Best things to do in Kandy: complete travel guide
Last updated on April 20th, 2024 at 02:22 pm
Are you wondering what to do in Kandy? In this article, we have listed the Best things to do in Kandy to answer your Question.
Kandy, located in the central part of Sri Lanka, is elevated at 1640 feet (500m) above sea level.
Even though it is a small city, it is the second-largest city on the island and the capital of the Central Province.
Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful and historic features and rich cultural heritage.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Sri Lanka who wants to experience the country’s rich history and heritage.
Kandy is a captivating city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. As you travel into this enchanting destination, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where the past is meticulously preserved, spirituality fills the air, and the serene landscapes create a truly unparalleled experience.
There are many things to do in Kandy, from exploring the breathtaking Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stroll around the serene Kandy Lake, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, and indulge in aromatic Ceylon tea at a local plantation.
Don’t miss the vibrant Kandy Esala Perahera festival for a truly immersive experience.
There are so many places to visit in Kandy that will leave a lasting memory in your life.
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Best hotels in Kandy
Best Location
The Radh Hotel
The Radh Hotel is a beautiful and luxurious hotel located in the heart of Kandy. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. The hotel is also very close to many of the city’s attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring.
Book your stay through this link to get a better rate.
Best Hotel
Kandy City View
Kandy City View is a 3-star hotel located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth, the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the country. The hotel offers modest rooms with free Wi-Fi and a rooftop restaurant with city views.
The hotel has 30 rooms, all of which are clean and comfortable. The rooms feature queen-size beds, wardrobes, and en suite bathrooms with hot water. Some of the rooms also have balconies with views of the city.
The hotel has a number of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop terrace. The restaurant serves a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The bar offers a selection of drinks, including local beers and wines. The rooftop terrace is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the city.
Kandy City View is a great choice for budget-minded travelers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay in Kandy. It is also a good option for those who want to be close to the Temple of the Tooth.
Book your stay through this link to get a better rate.
Best Homestay
Feel Home
The host, Fazly, is a friendly and helpful local who can provide you with information about Kandy and help you plan your activities. He also offers homge cooked meals and airport transfers.
Feel Home is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly and homely stay in Kandy. It is also a good option for families and groups of friends.
Book your stay through this link to get a better rate.
Check out this article to learn more about the best hotels in Kandy with various budget options.
Best Places to Visit in Kandy
01. Arthurs seat kandy
The Arthur Seat, also known as the Kandy viewpoint, stands 550 meters above sea level and overlooks Kandy Lake with the Temple of the Tooth in the background.
It offers an amazing panoramic view of the city and its picturesque surroundings, making it the perfect spot to capture breathtaking photos of Kandy.
It is one of the best places to visit in Kandy to get a fantastic panoramic view of the city and its picturesque surroundings, making it the perfect spot to capture breathtaking Instagram images of Kandy.
02. Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum is a must-visit place while you are in Kandy. The museum is conveniently situated merely three kilometres south of Kandy City, nestled within the charming surroundings of the Hantana Tea Factory.
It’s a convenient destination with easy road access and ample parking for cars and tourist coaches.
The Museum contains four floors. The ground and second floors showcase how tea was produced in the old days with old machinery; the first floor includes a library and auditorium for audio-visual presentations, and the third floor is dedicated to tea sales.
The top floor is home to a delightful tea café, and you can enjoy panoramic views of Kandy town, Hunasgiriya, the Knuckles Range, and the Matale range of hills through a telescope mounted on the fourth floor.
Take the chance to sample some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea while you’re there.
You don’t need a tour guide to visit the tea museum. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk; guided tours are available at the entrance.
Adult: RS 1000
Children: RS 500
03. Visit Hanthana Bird Park
The Hanthana Bird Park, also known as the Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center, is a must-visit place for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts in Kandy.
It is located in the lush green hills of the Hanthana Tea Estate, within walking distance from the Ceylon Tea Museum.
The park is home to over 100 species of birds, turtles, monkeys, and rabbits. You can see some of the island’s rarest bird species, including several endangered species, and interact with them in a safe environment. The bird park is a must-visit destination for everyone.
It takes approximately two hours to stroll through the park, feed the birds, and take amazing selfies with beautiful birds.
Daily: 09.00 am – 05. 00 pm
Tourist: Rs 2000
Local adult: Rs 600
Local Children under 13: Rs 400
04. Visit The Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth, also known as The Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
It houses Buddha’s tooth in a golden chamber within the royal palace complex. Daily rituals are held three times a day.
It is the most visited destination in Kandy, not only for its historical and religious significance but also for its beautiful interior.
Daily: 07.00 AM – 08.00 PM
Non-SAARC foreign adult : Rs 2000
SAARC foreign adult: Rs 15000
Locals: Free
All Children below 15 years : Free
Important Tips
01. Before entering the temple, you must cover your knees and shoulders and remove your hat.
Coverups are available at the entrance but are limited, so you may have to wait for your turn.
02. Leave your footwear at the entrance.
03. Visit Early to avoid the crowds
05. Kandy National Museum
The Kandy National Museum is situated just a short walk from the Temple of Tooth in Kandy.
It is a significant museum in Kandy that offers visitors insights into the rich history, culture, and heritage of the Kandyan kingdom and the region.
The museum is known for its well-maintained exhibits. The displays feature traditional costumes, religious artifacts, historical documents, weaponry, and other important historical things that provide a glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Kandyan people and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Kandy.
Tuesday – Saturday: 09.00 am – 05.00 pm
Closed on Sunday, Monday and public holidays
Local: Rs 30
Foreigners: Rs 600
06. Kandy Lake
Located near the Temple of the Tooth, this stunning artificial lake was built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807, and one of the best places to visit in kandy near the temple of tooth.
The lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda, meaning “Sea of Milk,” is an enchanting artificial pool that offers an ideal setting for leisurely walks during the morning and evening hours, immersing visitors in the bustling ambience of Kandy.
You can also take a boat ride around the lake or be amazed by the thousands of fish inhabiting the lake.
07.Enjoy the amazing view from Sri maha bodhi
The Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, also known as Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, is a stunning white statue perched on a hill just 2 kilometers from Kandy. It’s a massive 88 feet tall and a truly remarkable sight to see.
Take a tuk-tuk from Kandy to the temple bottom, then climb steep stairs to reach the statue’s feet.
Go behind the statue and climb more stairs until you reach Buddha’s shoulders from behind. You will get a fantastic view of Kandy city and its surroundings from there.
The best time to visit Bahirawakanda is at night when the statue is illuminated and offers a panoramic view of Kandy’s sparkling city lights. Also, you can stay in the daytime to see the full view of the Kandy with its natural surroundings of forests and hills.
Local: free
Foreigners: Rs 250
08. Visit Kandy Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Garden Kandy stands proudly as one of Sri Lanka’s most famous botanical gardens.
Renowned for its diverse plant species and trees, this garden boasts abundant natural beauty.
It offers numerous picturesque locations perfect for capturing stunning Instagram moments and expansive stretches of lush grassy areas where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
09. Kandy cultural dance show
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event while you are in Kandy, and it’s an absolute spectacle to watch.
The show features local people dancing with incredible energy in various colourful attires, creating a truly mesmerizing sight.
You’ll be treated to various Kandy folklore dances, stunning fireworks, and an impressive traditional music performance, especially drum music. This dance show is a must-see.
It is recommended to make an early booking if you would like to secure a desirable seat for this highly sought-after show.
10. Watch the mesmerizing Esala Perahara.
If you are in Sri Lanka during August, never miss the Kandy Esala Perahera. It’s a religious and cultural extravaganza filled with vibrant colours, music, dance, and majestic elephant parades.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand Buddhist festival celebrated annually in Kandy in August. The festival is a tribute to Lord Buddha and his Sacred Tooth Relic located in the Kandy Temple of the Tooth.
The festival is a 10-day celebration of festivities that includes traditional music, dance, and acrobatics. The most iconic event is the parade of the ceremonial elephant carrying the relic casket, followed by Kandyan dancers and musicians who deliver an enthralling performance to the audience.
Kandy Esala Perehara is one of the most significant events in Kandy, and locals and tourists visit every year to witness this remarkable showcase.
The Kandy Esala Perahera Festival Date
August 21–31 every year.
Kandy two day Itinerary Plan
Two days is enough to enjoy the major attractions in Kandy.
Day one in Kandy
Begin your tour with a visit to the Arthur’s Seat viewpoint, where you can witness the breathtaking scenery of Kandy Lake and its surrounding areas. From there, head over to the Ceylon Tea Museum, which is about 5 kilometres away and takes approximately 25 minutes by tuk-tuk.
After an unforgettable tour of the Tea Museum and a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, visit the Hanthana Bird Park to have a unique experience with amazing birds.
After the Unique experiences with birds, return to Kandy and indulge in a hearty Sri Lankan lunch.
Afterwards, visit the Temple of Tooth and then go to the National Museum of Kandy, which is within walking distance from the Temple of Tooth. Finally, take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake in the evening.
Day two in Kandy
The following day, kick off your morning by heading to the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, where you can enjoy a captivating panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, explore the enchanting Kandy Botanical Garden, then take a stroll through the city streets to catch a glimpse of Kandy’s daily life.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant Kandy Dance Show for a cultural treat.
The best time to visit Kandy Sri lanka
If you’re planning a trip to Kandy, the best time to visit Kandy is between January and March.
During these months, there are fewer rainy days and plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities.
However, be aware that April is a popular holiday season for locals, and the city can get crowded.
Another great time to visit Kandy is during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, which takes place in August and lasts for ten days. This Buddhist festival is a fantastic opportunity to witness Kandy’s rich history and tradition, with colourful lights, traditional dancers, and majestic elephants on display.
How to get around within Kandy
Buses
Kandy has a public bus network that connects different parts of the city. The central bus station is located near the Kandy Railway Station.
Although these buses are an economical way to travel, they can often be crowded and uncomfortable.
Sometimes, you may have to wait for the bus, and also the bus routes may not take you to your final destination, requiring you to walk or take a tuk-tuk for the rest of the journey.
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Kandy. They are convenient for short trips within the city and can be found almost everywhere.
Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as tuk-tuk drivers may not always use meters, or You can use the well-known Uber and the famous local favourite PickMe services from your phone.
