Kandy, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide to the Sacred City of the Hill Country

Kandy, nestled among forested hills in the centre of Sri Lanka, was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, which resisted European colonial powers until it fell to the British in 1815. Today, it's the island's cultural and spiritual heart, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Set around a tranquil lake and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Kandy is famous for its colourful festivals, traditional dance and botanical gardens, and is the gateway to the tea country.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Kandy

1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) houses a tooth of the Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century and long regarded as a symbol of the right to rule the island. Part of the royal palace complex, the temple features golden roofs, intricate wood carvings, painted ceilings and a moat. Several times a day, drumming and chanting accompany the puja ceremonies, when the doors of the inner chamber are opened and devotees offer lotus flowers and incense. The relic itself, kept in a golden casket shaped like a stupa, is rarely shown to the public.

Booking tip: visit during the evening puja for the most atmospheric experience; dress in white or modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering. A Kandy city tour on GetYourGuide often includes the temple.

2. Esala Perahera Festival

Every year in July or August, Kandy hosts the Esala Perahera, one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia. Over ten nights, processions of dozens of richly decorated elephants, Kandyan dancers, drummers, fire performers and torch bearers parade through the city's streets in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic, with the final night being the grandest. The festival dates back more than 1,700 years and attracts huge crowds from across the island and the world.

Booking tip: accommodation and seats along the route sell out months in advance, so book early.

3. Kandy Lake and Kandyan Dance

Kandy Lake, created in 1807 by the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, is the centrepiece of the city, surrounded by a walking path with views of the temple and the hills. In the evening, cultural shows near the lake present traditional Kandyan dance, with drummers, acrobatic dancers in elaborate costumes and fire-walking performances. Above the city, the giant white Bahirawakanda Buddha statue offers panoramic views.

Booking tip: Kandyan dance show tickets can be bought locally or booked on GetYourGuide.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

About six kilometres from the city, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya cover about 60 hectares and are among the finest in Asia. Highlights include an orchid house, an avenue of royal palms, a giant Java fig tree whose branches spread over a vast area, a spice garden and huge colonies of fruit bats hanging in the trees.

Booking tip: allow at least two to three hours.

5. Tea Factories, Udawattakele and the Knuckles Range

Near Kandy, tea factories and the Ceylon Tea Museum, housed in a former tea factory in the Hantane hills, explain the history of Sri Lankan tea, from the arrival of the first tea plants in the 19th century to the work of pioneer James Taylor. The Udawattakele Forest Reserve, behind the temple, offers peaceful walking trails. To the northeast, the Knuckles Mountain Range, part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers spectacular hiking.

Booking tip: day hikes can be arranged locally.

Practical Travel Tips for Kandy

Before You Go

• Entry: most visitors need an ETA or visa for Sri Lanka.
• After the cyclone: Cyclone Ditwah caused floods and landslides in the Kandy region in late 2025, and the railway linking Kandy with Colombo and Ella was still being repaired in 2026. Check the latest status before travelling.

Getting Around

• By road: Kandy is about three to four hours from Colombo by car or bus.
• Tuk-tuks: use apps or agree on fares in advance.
• Money: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Rice and curry: rice served with a variety of vegetable, dhal, meat and fish curries.
• Kandyan sweets: oil cakes called kavum and crispy kokis, especially popular at New Year.
• Hoppers and string hoppers: rice flour pancakes and noodle nests.
• Ceylon tea: fresh from local estates.

Best Time to Visit

• January–April: dry and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing.
• April: Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
• July–August: the Esala Perahera.
• October–December: the wettest months.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Kandy

Kandy combines sacred heritage, festivals and natural beauty. Whether you're attending a puja at the Temple of the Tooth or strolling around Kandy Lake, Kandy is the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Kandy.