Considered by many as the entry point to the scenic Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Kandy is an ancient city that offers a plethora of natural, cultural and historical attractions to visitors. Surrounded by forested mountains and tea plantations, Kandy has a relaxed vibe that is suitable for both exploration and relaxation.
Make your way to Kandy (Bogambara) Lake in the centre of the city to enjoy a leisurely stroll past a popular Buddhist temple, verdant scenery and savour views of the native fauna. Visit Arthur’s Seat nearby for sweeping views over the city and the lake. At Peradeniya suburb’s Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll find thousands of plant species, landscaped areas, a lake and a suspension bridge. For birdwatching and wildlife spotting, head to Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a forest reserve nestled in the hills of Kandy.
Kandy’s most famous attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, a pilgrimage site said to house a Buddha relic. This spiritually significant spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the northern side of Kandy Lake and you can spend your time checking out the intricate carvings and art works in the main temple and adjoining smaller shrines. The Old Royal Palace of Kandy is located close by will give you a peek into the life of the Kandyan royals, with its displays of period furniture, garments and more. The massive Buddha statue at Bahirawakanda Temple is worth a visit too.
Tonight
From £10 per night
This weekend
From £27 per night
Next weekend
From £23 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | US$10 = £7.86 |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | £40 per night |
| Average weekday price | £41 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Kandy Lake
0.6 miles from city centre
Sri Dalada Maligawa
0.4 miles from city centre
We stayed at this hidden gem with our family of 4 during a...
14 May 2024
We stayed at this hidden gem with our family of 4 during a rainy period. The hotel and garden are beautiful and clean. The view is amazing. It’s located outside of the city, which we really liked because it was peaceful. The personnel of this hotel were super friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very good, more than enough food. We had dinner once in the restaurant and recommend to try the Sri Lanka curry. My oldest son, my husband and I had a very relaxing afternoon getting a spa treatment very good with reasonable price. This place is definitely worth a visit.
Kandy is busy, but has numerous attractions.
25 April 2024
Kandy is busy, but has numerous attractions. There are several stunning temples in the area to explore. Excellent eating options, including authentic Sri Lankan food. Great shopping for antiques, art, curios, food...
If you are traveling from Colombo and back 2for one night...
13 April 2024
If you are traveling from Colombo and back 2for one night stay in Kandy the plan should be 1. Breakfast at Ginadasa Thalaguli restaurant 2. Visit Gadaladeniya Temple 3. Lankathilaka Temple 4. Embakka Devalaya (Temple) 5. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden (take the electric car) 6. late Lunch at Royal Mall Peradeniya 7, Strait to your Hotel check in 8. around 4.00 pm You may visit Sandagiri seya (Sthupa at the top of a mountain) 9. Then the Famous Temple of tooth relic (Before 8.00 pm) 10. Dinner at KCC 11, Back to Hotel. Day 02 on your way to Colombo. 12. Tea museum (Enjoy the ice mint tea) and don't forget to buy tea (40% discount) 13. Bird park (I personally don't like and waste of time and money, they should have done better in line with nature rather than being too artificial) 14. Pinnawala Elephant orphanage (Elephant bath at 2.00 pm) 14. Lunch at Pinnawala 15. Pinnawala zoo (I didn't go) 16. Back to Colombo.
A cultural eye-opener.
3 April 2024
A cultural eye-opener. Lots to see and do - but most major attractions are spread far from one another. Expect to take a couple full days touring Kandy and the surrounding areas. Two of my strongest recommendations: the British Was Cemetery. The caretaker has tended the graveyard for decades and knows each detail about each soul laid to rest. Also a sight worth seeing is Peradeniya University. A remarkable campus that lives up to its reputation as one of the nicest in all of South Asia.
The botanical gardens was amazing and really value to visit.
30 March 2024
The botanical gardens was amazing and really value to visit. I didn't interested to see the famous temple and another one important thing is in commuting hours the traffic jam was remarkable and every one should calculate staying in the traffic in their schedule .
Transit point to big attractions in Sri Lanka.
2 March 2024
Transit point to big attractions in Sri Lanka. Ie. Ella, Sigriya, Dambulla and Polonaruwa. Gateway to mountainous region of Sri Lanka. Kandy is also a historical town with famous Temple of Tooth. This town is best served with affordable eateries and several modes of transportation. Cooler weather compared to the Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
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