Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural heart — a hill city wrapped around a lake, home to one of Buddhism's most sacred relics, and the starting point for some of the island's best train journeys and tea country hikes. Whether you are stopping for a day between Colombo and Ella or spending a full week in the Central Province, these are the places that make Kandy worth the visit.
Below is our local team's pick of the 15 best places to visit in Kandy, with practical tips on entry fees, timings, and how to get to each one.
1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The Temple of the Tooth is Kandy's headline attraction and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple houses what is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, kept inside a gold casket within the inner chamber of the royal palace complex.
The temple sits right beside Kandy Lake in the city centre. Three daily puja ceremonies take place at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM — attending one is the best way to experience the temple when the doors to the relic chamber open and the atmosphere fills with drumming and chanting.
Practical info: Entry is approximately LKR 2,000 for foreigners. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove shoes at the entrance. Allow 1–2 hours for a thorough visit.
2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Peradeniya is not just a garden — it is 147 acres of curated greenery that dates back to the Kandyan kings and was formally established under British rule in 1821. The collection includes over 4,000 species of plants, a spectacular avenue of royal palms, a giant Javan fig tree, the spice garden, the orchid house, and a suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River.
The gardens are about 6 km from Kandy city centre, easily reached by bus or tuk-tuk (around LKR 500–800 each way). Pack a picnic, wear comfortable walking shoes, and allow at least 2–3 hours to explore properly.
Practical info: Entry is LKR 2,000 for foreigners. Open 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Weekday mornings are quietest.
3. Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)
Built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, Kandy Lake sits in the centre of town and provides one of the most peaceful walks in the city. The full loop around the lake is roughly 3.3 km and takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Morning walks are best — the mist lifts off the water, and you will spot monitor lizards, cormorants, and turtles. The lakeside path connects naturally to the Temple of the Tooth, making it easy to combine both in a single outing.
Practical info: Free to walk. The southern shore is quieter and more scenic.
4. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
This enormous white seated Buddha is visible from across the city, perched on a hilltop south of the lake. The statue itself is one of the tallest in Sri Lanka, and the viewpoint behind it offers a genuine 360-degree panorama of Kandy — the lake, the temple, the surrounding mountain ridges, and the sprawl of the city below.
You can walk up the steep path or take a tuk-tuk to the base. Either way, the view from the top is one of the best in the Central Province.
Practical info: Small entry donation (around LKR 300). Shoes off near the statue. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer visitors.
5. Kandy View Point (Upper Lake Drive)
Located along Rajapihilla Mawatha, this lookout gives you the classic postcard view of Kandy — the lake framed by the Temple of the Tooth and forested hills in every direction. The road leading up is steep, but tuk-tuks make the climb easy.
This is an excellent sunrise or sunset spot. There is no entry fee, and you can combine it with the nearby Arthur's Seat viewpoint for a double panorama.
Practical info: Free. Accessible by tuk-tuk (LKR 300–500 from town). Bring a camera.
6. Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Just behind the Temple of the Tooth, this royal forest reserve covers 257 acres of dense tropical woodland. Walking trails wind through the canopy, passing giant lianas, rare orchids, and a small meditation monastery. For birdwatchers, this is a highlight — Udawattakele is home to many endemic Sri Lankan species.
The forest feels like a world away from the city noise, yet it is literally a 5-minute walk from the temple entrance. Guided walks can be arranged at the gate for around LKR 500.
Practical info: Entry is approximately LKR 800 for foreigners. Open from 6:00 AM. Mornings are best for birds and cooler temperatures.
7. Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Every evening, the Kandy Lake Club and several venues around town host traditional Kandyan dance performances. The show typically runs about an hour and features fire walking, acrobatic drumming, mask dances, and the famous Ves dance with its elaborate silver headdress.
For most visitors, this is the most accessible way to experience Kandyan performing arts. Book through your accommodation or buy tickets at the door.
Practical info: Shows usually start at 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM. Tickets around LKR 1,500–2,000. Arrive early for front-row seats.
8. Kandy Central Market
For an unfiltered look at local life, spend a morning at the Kandy Central Market near the clock tower. The ground floor is a riot of colour with tropical fruits, spices, dried fish, and fresh vegetables. Upstairs you will find clothing, household goods, and souvenirs.
This is the best place to buy Ceylon tea, spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves), and local sweets to take home. Prices are far lower than tourist shops.
Practical info: Open daily except Sundays. Morning hours (7–10 AM) are busiest and most photogenic. Bargaining is expected for non-food items.
9. Gadaladeniya Temple
About 12 km from Kandy, this 14th-century Buddhist temple sits on a rocky outcrop and shows a unique blend of South Indian Dravidian and Sinhalese architectural styles. The stone carvings, moonstones, and guard stones are beautifully preserved.
Gadaladeniya is one of three temples along the "three temple loop" (with Lankatilaka and Embekka) that makes for an excellent half-day trip from Kandy by tuk-tuk or hire car.
Practical info: Entry by donation. Combine with Lankatilaka and Embekka temples for a full cultural morning. Total tuk-tuk cost for the loop is around LKR 3,000–4,000.
10. Embekka Devalaya
Known for its extraordinary wood carvings, Embekka is a 14th-century shrine about 15 km from Kandy. The wooden pillars in the digge (dance hall) feature intricate carvings of dancers, wrestlers, swans, lions, and geometric patterns — some of the finest woodwork surviving from medieval Sri Lanka.
This temple is smaller and quieter than the main Kandy sites, which is part of its charm. Photography of the carvings is allowed.
Practical info: Entry by donation. Part of the three-temple loop with Gadaladeniya and Lankatilaka. Allow 30–45 minutes.
11. Lankatilaka Vihara
The third temple on the loop, Lankatilaka sits atop Panhalgala rock and offers commanding views of the surrounding paddy fields and hills. Built in 1344, the temple houses a large seated Buddha image and features a mix of Buddhist and Hindu iconography.
The approach through a corridor of ancient columns is atmospheric, and the hilltop setting makes this the most scenic of the three temples.
Practical info: Entry by donation. Steep stairs to the top — wear sturdy shoes. Allow 30–45 minutes.
12. Commonwealth War Cemetery
Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this peaceful cemetery on the outskirts of Kandy honours servicemen from World War II. The manicured lawns, rows of headstones, and mountain backdrop create a quietly moving space.
It is less visited than the main attractions, which gives it a contemplative quality. The records office at the entrance can help you look up specific names.
Practical info: Free entry. Open during daylight hours. About 4 km from city centre.
13. Ceylon Tea Museum
Located in a converted tea factory about 4 km south of Kandy at Hantana, this museum traces the entire history of Sri Lanka's tea industry — from James Taylor's first plantings in the 1860s to modern production. You can see original machinery, old photographs, and sample different grades of Ceylon tea in the rooftop café.
For visitors heading to the hill country, this is a good introduction before seeing working plantations around Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
Practical info: Entry around LKR 1,000. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 8:15 AM – 4:45 PM. Allow 1–1.5 hours. Tuk-tuk from Kandy costs about LKR 800.
14. Helga's Folly
Part hotel, part art installation, Helga's Folly is a colonial mansion turned into one of Sri Lanka's most eccentric places to visit. Every surface — walls, ceilings, furniture — is covered in painted murals, antiques, and collected oddities. Even if you do not stay the night, you can visit for a drink at the bar and wander the surreal interiors.
Practical info: Non-guests can visit the bar and common areas. Located on a hill above Kandy Lake. Tuk-tuk from town centre costs LKR 300–500.
15. Knuckles Mountain Range (Day Trip)
The Knuckles range, named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, is a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness area about 35 km from Kandy. Day hikes range from easy village walks to strenuous summit trails with views stretching to the east coast. The range is a biodiversity hotspot with cloud forests, waterfalls, and endemic species.
This is one of the best outdoor experiences accessible from Kandy, and TravelersMate can arrange guided treks with transport from Kandy.
Practical info: Entry permit required (LKR 1,200 for foreigners). Guides available at ranger stations. Best visited December–March. Allow a full day including travel.
Day Trip: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Many travellers combine Kandy with a day trip or overnight stop in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's "Little England" in the heart of tea country. The 80 km drive takes about 2.5 hours through spectacular mountain scenery, passing the Ramboda waterfall and endless tea plantations.
In Nuwara Eliya, highlights include Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and visits to working tea factories like Pedro Estate or Mackwoods Labookellie. If you have time, continue south toward Ella for the famous Nine Arch Bridge and Ella Rock hike.
Getting there: Hire car or organised tour from Kandy is the easiest option. The Kandy–Nanu Oya train is stunning but slow (3.5 hours). TravelersMate runs Ella Adventures that can include Nuwara Eliya as part of the route.
Where to Stay in Kandy
Kandy has accommodation for every budget, from backpacker hostels around the lake to boutique hill villas. For the best experience, choose a spot within walking distance of the lake — you will save on tuk-tuk costs and enjoy evening walks along the water.
Budget: Guesthouses on Saranankara Road and Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha offer clean rooms from AUD 25–40 per night.
Mid-range: Boutique hotels on the hills above the lake (Theva Residency, Earl's Regency) offer pool access and valley views from AUD 80–150 per night.
Luxury: The Kandy House and Kings Pavilion provide colonial heritage stays with full-service dining from AUD 200+ per night.
Getting to Kandy
From Colombo: The Colombo–Kandy train (3–3.5 hours) is scenic and affordable. Intercity express trains depart from Colombo Fort station several times daily. By road, the journey takes about 3 hours via the Colombo–Kandy Expressway.
From the airport (Bandaranaike International): Direct transfer by hire car takes 3.5–4 hours. Many travellers stop in Colombo or Negombo for a night before continuing to Kandy.
From Ella: The famous Kandy–Ella train runs in both directions. The journey takes about 6–7 hours and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Sri Lanka.
TravelersMate can arrange multi-day packages that include comfortable transport between Kandy and our base areas around Yala, Ella, and the south coast.
Best Time to Visit Kandy
Kandy sits at about 500 metres elevation, so temperatures are cooler than the coast — typically 20–28°C year-round. The driest months are January to April and August to September. The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Asia's grandest cultural festivals, takes place in July or August (exact dates follow the lunar calendar) and is worth planning your trip around.
Even during the wetter months, rain tends to come in short afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear for sightseeing.
Last updated: 2026-08-10. Written by the TravelersMate team based in Sri Lanka.