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Kandy is located in Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful town surrounded by green hills, spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Kandy sits high up in the hills, about 500 meters above sea level. Visitors love to come to Kandy and escape the hot coastal areas. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural capital, it is not just Kandy’s elevation that attracts visitors from everywhere around the world. Kandy has something for everyone, from sacred temples and peaceful lakes to old colonial buildings. You want to explore the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic? Or want to relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens? No matter what you are interested in, Kandy is full of rich experiences for every visitor.
The culture and spirituality of Kandy are famous worldwide, especially for housing the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth at the Dalada Maligawa Kandy Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. That is not all. Kandy has so much history to tell every visitor, as the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. In Kandy town Sri Lanka, visitors can explore colonial architecture, busy markets, and beautiful scenery at every corner. And in the center of all? You will see Kandy Lake. There is more. The Esala Perahera festival held during July and August shows off Kandy’s cultural pride with traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. And attractions like botanical gardens offer visitors hiking and bird watching opportunities. So, Kandy truly combines heritage and nature for any traveler to get an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
Kandy is packed with activities and sights for anyone who loves to enjoy Kandy's culture and nature. Check out these best Kandy Sri Lanka places to visit and enjoy a great trip.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is Kandy’s most important site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a tooth of the Buddha. It was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha. The temple sits inside the old royal palace area. Its Kandyan architectural beauty highlights an octagonal pavilion (Paththirippuwa) and a golden-roofed shrine. Visitors can witness rituals three times daily with drumming and offerings. But you cannot actually see the tooth itself. They have enshrined it in a series of golden caskets.
At the temple area, you can explore the World Buddhist Museum and the Royal Palace and learn about Buddhist history and Kandy’s kings. The entrance fee for foreigners to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Kandy Sri Lanka is about 2,000 LKR (~$6-7) for foreigners. Visitors need to wear clothes covering their shoulders and legs and must remove shoes (you can store them for a small tip) before entering. Visit early, around 9:00 AM, to avoid crowds, especially during puja times or festivals.
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda, is a man-made lake built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha. Visit this calm spot for a relaxing walk in the heart of Kandy town. You can stroll along the shaded 3.4km path while spotting birds and monitor lizards. Visitors love it here because after exploring nearby temples and markets, they can relax on the benches or shady spots here.
Want some fun? You can rent paddleboats on the lake for ~4,500 LKR for a group. In the evening, you can watch cultural shows at the nearby Kandyan Arts Association. Right by the lake, there's Royal Palace Park you can visit and enjoy a perfect picnic with your family. When the sun starts to set, you can see the real magic in Kandy Lake. The lake turns into a golden mirror, and then you can see all the beautiful temple buildings reflected in the water. It is a stunning scene you cannot easily forget.
Just 6 km from Kandy, you can find this 147-acre paradise. If you are a nature lover, you must visit here. Although this garden was established in 1843, it was reserved for Kandyan royalty far back in 1371. In the garden, visitors can explore over 4,000 plant species, including the giant Javan fig tree, orchids, bamboo, banyan trees, spices, and palms.
Families love coming here to have picnics on the big grass areas. You can spread out your blanket anywhere you like. You do not want to walk much? Then you can take guided buggy tours around the gardens. Do not forget to snap some amazing shots at the beautiful row of tall royal palm trees. As you walk around, you will see signs that tell you about different plants. You can learn where the plants come from and how people use them from these signs. Do not miss the Suspension Bridge either. You can walk across it and see beautiful views of the river below.
Are you traveling with seniors or kids? Then rent golf carts and get around easily. Garden entry cost is about 2,000 LKR to 3,540 LKR for foreigners (~$11-12 USD), and the gardens are open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Try to come early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Just a short walk from Kandy’s city center, you will meet this peaceful retreat. Did you know this 104-hectare forest is a former royal sanctuary? Today, it is home to over 80 bird species, like the crimson-fronted barbet, Layard's parakeet, yellow-fronted barbet, and plants like giant lianas. Do not forget to go on a walking trail and enjoy beautiful spots with Kandy Lake views while you are here. Udawattakele Forest Reserve entry costs around Rs 930.00 for foreign adults, Rs 470.00 for children (age 6-12 years), and Free for children (under the age of 6 years). Best time to visit? Visit in the morning for birdwatching and cooler weather.
Kandy offers so many places to stay for visitors. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels or budget guesthouses, you can easily find them in Kandy town. These hotels offer some of the most luxurious and comfortable hotel rooms in kandy along with easy access to the Tooth Temple and Kandy Lake. Let’s look at some of the best hotels in kandy town.
This 4-star resort is located 3 km from the city center and is about a 20-minute drive. They offer 115 rooms, including superior and deluxe rooms and suites with river or hill views for visitors. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor pool, spa/sauna, gym, multi-cuisine restaurants like Panorama restaurant, Cafe C, and a lounge/bar.
You can find this 5-star hotel right by Kandy Lake, only a short drive away from the Temple of the Tooth . It offers 140+ rooms, including Deluxe, Deluxe Premium rooms, Junior, Premier Suites, and Presidential/Crown Suite. As for amenities, visitors can enjoy an all-day dining restaurant, a coffee bar and lounge, an outdoor rooftop infinity pool overlooking the mountains, a spa/salon (with Jacuzzi and sauna), and a fitness centre.
This is a restored colonial manor located roughly 12 km from central Kandy. It has 9 exclusive bedrooms (5 Deluxe, 4 Ultra). All rooms are named after butterflies and feature colonial-era decor (polished wood floors, antiques). You will find a freshwater infinity pool and gardens to enjoy your best time here. The hotel serves a different mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes every night. You can enjoy these meals by candlelight under beautiful old colonial-style ceilings.
This 3-star guesthouse is located steps from the Temple of the Tooth. It offers various small rooms (Standard, Semi-Deluxe, Deluxe) and family rooms. All have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, and private bathrooms with a shower. The guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, laundry services, a tour desk, airport transfers on request, and self-parking (when available). At the small café and restaurant, you can enjoy Sri Lankan and international dishes. Head up to the rooftop terrace for a quiet escape. There you can sip your morning coffee or relax in the evening with beautiful views over the city and the lake.
This budget guesthouse is located just across from Kandy Lake, and only a few minutes’ walk from the Temple of the Tooth. With its free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception, Charlton Kandy Rest offers visitors basic comfort at very low rates. Their standard rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a fan, and either shared or private bathrooms. Visitors can enjoy Sri Lankan and continental dishes at the guesthouse’s simple on-site restaurant/bar.
In Kandy, you can experience a warm, tropical climate with temperatures between 25-30°C all year and high humidity. Since the dry season in Kandy lasts from December to April, it is the best time for sightseeing. May to August are warmer months in Kandy, and you can expect heavy rains in October and November. So, if you are visiting Kandy during these months, make sure to pack an umbrella and light clothes. What about June to September? These are cooler months, mostly dry days, though you might get some showers.
Visitors have plenty of cultural and natural attractions to explore in Kandy town Sri Lanka. You can visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and learn about its spiritual importance, take a walk around Kandy Lake, or explore the beautiful plants at the Royal Botanical Gardens. That is not all. You can watch a Kandyan dance show, hike in Udawattakele Forest Reserve, or shop for crafts in Kandy's markets. Visit during July or August to witness the Esala Perahera festival and have an experience you have never had in your life before.
This is Sri Lanka’s last royal capital and the proud home of the Sacred Tooth Relic. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site tooth temple Kandy Sri Lanka attracts visitors from around the world. The city is also absolutely charming, with all its lush, tropical greenery, quiet lake views, and beautiful colonial buildings.
Kandy Sri Lanka is a special destination for every traveler. This town has history, culture, and nature all in one place. If you are looking for a perfect place for a 2-3 day trip, Kandy is the best travel recommendation. With plenty of accommodation for every budget, delicious food, and lively markets, there is something for every traveler in Kandy. Here is a little tip before you visit Kandy town Sri Lanka. Plan your trip for the dry season, be respectful of sacred places, and you will have an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka's cultural center.
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