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Kandy is the old capital of Sri Lanka. The whole city is located on mountains 500 meters above sea level where rare plants grow. It faces Kandy Lake and has beautiful scenery. Coupled with a large number of ancient monuments and ruins, it has always been a holy place for tourists.
Founded in the 14th century, the sacred city of Kandy has survived both the Sinhalese dynasty and colonial rule, embodying human ingenuity in urban planning, architecture, sculpture, painting, music, and dance, making it a significant cultural heritage. Kandy boasts numerous attractions, primarily palaces and Buddhist architecture, but also retains some royal buildings and exotic colonial architecture.
Kandy is located in the middle of the island at a higher altitude. Compared with other parts of Sri Lanka, especially the tropical climate along the coast, it is more humid and cool.
Best time to travel: Summer
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Located north of Lake Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic: the tooth of Gautama Buddha. The complex structure of the two-story temple, with halls nested within halls, includes a Buddha Hall, a drum hall, a long hall, a chanting hall, a large treasury, and an inner hall. The most important building is the central hall.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Kandy's Royal Botanic Gardens, known as the world's finest tropical botanical garden and the largest in Asia, spans over 60 hectares. Founded in 1371, the gardens once served as the royal gardens of the King of Kandy. Today, they house over 4,000 species of plants, both native to Sri Lanka and imported from abroad, including some of the rarest and most valuable tropical species. The scorching tropical sun and Kandy's Mediterranean climate create a perpetually spring-like atmosphere, with lush vegetation and blooming flowers everywhere.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake is located in the heart of Kandy, a Buddhist holy city in central Sri Lanka. A vast artificial lake carved from a rice paddy field, it is one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. Many beautiful legends surround Kandy Lake, adding to its mystique.
Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. It is historically significant for preserving Sinhalese culture and religion, particularly Buddhism. The city is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, making it a major pilgrimage site.
Kandy is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, about 115 km northeast of Colombo. It can be reached by train or bus from Colombo, or by private taxi/car. Within the city, walking, tuk-tuks, and taxis are common transport options.
Major attractions like the Temple of the Tooth are open from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is dry and mild.
Advance booking is usually not required, except for guided tours or private visits. Booking a day or two in advance is recommended during peak tourist season.
One to two full days are sufficient to explore Kandy’s main attractions, cultural sites, and gardens.
Guided tours are available in English, and private guides may offer tours in other languages on request. Audio guides are not commonly provided.
Start at the Temple of the Tooth → Kandy Lake walk → Royal Botanical Gardens → Udawattakele Forest Reserve → Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue → explore Kandy Market and cultural performances in the evening.
Kandy can be crowded during religious festivals such as the Esala Perahera (July/August). Weekdays are less busy than weekends, and mornings are ideal for quieter visits.
Some sites, like the Temple of the Tooth, have steps and may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs. Kandy Lake promenade and Botanical Gardens are more accessible for elderly and children.
Cash (LKR) is commonly used, especially at markets and temples. Cards and mobile payments are accepted at hotels, major restaurants, and some attractions.
