As a beautiful gem at the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's relaxed charm and diverse landscapes makes it a great tropical getaway. With beautiful beaches covering the coastal plains and lush mountains in the centre, there is so much to explore on this island, one of these being the city of Kandy.
Known for its spirituality and relaxing vibe, Kandy has so many delightful spots, nestled among the majestic mountains and lush peaks. With a rich ancient history it is also a beloved location for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. There are so many historic and religious sites as well as actitives for nature lovers such as hiking trails and national parks to explore. As you plan your long-awaited trip to Sri Lanka, explore Kandy, the gateway to the central hills, to find everlasting tranquility!
24 April 2024 | 13 Min Read
Colombo – Kandy Highway – with traffic – 3 hours
Colombo – Kandy Express train – 2 hours
Walk in to Colombo fort railway station and you can get tickets for 3rd class and 2nd class. (3rd class railway tickets price is very cheap)
3rd class is very crowded sometimes not recommended for tourists.
To pre-book a rail journey contact a travel agency
For more information, log in to – http://www.railway.gov.lk/web
Colombo – Kandy – 20 mins
The following travel companies offer internal chatter flights and Helicopter tours
https://www.senoksl.com/travel-and-leisure/airport-and-aviation-services-sri-lanka.html
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or known to the locals as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is situated in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which contains the Buddha's tooth relic. This is a must see attraction in Kandy.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
5.30 am to 8.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious of what you wear.
Please remove hats and shoes before you enter.
There are audio guides you can use. Better to use a site guide for a greater experience.
It is advisable to avoid visiting during weekends and full moon days incase of large crowds.
Ritual Performance times
5.30 am to 6.30 am
9.30 am to 10.30 am
6.15 pm to 8.00 pm
Held in the months of July and August, the Kandy Esala Perahera is a famous festival that takes place every year in Kandy. It is also known as the festival of theTooth to commemorate the Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic, housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. This historic procession is the most popular activity for both visitors and residents in Kandy.
100 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
in the Month of August – 14 days at night
Final Grand Procession is the most famous, and it will be held on the full moon day of August.
In the month of August, the charge rate in Kandy Hotels is a bit high so it is advisable to book in advance.
During ancient times, the old Royal Palace served as the center of government for the Kingdom of Kandy with the last monarch being King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha to reside there. It is situated north of the temple of tooth.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
You can visit this place while visiting the Temple of the tooth relic.
For history buffs interested in a historical documents and artifacts, the temple of tooth museum is a must see. It is on the first and second floor of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Visitors can find Kandyan King lists, Chief Prelates' lists, portrait busts, artifacts and much more.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 8.00 pm
7.00 am to 8.00 pm
Part of the Royal palace of Kandy, the national museum of Kandy has many exhibitions, some in the main building and others in the Palle Vahala structure (formerly the King's harem). Originally, the Palle Vahala (lower palace) or Meda Vahala (middle palace) were living quarters for the King's queens during the reign of Sri Vickrama Rajasingha.
The architectural style of the museum building is from the Kandy era, opening its doors to visitors in 1942. It was previously a repository of artifacts and work of independent artists and those of the Kandy Art Association in 1882. The maintenance is now overseen by the Department of National Museums.
The museum displays various historic items such as weapons, jewelry and tools from both the Kandyan era (17th-19th century) and the post-British Colonial period.
You can even find a replica of the 1815 treaty signed between the British and Kandyan kingdoms and in front of the museum is a Sir Henry Ward statue, who was a previous Governor of Ceylon (1855–1860).
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Great place for those who want to know more about the Kandyan and the British colonial period of Sri Lanka.
The International Buddhist Museum, situated close to the Temple of the Tooth within the royal palace complex, serves as an extensive resource and showcases the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
This museum has individual halls that illustrate the presence of Buddhism in different countries. They feature photographs, models, and large statues that show the evolution of Buddhism throughout history and its influence globally.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 7.00 pm
This Museum is inside the complex of the temple of tooth so you can stop by this place while visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Adjacent to the Kandy Lake, just beside the Sri Dalada maligawa, is a historical site where kings and queens bathed.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is only a historical landmark. Well preserved.
A tusker elephant carries the sacred Tooth relic during the Kandy Esala Perahera every year. This tusker Raja, a chief elephant of the processions, carried the Sacred Relic casket for nearly 50 years and is considered a valuable national treasure.
This museum, which is close to the King's palace, commemorates this elephant who passed away on July 6, 1988, so that future generations can learn about its significant service at the Dalada Maligawa.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Highly recommended if you are interested in getting to know the journey of tuskers at the Dalada maligawa in Kandy.
Launched in 1982 to showcase the country's rich arts, dance, and cultural heritage, the Kandy Lake Club Dance is the island’s first cultural dance show. This is a must visit spot for people visiting Kandy who are eager to see cultural dance performances.
The club has been doing performances for more than 35 years, showing traditional dance styles unique to each region that have been passed down through generations.
Visitors can witness exotic dances featuring drums and vibrant costumes, so of which tell stories or are representations of the movement of animals like the gracefulness of peacocks or grand movements of elephants.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
5.00 pm to 6.00 pm
This is a performing arts theatre only for tourists
This lake is an artificial one created by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807. The Kandy Lake is also called Kiri Muhudu which translates to the sea of milk. It is situated near the Temple of the sacred Tooth and is a protected lake so fishing is not allowed.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
24 hours open, Evening and Morning are recommended
The best place to have a morning stroll and get a good view around the city.
You can have a boat ride and you can buy some popcorns from street shops and feed fish in the lake.
This cemetery is a burial ground in Kandy for British individuals who passed away during the British colonial era. It was established in 1817 but was closed in 1873 when burials where prohibited within municipal boundaries.
However special permission was given for families whose relatives were buried at the British Garrison Cemetery with the last person laid to rest being Annie Fritz in 1951. There are at least 195 graves, some of which of adults and children who died of tropical diseases like malaria.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
You can have a chat with the caretakers of the place who will give you a lot of knowledge and information about the place and history.
Give them a small tip as a token of appreciation.
This forest reserve is also called the Udawatta Kele. This sanctuary was previously known as Uda Wasala Watta during the Kandyan era, which translates to “the garden above the royal palace”.
The Udawattakele Forest Reserve covers 104 hectares and is on a hill ridge in Kandy. This is a great place to observe wildlife and go on hikes.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 2.00 pm
This is a small sanctuary of Srilanka. No polythene and plastics are allowed.
Be aware of Leeches
In the heart of Kandy, overlooking the Kandy Lake and city is the Royal Palace Park. It goes by many names such as Wales Park and Rajawasala Park. It was first built by King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha then later renamed during the british rule to honor the Prince of Wales.
This neglected land was restored with a park developed on it in the 1880s by a Government Agent of the Central Province called Herbert Wace. The park also houses a World War ll Japanese field cannon that was presented to the city of Kandy by the supreme allied commander Lord Mountbatten.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is a Famous place among young lovers and loving couples.
If you want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, head to the Kandy City Centre. This shopping mall which took over a decade to complete and was finally opened in 2008, is a ten-story shopping mall with restaurants, clothing, jewellery shops and much more.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Kandy city and near the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, this is a great place to dine with indoor and outdoor options available.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
10.00 am to 9.30 pm
Weekends are mostly crowded.
You can find good quality restaurants and cuisines from all over the world.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is known for its orchid collection and 4000 species of plants. Part of the major 5 Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka you can find it 5.5 km away from the Kandy city region in Peradeniya near the Mahaweli River. For nature lovers, a stroll in this garden is a bucket list activity in Kandy.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Use Google Maps inside the Park to cover every section without missing any place.
You have to walk a lot as this is the largest botanical garden in the country therefore, comfortable footwear is recommended.
One of the best agricultural parks in Sri Lanka is the Agro Technology Park Gannoruwa. This park was established to promote agro tourism and give agricultural information to the public. It is currently maintained by the Department of Agriculture.
It is bordered on three sides by a loop of the River Mahaweli at Gannoruwa, situated in the tropical climate of Kandy, and spans a total of 2 square kilometers. The average elevation is 1550 feet, or 473 meters.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is an Agriculture research institute.
If you love agriculture and farming this place will be a library for you.
"Embillian Tea" is a genuine factory of fresh pure Ceylon tea that comes directly from the "Embilmeegama Tea Factory," which was founded in 1940 with great excitement and determination to manufacture the highest quality Fresh Ceylon Teas.
90 km and it takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Don’t forget to go to the Tea Bar and taste a pure cup of Ceylon tea.
You can buy Ceylon tea from here
Travelers can witness Sri Lanka's largest Buddha statue that is 88ft tall atop the Bahirawa Kanda Hill. Located next to the Sri Maha bodhi temple, this white statue depicts Lord Buddha in a seated meditation pose and offers a great view of Kandy. The temple is accessible for worship.
Those who climb to the top are rewarded with picturesque views of the mountains nearby, the Bogambara Prison and the city. This makes the hill's summit a great place for capturing breathtaking photos.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
Open 24 hours – the evening is recommended
This is a Buddhist Temple. Be cautious about your dress code.
You need to remove your hats and shoes before entering the premises.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and GoPro.
The Ceylon Tea Museum is situated in the historic Hanthana Tea Factory, constructed in 1925 and located 3 kilometers south of Kandy. Following the decline of coffee production on the island, Hanthana became one of the first areas to successfully cultivate tea.
This museum is an old tea factory built in 1925 to cultivate tea after declining coffee production. The Ceylon Tea Museum is located on the Hanthana mountain range, more than 3 km from the Kandy city. This historic tea factory is a great place to understand the history of Sri Lanka's tea industry.
105 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
8.30 am to 3.30 pm
Site guides are available on request.
Best place to learn about the History of Ceylon Tea and Tea Manufacturing process.
This mountain range is south of the Kandy town center and is an environmental protection area under the National Environment Act since February 2010.
The Hanthana mountain range has seven peaks with the Uura Kanda being its highest at an elevation of 3800 feet. This is a very popular spot for hiking and camping.
110 km and it takes about 3 to 3 ½ hours
No need to buy tickets
24 hours open. Day time is recommended
Get ready with hiking shoes and other equipment.
Be cautious of leeches.
Embekka Devalaya was built by King Vikramabahu III during the Gampola Era in Sri Lanka, honoring the hindu god Lord Muruga or locally known as Kataragama deviyo. The local goddess Devatha Bandara is also worshiped here.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
open 24 hours – Day time is recommended
This is a religious place, be cautious of your clothing. Try to avoid wearing short or strapless garments.
The best place to see and study ancient Sri Lankan wood carvings. Recommended to hire an area guide for a better experience.
The Gadaladenyia Vihara, also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, is a medieval Buddhist site in Pilimathalawa, Kandy. Situated just before the Gadaladeniya intersection on the Colombo-Kandy Road, on Gadaladeniya Road (B116), it is roughly 12.5 kilometers from Kandy and 3 kilometers from the historic Buddhist temple known as Lankatilaka Vihara. This location is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's biggest rock temples.
90 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 7.00 pm
This is a religious place.be cautious of your clothing. Try to avoid wearing short or strapless garments.
Recommended to hire an area guide for a better experience.
Located in Hiyarapitiya, in the Udunuwara district, is Lankatilaka Raja Maha Vihara, also referred to as the Lankatilaka Temple or the Blue Temple. Built during the Gampola period in 1344 AD with King Buwanekabahu IV's assistance, it is an eighty-foot, four-story structure perched on an uneven rock bed with views of the Hanthana mountain range.
95 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
This is a religious place, be cautious of your clothing. Try to avoid wearing short or strapless garments.
Recommended to hire an area guide for a better experience.
There is a great view, don’t forget to bring your GoPro.
Ambuluwawa, Sri Lanka's first multi-religious sanctuary, is a wildlife complex situated in the central highlands. The Ambuluwawa Trigonometrical Station in Gampola features a large spiraling tower designed to resemble a stylized Buddhist stupa, alongside a Hindu kovil, a Muslim mosque, and a Christian church.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
9.00 am to 5.00 pm
There is a good vehicle park on the top of the mountain.
The road is more suitable for vehicles with high ground clearance.
If you feel not good to drive hire a tuk-tuk and come to the top.
Bring water and some snacks.
Don’t forget to climb the tower and take a selfie.
Sri Lanka is still a significant producer of spices labeled as Ceylon spices due to their distinct scent and flavor. Some of these spices include cinnamon, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.There is a number of spice gardens available especially on the way to Kandy and Dambulla.You can have a visit and they will show you the spices garden and give you knowledge on Ceylon spices.
Contact your travel agent or guide for info
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
t is up to you to decide whether you want to buy spices or not from there.
Please check google reviews about the place before visiting.
About a half-hour's drive from Kandy is a splendid Buddhist vihara with parking and other facilities available in the area. In addition to seeing Buddha statues, visitors can climb the mountain for a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Along the stairs, there are statues that show important moments in the history of Buddhism. I highly recommend every traveler to visit this location.
95 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours – recommended Morning and Evening
This is a religious place. Be cautious about your dress.
Try to avoid wearing short or strapless garments.
The historic Bogambara Prison, at the heart of Kandy, is currently undergoing restoration to become a museum and cultural park aimed at enhancing tourism in the city. The first phase of this project has recently been completed and is now accessible to the public.
100 km and it takes about 3 hours
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours
Try to avoid Weekends because it can get very crowded.
A popular destination in Sri Lanka that is a must-see for tourists is Pinnawala. The elephant orphanage, which is 90 kilometers from Colombo in the direction of Kandy, welcomes visitors at 8:30 am and lets them spend the day with the elephants till the evening. At Pinnawala, visitors can get up close and personal with one of the biggest creatures on the planet while also witnessing a herd of elephants in their natural habitat. For wild Asian elephants, it acts as a nursery, sanctuary, and breeding ground in captivity.
80 km and it takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours
No need to buy tickets
8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Elephants are taken to have a river bath at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm to a nearby river.
If you come around these times purchase a ticket and go to the river first which is just a hop across to the opposite side.
Bathing and strolling encounters are available at this rehabilitation center for rescued worker elephants.
80 km and it takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours
No need to buy tickets
9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Elephants are not having chains, and these are not tamed elephants. Be very careful with yourself as well as your children.
The Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a Buddhist temple in the Muruthalawa area of the Kandy district. Its beauty and views of the surrounding landscape make it a popular spot for tourists and sightseers. Founded in 2015, the Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a modern temple that attracts both Buddhists and individuals from other faiths.
It is a place of tranquility and peace for visitors. Against the backdrop of the clear blue sky, the temple’s golden Buddha statues create a place of tranquility and peace for visitors.
100 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
You need to buy tickets
100 km and it takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours
This is a Buddhist Temple, be cautious of your clothing. Try to avoid wearing short or strapless garments.
Try to avoid the full moon days and Sundays as they are usually crowded with Buddhist devotees.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and GoPro.
