Best time to visitJanuary to April; July–August for the Esala Perahera
Getting thereAbout 115 km from Colombo, around 3 hours by road or a scenic train
Recommended stay2 days
Welcome to Kandy
Discover Kandy
Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka's kings and is still the island's cultural and spiritual heart. The city is built around a lake and ringed by forested hills, and it's home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watch the evening puja at the temple, stroll the lakeside, see a Kandyan dance performance and spend a morning in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya. In July or August the Esala Perahera fills the streets with elephants, dancers and drummers in one of Asia's greatest festivals.
Kura's tip
Visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja (around 6:30 pm), and book Perahera seats well in advance.
Top attractions
Things to see in Kandy
12 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
UNESCO heritage
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. Drummers lead the daily pujas.
Garden
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Sixty hectares of gardens with an orchid house, giant bamboo, avenues of palms and a famous Javan fig tree.
Viewpoint
Bahirawakanda Buddha
A huge white Buddha statue on a hilltop overlooking the city, with fine views at sunset.
Temple
Nelligala International Buddhist Centre
A modern hilltop temple with grand architecture and panoramic views over the mountains.
Lake
Kandy Lake
The heart of the city, built by the last king of Kandy. Walk its tree-shaded path at any time of day.
Culture
Kandyan Dance Show
An evening performance of traditional dance, drumming and fire-walking in colourful costumes.
Viewpoint
Arthur's Seat Viewpoint
A lookout above the city with a postcard view of Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth.
Forest
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A royal forest reserve behind the temple, with walking trails, monkeys and many birds.
Tea
Giragama Tea Factory
Tour a working tea factory, learn how Ceylon tea is made, and enjoy a fresh cup with valley views.
Museum
Ceylon Tea Museum
A historic tea factory turned museum, with vintage machinery, tea history and a top-floor tea room.
Hike
Hanthana Mountain Range
A range of hills just outside the city, with trails through tea and grassland and views over Kandy.
Family fun
Kandy Bird Park
A large bird park with colourful local and exotic species in walk-through aviaries.
Shopping
Sri Lanka’s Gifts and Souvenirs, A Treasure Trove for Foreign Travellers
Sri Lanka, a beautiful and culturally rich island, offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs for foreign travelers. The vibrant markets and boutiques in the country are filled with exquisite items that capture the essence of Sri Lankan artistry. Silks and batiks are popular souvenirs, showcasing the island’s rich textile heritage. Wood carvings and traditional masks reflect Sri Lanka’s exceptional craftsmanship and cultural traditions. Handmade crafts like pottery, jewellery, and woven baskets provide a tangible connection to the island’s traditions and make for cherished souvenirs. Bringing home a piece of Sri Lanka means carrying a story of its rich culture and artistry.
Sri Lanka’s Gems and Jewellery, A Sparkling Legacy
Discover the enchanting world of Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery, renowned for their exceptional quality and timeless beauty. As one of the world’s leading gem producers, Sri Lanka offers a dazzling array of precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, each uniquely sourced from the island’s rich earth. Our exquisite jewellery collections are crafted by skilled artisans who blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs, creating stunning pieces that capture the essence of Sri Lankan elegance. Whether you seek a statement piece or a delicate accessory, our gems and jewellery make for perfect keepsakes and gifts, allowing you to carry a piece of Sri Lanka’s sparkling legacy with you. Explore our collections and find your own slice of paradise, elegantly immortalised in our fine jewellery.
Ayurvedic treatments are a holistic wellness practice rooted in Sri Lanka’s heritage. Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” balances the mind, body, and spirit through natural therapies and herbal remedies. These treatments are tailored to individual needs, including massages, herbal steam baths, and detoxifying rituals. Shirodhara is a calming treatment, while Panchakarma is a comprehensive detoxification program. Herbal steam baths and Abhyanga are therapeutic full-body massages. These treatments are performed in serene settings, allowing individuals to unwind and reconnect with nature. Ayurvedic treatments offer a transformative journey towards holistic health and wellness, providing relief from stress, chronic ailments, and relaxation.
It usually takes place in July or August, following the lunar calendar. Book seats and hotels early, as it's the busiest time of year.
What should I wear to the Temple of the Tooth?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, preferably light-coloured. You'll remove your shoes and hat at the entrance.
Can I take the train from Kandy to Ella?
Yes. It's one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, taking about 7 hours. Kura can help with reservations.
How long should I stay?
Two days is ideal for the temple, the gardens and a tea factory visit.
Kura’s local knowledge
Where to stay & eat in Kandy
Personally recommended places — ask Kura to book any of them for you.
Hotel picks by Kura
King Of KandyCinnamon CitadelLakewood ResidenceHotel TourmalineKandyan VillaOak Ray RegencySkyloft KandyView 360Grand KandyanAmaya HillsGolden CrownHeaven Seven
Restaurant picks by Kura
Jaide RegencySenani By OakRayDindigul ThalappakattiBalaji Pure VegetarianSri Krishna DosaiIndian SummerDuriyanzilaPremium Outlet CafeIdikada Village AmbuluwawaHoney PotFire PlateTheva CuisineBrix Golden CrownTavern 29 Rooftop BarCocoba PubBommu Rooftop RadissonsSky Lounge
Kura’s Heritage. Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy
Kura’s Hillside Honeymoon. Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Belihuloya & Bentota
Kura’s Leisure. Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Kithulgala & Bentota
Kura’s Culture. Negombo, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Tissamaharama, Galle & Colombo
