24/7 Global Guest Support

Cultural & Heritage Temples & Shrines Hill Country Scenic Trails Kandy

Kandy

Discover Sri Lanka’s spiritual and scenic heart

About Kandy in Sri Lanka

Kandy is a historic city in Sri Lanka’s central hills, known for its rich culture and stunning scenery. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic of Buddha, making it a major pilgrimage site. The city is surrounded by green hills, tea plantations, and the scenic Kandy Lake at its center. Beyond its spiritual significance, Kandy offers cultural shows, colonial architecture, botanical gardens, and easy access to hiking trails in the surrounding hill country. Visitors can enjoy a mix of history, nature, and traditional Sri Lankan culture in one destination

Best Time

December to April

Avg Temp

24°C

Elevation

500m

Distance

3-4h from Colombo

Temple of the Tooth Scenic Hills UNESCO Site Kandy Lake Cultural Shows

Highlights

What to watch in Kandy - Top attractions and things to do

Relic Tooth Temple

Ancient Temple UNESCO Site

The Relic Tooth Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites, housing a tooth relic of Buddha. It attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world for worship and cultural experience.

1–2 Hours Visit

Photo Opportunities Outside

Central Kandy Location

Family & Pilgrimage Friendly

Best in Morning or Evening

Royal Botanical Garden

Tropical Plants Scenic Photography

The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is famous for its large collection of tropical plants and orchids. It is a peaceful place to stroll, enjoy nature, and see giant trees and colorful flowers.

2–3 Hours Visit

Near Kandy City

Family Friendly

Best in Morning

Easy Walking Trails

Lake on City

Scenic Lake Leisure Walks

Kandy Lake is a serene artificial lake in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and walking paths. It is perfect for relaxing strolls, photography, and enjoying peaceful city views

30–60 Minutes Visit

Photo Opportunities

Family Friendly

Best in Morning or Evening

Central Kandy Location

Esala Perahara

Cultural Performances Traditional Parade

The Esala Perahera is Kandy’s famous annual cultural festival featuring dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. It is held to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and showcases Sri Lanka’s traditional arts and pageantry.

Occurs in July–August

2–3 Hours Event

Photo & Video Opportunities

Central Kandy Location

UNESCO Recognized Cultural Event

Traditional & Culture

Kandyan Dance & Music Traditional Arts & Crafts

Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, known for its deep history, traditional arts, and rich Buddhist heritage centered around the Temple of the Tooth. It offers lively cultural performances, ancient rituals, and festivals that show the soul of Sri Lankan tradition.

Esala Perahera Festival (Jul–Aug)

2–4 hrs cultural exploration

Local markets & artisans

Easy / suitable for all ages

Great for photos & performances

From Bird Eye

Panoramic City View Great for Photography

This is the best place in Kandy to see the city from above, with a wide, panoramic view of the lake, historic buildings, and green hills all around you. It gives a true bird’s‑eye view that shows the special shape and beauty of the hill capital.

Best at sunrise & sunset

Short uphill walk or tuk‑tuk

Easy to visit for all

See Kandy Lake

temple & hills

Free entry (donations welcome)

Udawatta Forest Reserve

Lush Forest Trails Birdwatching & Wildlife

Udawatta Forest Reserve in Kandy is a quiet green forest right above the city, once a royal garden and now a protected nature sanctuary. It’s special because you can walk under tall trees, see birds and wildlife, and feel nature inside the busy city

Best in early morning

Easy walking paths

~15–20 min walk from Temple of the Tooth entrance

Good for families & nature lovers

Great for photos & nature sights