Things to Do in Kandy: Heart of the Cultural Triangle

(updated July 2024)

“Kandy, Kandy, Kandy I can’t let you go . . .” were lyrics sung by Iggy Pop years ago, and yet this is exactly how I feel about Kandy, Sri Lanka. Kandy was one of the many thrilling stops along our journey through Sri Lanka.

Why should you visit Kandy, Sri Lanka? Kandy is a city of important religious significance in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. In fact, Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most sacred religious site in all of Sri Lanka.  From ornate colonial architecture, stunning mountain scenery, delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and serene botanical gardens, Kandy City has it all. 

This Kandy travel guide will share Sri Lanka travel tips and the best things to do in Kandy. Whether it is your first stop in Sri Lanka, or one of many cities in your Sri Lankan vacation, Kandy is sure to stay with you too.

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Kandy Sri Lanka: Map

Sri Lanka is an Asian country off the southeast coast of India.  Although Sri Lanka is a small island nation, the Sri Lanka population is currently about 22 million inhabitants. In terms of size, Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka. 

In the heart of the central province of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a bustling city surrounded by both the Knuckles Mountain Range and and Hanthana Mountain Range. The sacred city of Kandy is known for its historic colonial architecture and dramatic religious festivals. It is a common pitstop between Dambulla and Ella, which are popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Keep reading to learn the best ways to get to Kandy from other cities in Sri Lanka.

Best Things to Do In Kandy

1. Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Without a doubt, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the main tourist attractions in Kandy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one you should not miss in your Kandy itinerary.

According to our guide, the first temple to house the sacred tooth relic was built in 1592. It was destroyed and rebuilt three times. Impressively, the current tooth relic temple was built in the 1700’s.

The Temple of the Tooth is one of the holiest Buddhist temples and is said to contain the Buddha’s actual tooth (hence the name of temple). Inside, you can admire the heavily adorned structure. P.S. You don’t actually get to see the tooth during your visit. 

Kandy Tooth Temple Opening Hours:

• 5:30 am- 8:00 pm

Tooth Temple Ticket Price:

• 1500 LKR for adults 

Seeking Stamps Tip: This is a religious site so shoulders and knees must be covered. You will have to pass through security and remove your shoes at the entrance. I recommend wearing socks because the ground can be hot. Don’t buy tickets from potential scammers outside the temple.

Save time and book Kandy City Group Tour packages here!

2. The International Buddhist Museum (Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy)

If you need a break from the Sri Lankan heat, venture into the International Buddhist Museum. This is also known at the World Buddhist Museum. Learn all about the Buddhist religion here. This museum is next to the Temple of the Tooth, if you want to explore both places on the same day. 

International Buddhist Museum Hours: 

• Daily from 8:00-7:00

Buddhist Museum Tickets:

• Admission is free with the Temple of the Tooth ticket
• 2000 LKR (about $6 USD)

3. Stroll By Bogambara Lake in Kandy

Next to the Temple of the Tooth, you will find scenic Bogambara Lake. It is usually referred to as Kandy Lake. This man-made lake was built in 1807 in the center of the Kandy district. It is surrounded by the “cloud’s wall”, an architectural element which adds to its uniqueness. Stroll around the 2 mile path and enjoy one of the beautiful places in Kandy.

4. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

You can’t miss the iconic Sri Lanka Buddha statue in Kandy. The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is an 88 foot tall giant Buddha that overlooks Kandy city from the top of“Gnome Mountain”. This temple is located less than 2 miles away from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It’s a peaceful place to soak up the Kandy view. 

Vihara Buddha Opening Hours:

• Open 24 hours

Tickets For the Vihara Buddha Statue:

• 250 LKR

Seeking Stamps Tip:  Make sure to dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered to enter this religious site. You will need to remove your shoes. Bring socks to keep your feet a little protected from the hot ground.

5. Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya

Next, visit the Kandy Peradeniya Botanical Garden . Over 4,000 species of plants thrive in the beautiful Kandy botanical garden. In particular, it is known for its gorgeous orchids.

The gardens are a lovely place to relax in the city as you view the colorful foliage. You can walk through rows of palms while monkeys play overhead. Interestingly, this is one of the oldest gardens in Sri Lanka with its origins dating back to the 14th century.  This is a must-see destination in your Kandy, Sri Lanka itinerary.

Kandy Botanic Garden Hours of Operation:

• Daily from 7:30 am- 6:00 pm

Botanic Garden of Kandy Tickets:

• 2000 LKR for adults (about $6 USD)

6. Visit Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Another exciting thing to do in Kandy is visit the natural environment of the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. This is a serene place to escape the chaos of the busy city for a few hours. At the Royal Forest Park, as it is also called, you can wander around the dirt paths of Lady Horton’s Road as monkeys play nearby. Check out the Giant Bamboo trees and other flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy seeing Royal Pond and the City View Point when you visit.

Udawatta Kele Hours of Operation:

• 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Forest Reserve Admission: 

• 2300 LKR (about $7 USD)

Seeking Stamps Tip: There are day tours available, but they aren’t necessary. 

7. Catch a Match At The International Cricket Stadium

If you have more time in your Kandy itinerary, catch a cricket match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Cricket is the most popular sport in the country. The stadium is located about thirty minutes outside of the city center. Unfortunately, we did not have time to fit this into our trip. 

8. Consider Watching A Kandy Cultural Show

Another popular activity in Kandy is watching one of the numerous cultural shows in the city. The show features singers and dancers in ornate, traditional Sri Lankan costumes. The show includes walking on fire and other pyrotechnics that had me checking where the exits were (in case things got out of control). 

To be honest, I found this to be incredibly touristy and would advise you to skip this in your Kandy itinerary. Perhaps the one we watched was of lesser quality than the show at Kandy Lake Club. Do your own research to determine if you think it’s worth the price.

Kandy Day Trips (Heading North)

Sri Muthumariamman Temple (Sri Muththumari Amman Kovil)

Outside the city of Kandy, visit the Sri Muthumariamman Temple dedicated to the goddess of rain and fertility. This brightly colored temple is easy to spot from the road. You do not need an extended amount of time here, but it’s worth a quick stop on your road trip to Dambulla. 

Opening Hours of Sri Muthumariamman Temple:

• Daily 6:30 am-1:00 pm and 4:30 pm-10:30 pm

Sri Muthumariamman Temple Tickets: 

• 250 LKR entrance fee

Nalanda Gedige

Another place to visit from a Kandy day trip is Nalanda Gedige. Its original construction site is considered the center of Sri Lanka. Nalanda Gedige is located in the city of Matale, which is a 50 minute drive from Kandy. 

Nalanda Gedige is famous for being a historical landmark constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries. It is notable for being the only temple with depictions of tantric sexual acts in the stone carvings. Little is known about this archaeological site. Although this is not a popular tourist attraction, take the time for a quick visit. Chances are, you will have the entire area to yourselves. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour here.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Next, visit another sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dambulla Cave Temple. Here rooms are built into massive rock caves. Explore ornate frescoes and statues from the 1st century BC. This  active religious site cannot be missed if you visit Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

From Kandy, continue north for a day trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Each year, millions of visitors visit Sigiriya Rock. It is a magnificent solid granite boulder towering 660 feet high. At Sigiriya you can view ancient gardens, architecture, frescoes and gorgeous views. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: I highly recommend staying in the village of Sigiriya as a convenient base for city tours, exploring national parks, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla Cave Temple.

Read more about climbing Sigiriya Rock in our detailed guide!

Day Trips from Kandy (Heading South to Tea Country)

Ambuluwawa Tower

Perilous Ambuluwawa Tower in Gampola, is a perfect place to stop along your drive to/from Kandy. Once you arrive at the entrance grab a tuk tuk ride, because it’s a steep hill to the top.

The tower itself is super narrow with low railings, so try to go early in the morning when there are fewer visitors. It is incredibly difficult and dangerous to squeeze your way around people near the top. This is not a place for anyone afraid of heights! I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty sketchy at the top, but it’s definitely worth a thrilling stop! Plan to spend about an hour here.

Check out this blog post about a Sri Lanka Tour to Ambuluwawa Tower!

Take the Blue Train From Kandy To Ella

If you are continuing your Sri Lanka vacation to lush Tea Country, make sure to hop on the train that is said to be the most beautiful train ride in the world. Sadly, because we visited during the Sinhalese New Year, we skipped the train to avoid the crazy crowds. When we return to Sri Lanka, we will make sure to take this scenic train.

Check out this post about Visiting Tea Country in Sri Lanka If You Are Going To Ella, Nuwara Eliya or Horton Plains National Park.

Getting from Colombo to Kandy

International flights to Sri Lanka land in Colombo at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).After you land in Colombo, you need to make your way to the central portion of Sri Lanka. Kandy is about 73 miles from Colombo (approximately 3 hours by car). Getting to Kandy is relatively easy because it is a common route for tourists in Sri Lanka. 

Getting Around Kandy

Sri Lanka Trains & Buses:

Mass transit is readily available throughout Sri Lanka.  If you are a budget traveler, you will most likely utilize the Sri Lankan train or bus systems. These are well connected but tend to be over crowded and inconvenient at times. Here is information for train tickets and bus tickets.

Hire a Private Driver in Sri Lanka:

If you have the budget, I highly recommend hiring a private car and driver which is time efficient and allows you the most flexibility to visit Sri Lanka destinations. We paid $1250 (plus gratuity) for four passengers during our week in Sri Lanka. That included a Mercedes Benz Vito van, fuel and unlimited stops wherever we wanted to go. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: It’s important to note that roads and infrastructure are not as developed as in the US. You need to allow more travel time to reach your destinations. Plan to drive 30 miles per hour except on the large highways. Travel times via Google maps are typically not accurate. Do not plan to drive more than 95 miles per day, which equates to about 4 hours of travel. 

Domestic Airlines in Sri Lanka:

The fastest, yet most expensive way to travel around Sri Lanka is through their domestic carrier. Cinnamon Air is the domestic airline that offers small planes, helicopters, and seaplanes to transit around the country. If you are short on time, this is the way to travel. 

Kandy Travel Tips

Currency in Kandy

The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. At the time this was written 1 US dollar was about 80 Sri Lankan rupees. Therefore, it’s very affordable to travel in Sri Lanka. You cannot get Sri Lankan currency until you arrive in the country, however there are a multitude of currency exchange windows as you exit the airport.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Keep your receipts for ATM withdrawals or any currency exchange. You can return currency at the end of your vacation in the departure zone of the airport.

Religion in Kandy

The overwhelming majority of the country is Buddhist. Other common religions in Sri Lanka are Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The diversity of Sri Lankan religions is important to consider, as there are many religious holidays to consider when planning your Sri Lanka travel.

Language in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The official languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken and we had no language barrier during our travels.

Tipping in Kandy

When traveling in Sri Lanka, 10% is considered the norm for tipping in the country. Tip restaurant servers in cash if a service charge has not already been applied to your bill. Make sure to give small tips to hotel porters and housekeepers in your hotel.  In particular, guides and drivers are accustomed to tips for good service.

What to Avoid in Kandy

When visiting it is important to note some cultural norms in Sri Lanka:

• it is considered rude to touch or pat someone’s head. 
• Buddha is highly revered and you should not pose with photos of your back to a Buddha statue. It is considered rude to take selfies in front of any image of Buddha.
• The left hand is considered unclean, so do not eat with your left hand or pass objects to another person with your left hand. 

When to Visit Kandy

Fortunately, you can visit Kandy year round. Kandy has the ideal weather during the months of January to March.  Pay attention to Sri Lanka monsoon when planning your itinerary. The western side of the island (including beaches and Hill Country) has the most rain during the stronger Yala Monsoon from April to September. April, May and June have the most rainfall at this time. The milder Maha Monsoon hits the eastern side of Sri Lanka from November to March. The most rainfall here is from November to December. 

Shop These Favorite Travel Dresses to Stay Cool in the Sri Lanka Humidity!

How Long to Spend In Kandy

Clearly there are a plethora of things to do in Kandy, but you can visit most of the important sights in 1 or 2 days in Kandy. Sri Lanka is a country with so much to see, you will want to make sure you allow enough time for places such as Sigiriya and Tea Country as well. 

Kandy Holidays

Due to the diversity of Sri Lanka’s many religions, there are a multitude of religious holidays that might impact your travel plans.  Here is a list of Sri Lanka holidays to pay attention to. 

Seeking Stamps Tip:  Trust me . . . check the holiday calendar in Sri Lanka before you book your vacation!!

Check the Calendar for Poya Days

Every full moon day in Sri Lanka is a Poya day. Poya days are public holidays where many shops and restaurants may be closed. Alcohol sales are limited in public, but hotels often still serve alcohol to tourists. 

Sinhalese New Year

It is important to note the April holiday when many families make the journey to Hill Country for their Sinhalese New Year celebration. Public transportation can be crowded and extremely difficult to access during this time. 

Kandy Festival-Esala Perahera

Esala Perahera is a ten day celebration honoring the sacred tooth relic. It includes lively parades of singers, dancers, fire breathers, and adorned elephants in procession. This massive festival typically takes place in July or August. 

In the procession, Hindu Kavadi dancers may participate in Kavadi Aattam (the Burden Dance). They are seen with graphic body and facial piercings, by which they believe they can pay a spiritual debt. 

Seeking Stamps Cultural Consideration: Elephants are an important symbol in Sri Lankan culture. These festivals use chained elephants during their rituals, which are shown in these photos below. I do not condone animals being in chains, but want to demonstrate an important cultural event in the city. Please do not visit elephant orphanages or ride elephants in Sri Lanka.

Is Kandy Safe?

We felt very safe during our time in Sri Lanka, and locals welcomed us with smiles and warm greetings. 

As with any city, petty crime can be problematic. Be aware of pickpockets in areas such as the Temple of the Tooth. There are also reports of credit card numbers being copied from smaller merchants, so pay with cash when possible. 

It should be noted that tap water is not safe to drink, so make sure to only ingest bottled water. Importantly, mosquitos do not carry malaria, but prevent bites with DEET repellent to prevent dengue fever and other illnesses. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: Always check travel advisories for any country you plan to visit. I recommend Enrolling in S.T.E.P. from the U.S. Department of State to be notified of travel advisories for free. 

Where To Stay In Kandy

Kandy has a variety of hotel options to fit every budget. We opted to stay at five-star King’s Pavilion Hotel located in the city center. This luxurious boutique hotel in Kandy is a sanctuary tucked away in the lush greenery, but just minutes from the top sights in the sacred city of Kandy. 

If you want to feel like royalty, stay in the King’s Suite. This spacious room has all the amenities you would expect and a balcony overlooking the emerald mountains in the distance. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to have the Sri Lankan breakfast the next morning-it is an unbelievable quantity of food and will give you the chance to try many delicious Sri Lankan dishes.

Things to Do in Kandy: FAQ’s

1. How Did Kandy Get its Name?

The name Kandy derived from the Sinhala Kanda Udarata, meaning the land on the mountain, or Kanda Uda Pas Rata, the five counties/countries on the mountain.

2. Why is Kandy Famous?

Kandy was the former capital of Sri Lanka from 1592 to the 19th century. It is famous because of its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is of great cultural and religious significance to the Sri Lankan people. 

3. How Long Should You Stay In Kandy?

While two days in Kandy is enough to see the main tourist attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy for a 4-5 day city stay. There are also numerous day trips which as accessible from Kandy.

4. How Far is Kandy From Colombo?

Kandy is approximately 75 miles from Colombo. Plan for 2.5-3 hours to drive from Colombo to Kandy by car.

5. How Do You Get Around Kandy?

The central portion of Kandy is easily navigated by tuk-tuk, scooter, taxis or walking. 

Things to Do in Kandy: Final Thoughts

That wraps up your travel guide for the best things to do in Kandy. Whether you are on your honeymoon or a vacation in Sri Lanka, Kandy is a must see destination. As you can see, Kandy has historic temples, colonial architecture, world heritage sites, and stunning scenery that are worth visiting during your Kandy, Sri Lanka itinerary.