandy
Stay in the center
To be within walking distance of the shops and restaurants, look for a room in the center of Kandy. This will put you conveniently close to everything you need during your stay in the city and will make it easier to arrange transport to the various sites of interest around town.
Escape the city
If you want to check out Kandy but don’t love the pace of city life, look for accommodation outside of the city center. Travel just 10 km out of town and you’ll find yourself in sensational natural surroundings, while still being within easy reach of all Kandy’s attractions!