Tour the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit the sacred Buddhist temple housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top hotels & flights
Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kandy.
Top Hotels in Kandy
Top Flights to Kandy
Popular activities
Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kandy.
Tours
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Explore the lush gardens offering a wide range of plant collections, including orchids and royal palms.
Visit Lankatilaka Vihara
Explore Lankatilaka Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and paintings.
Visit Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Explore the large seated Buddha statue which offers a panoramic view of Kandy city.
Kandy Street Food Tasting Tour
Explore Kandy's local street food scene, tasting a variety of traditional Sri Lankan snacks and beverages.
Kandy Art Gallery Visit
Visit the Kandy Art Gallery to appreciate local artwork and learn about Sri Lankan art history.
Visit to Kandy View Point
Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city from Kandy View Point. Perfect for photography or just soaking in the natural beauty.
Kandy City Shopping Tour
Discover local markets and shops in downtown Kandy and buy authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs.
Royal Botanical Gardens Visit
Spend a peaceful morning exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, admiring its vast collection of exotic plants and beautiful orchids.
Temple of the Tooth Museum Visit
Explore the museum adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses an array of artifacts and historical items related to the temple and Kandy's history.
Visit to British Garrison Cemetery
A serene graveyard dating back to the colonial period, providing insights into the British colonial history in Ceylon.
Kandy Silk Factory Tour
Visit a local silk factory to see how traditional silk products are made. Learn about the history of silk production in Sri Lanka.
Kandy Culinary Market Tour
Explore the vibrant local markets of Kandy and discover authentic spices and ingredients. Engage with local vendors and enjoy short tastings of various traditional street foods.
Kandy Artisan Workshop Visit
Visit a local artisan's workshop to learn about traditional Kandyan crafts. Participate in a hands-on session to create your own handcrafted souvenir to take home.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Visit
Experience the charm of observing elephants in their natural habitat at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Witness the gentle giants being fed and bathed.
Traditional Kandyan Arts and Crafts Workshop
Engage in hands-on activities showcasing traditional Kandyan arts and crafts including wood carving and batik making.
Cultural Show at Kandyan Art Association
Witness traditional Kandyan dancing and cultural performances.
Kandy Cultural Show
Enjoy a vibrant cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing and music.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Experience a guided tour and learn about its significance in Sri Lankan culture and history.
Giragama Tea Plantation Tour
Join a guided tour of the Giragama Tea Plantation and learn about tea production in Sri Lanka.
Tea Tasting and Plantation Tour at Giragama
Visit the historic Giragama Tea Plantation to learn about the tea production process. Enjoy a guided tour of the lush tea fields, factory, and end your visit with a delightful tea tasting experience.
Kandy Morning Market Excursion
Start your day with a delightful exploration of the bustling Kandy Morning Market. Discover vibrant stalls brimming with tropical fruits, local spices, artisanal crafts, and tempting snacks. Engage with friendly vendors and experience the local life in Kandy.
Shopping
Shopping at Kandy City Centre
Explore a variety of shops and boutiques at Kandy City Centre for souvenirs and fashion.
Outdoor
Evening walk around Kandy Lake
A tranquil walk along the scenic Kandy Lake, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Hike at Knuckles Mountain Range
Embark on a scenic hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range, known for its biodiversity and panoramic views.
Explore Udawattekele Sanctuary
Walk through the ancient forest reserve located on the hillside behind the Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy City Night Ride
Explore the city like never before with a thrilling night ride through the streets of Kandy, capturing the vibrant nightlife.
Nature Walk at Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens featuring diverse plant species, including orchids, spices, and coconut palms. An oasis of tranquility perfect for a nature walk.
Kandy Lake Boat Ride
Enjoy a serene boat ride on Kandy Lake. Appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the lake and gain insights into its historical significance.
Night Safari at Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Embark on an exciting night safari at Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, where you can spot nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.
Moonlit Stroll through Kandy Lake
Enjoy a romantic, moonlit stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake. Enjoy the night ambiance and the tranquil waters reflecting the city's lights.
Explore Kandy's Hidden Waterfalls
Visit some of the lesser-known waterfalls around Kandy for a refreshing morning adventure in nature.
Kandy Tea Estate Trek
Explore the lush tea plantations of Kandy on an educational trek. Admire the beautiful landscapes while learning about tea production.
Hanthana Mountain Range Sunset Hike
Enjoy an exhilarating hike in the Hanthana Mountain Range during sunset. Experience breathtaking views of Kandy and the surrounding areas.
Kandy River Kayaking Adventure
Embark on a kayaking adventure along the Mahaweli River, experiencing the serene beauty of Kandy's natural landscapes. Suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
Riverside Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch by the Mahaweli River, surrounded by lush greenery and serene views.
Kandy Night Life Crawl
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kandy by visiting popular spots, bars, and live music venues.
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Practical info
The essentials for planning your time in Kandy.
Currency
₨ | LKR | Sri Lankan Rupee
Population
120087.0
Languages
Sinhala, Sinhala, Tamil, English
Local guide
What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kandy.
What people love
Kandy, located in the Central province of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful and culturally rich city with many attractions for tourists. Some of the pros of traveling to Kandy include:
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Cultural Heritage: Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka for Buddhists. This temple houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site.
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Scenic Beauty: Kandy is surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and tea plantations, offering stunning views and ample opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.
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Botanical Gardens: The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, located near Kandy, are renowned for their diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
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Cultural Shows: Visitors to Kandy can enjoy traditional Kandyan dance performances that showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, including drumming, costumes, and acrobatic displays.
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Climate: Kandy enjoys a cooler climate compared to other parts of Sri Lanka, making it a pleasant escape from the heat and humidity of coastal areas.
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Shopping: Kandy is known for its bustling markets and shops where you can purchase local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
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Adventure Activities: Surrounding areas of Kandy offer opportunities for trekking, hiking, and exploring waterfalls, adding an element of adventure to your trip.
Overall, traveling to Kandy offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
Enjoy your trip to Kandy!
What to know
Some potential cons of traveling to Kandy, Sri Lanka could include:
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Weather: Kandy can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon seasons, which could disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
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Crowds: Kandy is a popular tourist destination, especially during festivals like the Esala Perahera, so it can get crowded and busy at certain times of the year.
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Traffic: The city can have congested roads, especially during peak hours, which could make getting around a bit challenging.
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Cultural differences: Travelers may encounter cultural norms and customs that are different from what they are used to, which could lead to misunderstandings or discomfort.
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Hygiene and sanitation: Some parts of Kandy may not meet the cleanliness standards that travelers from other countries are accustomed to, so it's important to be mindful of hygiene practices.
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Language barrier: English is widely spoken in Kandy, but there may still be some communication challenges, especially in more rural areas.
Overall, Kandy is a beautiful and culturally rich destination, but like any travel experience, there can be challenges that come with it. It's important to be prepared and open-minded when visiting Kandy or any other new place.