As the second-largest city and the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a must-visit spot if you’re spending any extended period of time in the country. The city is a vibrant blend of past and present.
Unlike other major cities, there doesn’t seem to be a tourist hub here in Kandy. Your walks for the day will be shared with Sri Lankans, and the occasional backpacker. Children in white dresses and plaits make their way to and from school. Businessmen walk to work and shop owners stand at the entrances of their stores, ready to invite you in.
The sweet smell of oranges is almost irresistible as you pass by the daily fruit sellers, calling out to customers with their best deals, and the horns of buses and tukutks can be heard as you weave your way through parked vehicles and the crowds of locals.
And yet, beyond the hustle and bustle of modern day life, there’s a rich and fascinating past that can still be found in the city, if you look closely enough. Beautiful colonial buildings pepper the streets, hidden in plain sight amongst the more brutalist modern architecture. It’s the history of Kandy that draws travellers here, with its myriad of temples and parks, each one offering an insight into the past of this interesting city.
To help you choose where best to spend your time, I’ve compiled a list of the very best things to do in Kandy.
1. Explore the Streets of Kandy
As I’ve already mentioned, the streets of Kandy are a site within themselves. They’re filled with old colonial buildings and street vendors selling delicious, ripe fruit. Grab your camera and take in this beautiful city.
For the best photos, head to Sri Dalada Veediya and DS Senanayake Veediya. On the corner you’ll find the Queen’s hotel, an iconic white colonial building, that stands relatively unchanged, despite the haphazard tuktuks that zip past.
If you carry on down Temple Street, you’ll see vendors selling flowers and petals, as offerings for locals wanting to pay their respects at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth.
2. See the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth is a beautiful Buddhist Temple in central Kandy. It is famously the home of one of Buddha’s teeth (hence the name) and has played a key role in the history of the city. Since ancient times, the relic has influenced Sir Lankan politics, as those who hold it are said to hold the governance of the country.
The tooth is enclosed in a number of gold boxes and is bathed in a herbal mixture every Wednesday. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers that will also affect whoever is present.
Actually seeing the tooth is almost impossible, as it is so safely protected by layer upon layer of boxes. But you can get a glimpse of the intricate room where it’s held.
We visited at the weekend during worship time, and whilst it was fascinating to see how strongly people reacted to being in this temple as practicing Buddhists, it’s not something we’d recommend. It was incredibly busy, with swarms of locals jostling amongst one another for a sight of the tooth. Instead, visit during the week, and perhaps not at worship time.
I did love seeing how much this temple is still loved and respected by Sri Lankans. Not just a tourist site for Westerners, thousands of people travel across the country to visit this sacred temple too. It is said to bring good karma to those that visit.
You don’t need a guide to enter the building so ignore anyone outside that tries to tell you otherwise! These people are most likely touts, who will give you a half-hearted and not hugely factual tour, in order to make some money. If you would like a guided tour, book in advance for the best service from a reputable company.
👔 What to Wear to the Temple of the Tooth
This is a very sacred religious site for Buddhists. For any temple in Sri Lanka, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, it is important to cover your knees and shoulders. I opted for long trousers and a linen shirt, while Rory wore trousers and a t shirt. Both of these options were perfectly fine for visiting.
It is prohibited to wear your shoes in temples, so you will need to leave them outside. There is a booth next to the foreign ticket office where you can leave them in a guarded, numbered cubby hole. You may wish to bring socks with you to protect your feet, as the ground can get very hot.
Top Tip: wear white! White is a symbol of peace in Buddhism, so you’ll notice most of the locals wearing white clothing. If you’d like to show an extra layer of respect, then opt for white clothes when visiting. This isn’t necessary but it is a nice way to embrace the culture during your visit.
💸 Temple of the Tooth Entrance Fee
The Temple of the Tooth entrance fee for foreigners is 2000 LKR (about $6.20 USD or £5 GBP). There is also a booth next to the ticket office where you can leave your shoes. A donation here is optional.
3. Visit the Museum of Raja the Elephant
When visiting the Temple of the Tooth, we were incredibly surprised to find the stuffed remains of an elephant, enclosed in a mini museum (really just a room).
Upon research, we learnt that Raja was considered Sri Lanka’s most sacred elephant. In 1986, the Sri Lankan President declared him a national treasure, due to his services to the country.
So loved was this elephant that, when Raja died in 1988, the government ordered a day of national mourning. In 1989, a postage stamp was even issued in his memory.
The President ordered that his body be preserved for everyone to visit and it is now housed in its own museum within the Temple of the Tooth complex. It was a very surreal experience to stumble upon this full-sized stuffed elephant one morning in Kandy.
I’d highly recommend that you make sure to see it when visiting the temple!
4. Stroll the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy are truly gorgeous, and a great escape when the constant calls from tuktuk drivers and touts is proving too much. Here you can find over 4,000 species of plants and plenty of locals gathering for a spot of relaxation.
These aren’t just any gardens either! They’re very grand and were formerly reserved exclusively for royalty, before being made open to the public.
If you’re looking for some good photos spots here, head to:
- Royal Palm Avenue
- Cabbage Palm Avenue
- The Suspension Bridge
- The Plant House
I’d also recommend bringing a book along with you, as the manicured lawns are a lovely place to sit and read for a while under the shade of a palm tree.
How to Get to the Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens are actually based just outside of Kandy, in a town called Peradeniya. You can easily catch a tuktuk here, which will cost around 800 LKR one way. You can either ask your tuktuk driver to wait for you and take you back, which will cost more, or simply get one of the other tuktuk drivers waiting outside to take you back when you’re finished.
Alternatively, you can get a public bus (the number 644) from Kandy Clock Tower, which will take you directly to the gardens for significantly cheaper.
Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens Entry Fee
It costs 2,000 LKR (about $6.20 USD £5 GBP) but is really worth it if you spend a few hours here to take in the beauty. I recommend leaving yourself around 2 hours to properly explore.
5. Watch a Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Whilst this didn’t seem immediately appealing, I decided to give the Kandy Cultural Dance Show a go after reading many a rave review online. I’m so glad I did.
The show was an hour-long, filled with a plethora of intricate costumes, impressive acrobatics, mesmerising dances, and even some fire-walking. We were able to watch some of Sri Lankan’s oldest and most prestigious dances, which have been carefully passed down through generations, including Devol Natuma, Pantheru Natuma, and Ves Natuma.
The latter dance is considered the most important Kandyan dance form and involves years of rigorous training before the status of a fully-fledged Ves dancer is achieved.
We also saw Raksha Natuma, a devil dance with traditional Sri Lankan masks that is used to exorcise demons from the possessed. We were given an informative document when we arrived, detailing all of the cultural and historical meanings for each dance. According to this guide, the Raksha Natuma is still believed to be an effective psychiatric treatment by some in Sri Lanka.
Not only were we incredibly entertained by the show, we also learnt a lot about Sri Lankan culture and the way dance has been used over many centuries for everything from battle to health.
The Kandy Lake Club dance show is meant to begin daily at 5:30pm. However, when we visited, it actually started at 5:15pm, so it pays to get there early! You can book tickets in advance here, or purchase them on the door.
Kandy Lake Club Dance Show Entry Fee
The Kandy Lake Club dance show entrance fee is 3,500 LKR (about $11 USD or £8.60 GBP)
Watch Out For Touts
We had thoroughly researched dance shows in Kandy and were sure we wanted to head to the Kandy Lake Club, which has thousands of excellent reviews. On the way there, however, we were stopped multiple times by touts telling us that the show was in another direction, steering us towards a hall by the lake.
This is a different dance show (with much poorer reviews online). Touts obviously attempt to capitalise off the success of the Kandy Lake Club by the leading visitors astray.
We highly recommend ignoring these men and following your Google Maps straight to the Kandy Lake Club. It is a little further away from the lake, up quite a steep hill. At first it seemed very quiet and we wondered if we’d gone wrong but once you arrive, you’ll see plenty of other tourists purchasing their tickets for the show.
6. Walk Around Kandy Lake
If you’re looking for free things to do in Kandy, take a stroll around Kandy Lake. This artificial lake was built right in the heart of Kandy in 1807 by Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy.
As you’re walking around, you’ll notice a little island in the centre. This was originally used for Sri Wickrama Rajasinha’s personal harem and later became an ammunition store, when the British took over the city in the early 1800s.
It takes about an hour to walk around the whole lake. It’s generally a little cooler by the water too, so this is a good place to find some small respite from the heat of the city.
We experienced a couple of different scams in this area that you should watch out for. These included:
- A tuktuk driver pretending to be a worker from the department of agriculture – presumably so he could take us to a spice garden, where he’d get a commission for our purchases (a popular scam here in Sri Lanka)
- A man pretending to be from our hotel, exclaiming that he couldn’t believe we didn’t recognise him.
We firmly said no and ignored these people and were left alone. Unfortunately, we did find that there were more scammers and touts around Kandy than anywhere else we visited in Sri Lanka, probably due to its nature as a busy city.
7. The Big Buddha Statue
At 88-feet high, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is the biggest Buddha statue in the whole of Sri Lanka. Nestled in the lush green hills, upon reaching the Buddha you’ll find incredible views of the city.
The giant Buddha statue is located at the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple. You can take a tuktuk here, or walk 45 minutes from the city centre. As it was only 30 minutes from our hotel, we decided to walk and enjoyed the steep but peaceful ascent to the temple.
Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding hills. We found this temple so much more peaceful than the Temple of the Tooth, with only a handful of other visitors entering while we were there. It was a really special place to sit and watch the world go by below.
Photography Tip: If you want to get good photos of the Buddha statue, I’d recommend going just after sunrise or at least earlier in the morning. This will offer the best lighting. We visited early afternoon and unfortunately the sun was right behind the statue, resulting in a far from perfect shot!
Top Tip: Don’t stand with your back to the Buddha or take selfies with it. This is considered offensive and could even get you arrested! When taking any photos with the Buddha statue in, make sure that you are facing it.
👔 What to Wear to the sri maha bodhi temple
As with any temple in Sri Lanka, you should cover your knees and shoulders when visiting. Opt for lightweight trousers or a maxi skirt and a t-shirt or linen shirt.
It is prohibited to wear your shoes in temples, so you will need to leave them outside. You can leave them with the very kind man before the ticket office, who will place them in a cubby hole and take good care of them for you. You may wish to bring socks with you to protect your feet, as the ground can get very hot.
💸 SRI MAHA BODHI Entrance Fee
The Sri Maha Bodhi entrance fee for foreigners is only 300 LKR (about $1 USD or £0.75 GBP)
8. Ceylon Tea Museum
Tea is kind of a big deal in Sri Lanka. The country is the world’s fourth-largest producer of tea and tea production accounts for 2% of the GDP. This is thanks to the humidity and rainfall in Sri Lanka’s central hills, which provide the perfect climate for a high-quality cup of tea.
If you’re interested to learn more about how tea leaves come to be the delicious hug in a mug that we’ve all come to know and love, head to the Ceylon Tea Museum. The museum exhibits traditional machinery and provides a historical overview of how Sri Lankan tea came to be.
You’ll also get a free cup of tea at the end of your tour – the perfect way to finish the morning.
The Ceylon Tea Museum makes a good option for a rainy day in Kandy, when other outdoor pursuits may be less appealing.
9. Climb Ambuluwawa Tower
You may very well have seen this impressive white tower floating around your social media feeds. It’s approximately 48 metres (so not for the faint-hearted) and you can climb all the way to the top via the sprial staircase that wraps itself around the tower.
This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Kandy, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views from the top. However, the climb can be quite challenging, with the staircase narrowing as you gain height. It’s the same route up and down, so you’ll have to squeeze past others coming in the opposite direction, which can be scary at such a height.
To avoid crowds and make the climb easier, we recommend arriving early. Ambuluwawa Tower opening times are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Aim to get there for opening and avoid the weekends for a less crowded climb.
How to Get To Ambuluwawa Tower
Ambulawawa Tower is an hour outside of Kandy. By public transport, you can take the train to Gampola Train Station and catch a tuktuk the remaining 20 minutes to the tower.
Alternatively, you can get a tuktuk the whole way there. This should cost you about 2,500 LKR.
We recommend downloading the ‘pick me’ app. This works like Uber but you can also order tuktuks with it. Even if you decide not to book with the app, we find it’s useful to get an idea of how much a journey should cost when bartering with a local tuktuk driver.
💸 Ambuluwawa Tower Entrance Fee
The Ambuluwawa entrance fee for foreigners is 1000 LKR (about $3 USD or £2.45 GBP).
10. Visit Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Located close by to the Temple of the Tooth, Udawattakele Forest Reserve was once the pleasure garden of Sri Lankan Royals. Now you can walk a number of different paths through the forest and take in the beautiful nature, including plenty of monkeys and birds.
With the constant calls of tuktuk drivers, the jostling of crowds, and the intense heat, Kandy can quickly become overwhelming. In these moments, we sought out little pockets of peace. The forest reserve is one such area, where you can escape the hustle and bustle, and relax into the forest.
💸 udawattakele forest reserve Entrance Fee
The Ambuluwawa entrance fee for foreigners is 600 LKR (about $1.90 USD or £1.50 GBP).
11. Hike Hanthana Mountain
If you find that city life doesn’t suit you quite so well as exploring the majestic countryside of the Sri Lankan hills, a hike outside the city could be just the thing for you.
The Hanthana Mountain Range is located just 30 minutes outside of Kandy and is famous for its fantastic views across rolling tea plantations.
If you’re only staying for a couple of days in Kandy, I’d recommend prioritising some of the other items on the list and saving your hiking days for Ella. This will likely be your next stop in Sri Lanka and is filled with fantastic trails that you won’t want to miss!
👔 What to Wear to Hike Hanthana Mountain
You’ll want some quality shoes. This hike has some very steep moments, so flip flops are not advised. Ideally, wear your walking boots. But if you’ve only got trainers, these will be just fine.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, be aware of leeches when hiking. These are commonly found across central Sri Lanka in the wet weather. We were unfortunate enough to encounter some in Nuwara Eliya.
Though not harmful, the sight of a blood-sucking leech on your leg isn’t a fun one. Make sure to wear long trousers, bug repellant, and leech socks (if you have them!).
12. Take a Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla
If you’re short on time but want to get the most out of Sri Lanka, consider taking a day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla.
About 3 hours drive from Kandy, this area offers a number of historic sites that are well worth a visit. The infamous Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s an ancient fortress built in 480AD atop of a 200m rock, making it an incredibly unique and beautiful spot to see.
If you’re on a budget, I recommend hiking Pidurangula Rock instead. The entrance fee is significantly cheaper and you’ll get fantastic views of Lion Rock.
You can also see elephants at the nearby Minneriya National Park or explore the historic cave temple complex of Dambulla. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes five caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, depicting the Buddha and his life.
If you want to explore Sigiriya and Dambulla from Kandy, I’d recommend taking this highly-rated day tour.
13. Kandy to Ella Scenic Train Ride
Often cited as the world’s most beautiful train route, taking the train from Kandy to Ella is one of the most popular things to do in Sri Lanka. Try to book a month in advance online if you can, and go for 2nd or 3rd class. First class has air conditioning, meaning no open windows for those classic train ride shots!
This train ride has become very popular, so, if you want seats, booking ahead is essential. You can do so here.
Alternatively, I’d recommend doing the journey in reverse (from Ella to Kandy) as this route is far less popular and boasts the same incredible views.
14. Go to a Sri Lankan Cooking Class
One of our favourite things that we did in Sri Lanka was attend a cooking class. We chose to do ours with Matey Hut in Ella (it was incredible!).
These classes tend to last a few hours and teach you not only how to make the food but also about the spices and techniques that are traditionally used throughout Sri Lanka. This has to be one of the most delicious ways to learn about a new culture!
What I love more than anything about taking cooking classes when I’m travelling is that I can take the recipes home with me. Recreating them when I return from my adventures is always the perfect reminder of the amazing times I’ve had away.
15. Enjoy Kandy’s Foodie Scene
There are plenty of delicious restaurants to try on your visit to Kandy. Whether you’re excited to tuck into some traditional (and affordable!) Sri Lankan dishes, or you’re looking for a refined dining experience, this city has something to offer.
Balaji Dosai is the place to go if you’re wanted some Sri Lankan and South Indian food in the city centre. Located close to the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake, you’ll likely pass it at least a few times during your stay. While it doesn’t look too impressive from the outside, this unassuming restaurant is a hit with locals and tourists alike.
If you’re after some boho vibes, head straight to Hideout Lounge. Grab one of their tables upstairs and order a burger and a cocktail for the perfect laidback evening.
Sometimes when you’re travelling, you just crave some of your favourite foods. For us, that’s pizza. And we were surprised to find some of the best pizza we’ve ever had in the city of Kandy. Vito Wood Fired Pizza is the place to be – trust me!
16. Watch Some Cricket at Pallekelle Stadium
Sri Lanka loves cricket. In fact, if you’re from Australia or the UK, you’ll probably find that Sri Lankans are constantly asking you about famous cricketers. Lucky for me, my husband Rory is a cricket fan, as I know absolutely nothing about the sport.
Pallekelle Stadium in Kandy holds international games throughout the year, so, if you love cricket, booking some tickets could be a great way to spend your time in Kandy.
I’d recommend checking matches ahead of time, so you can get hold of some tickets for any of the more exciting games on the list.
Kandy Sri Lanka FAQs
Kandy is right in the centre of Sri Lanka, set amongst the cooler hills and tea plantations. It is around 3.5 hours from the capital city of Colombo.
For the best weather, visit Kandy between January and April. Though it will be warm and humid, it’ll also be predominantly dry. This will make exploring much more enjoyable and you’re also far less likely to encounter leeches.
Kandy experiences two rainy seasons – one between May and September and the other between December and March. As a result, you’ll find that there will be far less tourists during these periods. The rain in Kandy can be very heavy, making it difficult to explore everything the city has to offer, so I’d highly recommend opting for the dry season.
The Sinhalese New Year is in the middle of April. Travel within Sri Lanka at this time can be extremely difficult, so it is best to avoid visiting Kandy around this time of the year.
