Planning what to do in Kandy? This guide ranks the highlights by what visitors actually come for, with practical notes on timing and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Kandy is a hill city in the center of Sri Lanka, set around a lake and surrounded by tea country. It was the last royal capital and remains the country’s spiritual heart, home to a revered temple, botanical gardens and traditional Kandyan culture.
1. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Sri Dalada Maligawa is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, said to house a tooth of the Buddha. Go for the evening ritual and dress modestly.
2. Walk around Kandy Lake
A peaceful loop beside the temple with views of hillsides and local life. It is pleasant at sunrise or just before dusk.
3. See the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
Large gardens with orchid houses, palm avenues and giant trees, a short drive from the center.
4. Watch a cultural dance show
Kandyan dance performances feature drums, costumes and fire walking, usually held in the early evening.
5. Hike Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A forest sanctuary just above the town with walking trails, birds and monkeys.
6. Visit a tea plantation
Estates and factories in the surrounding hills show how Ceylon tea is grown and processed, with tastings.
7. See the Bahirawakanda Buddha
A large white Buddha statue on a hill overlooking the city, a good viewpoint.
8. Ride the scenic train toward Ella
The train line through tea country is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic journeys. Reserve seats ahead if you can.
Kandy Quick Facts
- Location: Central Province, Sri Lanka.
- Type of place: Hill capital and sacred city.
- Best time to visit: Visit from January to April for the driest and most comfortable weather, or in July and August for the Esala Perahera festival. The wet months from October to December bring heavy afternoon showers.
- Suggested time: 2 to 3 days, or 1 day for the main sights if you are short on time.
- Busiest: The Esala Perahera period and the December to March tourist season. Quietest: May, June and November.
What to Eat in Kandy
Try rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti and string hoppers with coconut sambol. Fresh fruit, spice-rich curries and Ceylon tea are specialties. Many restaurants around the lake offer views.
Getting Around
Kandy is about 3 to 4 hours by road from Colombo’s airport and the capital, and trains run regularly from Colombo, with scenic routes onward to Ella. Tuk-tuks and taxis are common, and many travelers hire a driver for day trips.
Money-Saving Tips
Kandy is inexpensive for many travelers. Save by eating at local restaurants, using tuk-tuks with agreed fares and staying in guesthouses. Entry fees to the temple and gardens are modest for foreigners but add up.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing shorts or sleeveless tops to temples.
- Visiting during the Perahera without booking rooms months ahead.
- Underestimating the traffic around the city center.
- Planning outdoor activities in the afternoon during the rainy months.
Best Time to Do These Things
Visit from January to April for the driest and most comfortable weather, or in July and August for the Esala Perahera festival. The wet months from October to December bring heavy afternoon showers. Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats before entering religious sites.
Top-Rated Tours in Kandy
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Kandy, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Kandy Village Cooking Class — rated 5.0 from 716 reviews, from $25.
- Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk — rated 5.0 from 206 reviews, from $12.
- Kandy City Tour By Best Guide Lanka Tours — rated 5.0 from 132 reviews, from $5.
- kandy waterfalls day tour — rated 5.0 from 120 reviews, from $59.
How to Fit It All In
Most visitors need 2 to 3 days to cover the highlights without rushing, and 1 day for the main sights is enough for the essentials. Our Kandy trip-length guide shows how to split the days, and the best time to visit page helps you choose the season. Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats before entering religious sites.
Plan Your Trip
More Kandy planning help: best tours and experiences in Kandy, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Kandy?
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic tops most lists. The Sri Dalada Maligawa is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, said to house a tooth of the Buddha.
What can I do in Kandy in one day?
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya while it is cool.
Is it worth booking a guided tour in Kandy?
Tours save time on logistics and often include entry or transport. Listed tours start around $5 with a typical price near $12. The most-reviewed option we list is Kandy Village Cooking Class, rated 5.0 from 716 reviews and starting around $25.
Are there good day trips from Kandy?
See the Bahirawakanda Buddha and Ride the scenic train toward Ella are popular add-ons. See our trip-length guide for how to fit them in.
Plan Your Tours in Kandy
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Kandy for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
