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Get InspiredAsiaSri LankaCentral ProvinceKandy

Kandy

Central Province, Sri Lanka
City·Historical, Cultural, Serene
Kandy
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Dinesh Arumendo from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by kapila Rathna from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Milan Skvor from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Fabian Briese from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Dinesh Arumendo from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by kapila Rathna from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Milan Skvor from Google Places
Kandy
Photo by Fabian Briese from Google Places

Kandy, situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned as the cultural capital of the country. This city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy boasts a rich architectural heritage and was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese monarchy. Visitors can enjoy the city's serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush hills and historical landmarks, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty.

Kandy, situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned as the cultural capital of the country. This city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy boasts a rich architectural heritage and was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese monarchy. Visitors can enjoy the city's serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush hills and historical landmarks, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy.

  • Surrounded by scenic hills.

  • Rich architectural heritage.

Before you go: Kandy essentials

  • Rich cultural heritage with several historical sites.

  • Scenic surroundings ideal for photography.

  • Popular tourist destination, especially during the Esala Perahera festival.

Getting Around

Kandy is well-connected by public transport, including buses and trains, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.

Local Cuisine

Try local delicacies such as Kottu Roti and Sri Lankan rice and curry at local eateries for an authentic taste.

Best For

Cultural and historical exploration.

Currency

LKR ₨

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Languages Spoken

Sinhala, Tamil, English

Cultural Etiquette

When visiting temples, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.

Weather

Kandy has a tropical climate; pack light clothing and an umbrella for sudden rain showers.

Best time to visit Kandy

December to April

Spring

Spring is a pleasant time to visit Kandy, with mild temperatures and lush greenery.

Summer

Summer can be warm and humid; it's the best time to enjoy indoor attractions and cultural sites.

Fall

Fall offers cooler weather and fewer tourists, ideal for exploring the city's historical sites.

Best Season

Winter

Winter is peak tourist season, with the famous Esala Perahera festival taking place, attracting many visitors.

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Location

Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Kandy

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Amaya Hills

4.6(7,6 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Polished, Tranquil, Upscale
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Sharon Inn

4.2(285)
Kandy, Central Province
Homey, Welcoming, Communal
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Queens Mount Kandy

4.2(251)
Kandy, Central Province
Functional, Busy, Central
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Radisson Hotel Kandy

4.7(4,2 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Polished, Welcoming, Scenic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Dumbara Peak Residence

4.1(290)
Kandy, Central Province
Casual, Lively, No Frills
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Viyana Boutique Hotel

4.4(377)
Kandy, Central Province
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Range Kandy

4.2(111)
Kandy, Central Province
Peaceful, Scenic, Simple
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Mount Blue Kandy

4.4(818)
Kandy, Central Province
Peaceful, Scenic, Welcoming

Food & drink in Kandy

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Department of Coffee

4.8(430)
Kandy, Central Province
Minimalistic, Aesthetic, Calm, Polished
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Fab Ceylon

4.4(4,6 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Cozy, Calm, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Yaka Lounge

4.7(488)
Kandy, Central Province
Lively, Scenic, Modern
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Java Lounge - Kandy

4.6(2,4 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Cozy, Modern, Relaxing
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Cafe Banana Chill

4.9(971)
Kandy, Central Province
Chill, Relaxing, Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Hungry Brunch Café & Restaurant

4.9(1,5 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Cozy, Welcoming, Local Leaning
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Blizz Cafe - Kandy

4.3(397)
Kandy, Central Province
Casual, Lively, Unpretentious
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Buono

4.7(1,5 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Modern, Calm, Open Air

Things to do in Kandy

Kandy Village Cooking Class
From $25

Kandy Village Cooking Class

5.0(663)
Duration: 3h
Kandy
Kandy to Ella Trip by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Ambewela
From $80

Kandy to Ella Trip by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Ambewela

5.0(2)
Duration: 6h
Kandy
Scenic Train Ride to Ella from Kandy
From $89

Scenic Train Ride to Ella from Kandy

4.1(10)
Duration: 13h
Kandy
Sri Lanka Cooking Class with Granny
From $25

Sri Lanka Cooking Class with Granny

5.0(705)
Duration: 3h 30min
Kandy
The 10 Tastings of Kandy With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
From $84

The 10 Tastings of Kandy With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

4.5(85)
Duration: 3h
Kandy
Kandy City Tour with Ambuluwawa by Tuk Tuk
From $24

Kandy City Tour with Ambuluwawa by Tuk Tuk

4.9(69)
Duration: 4h
Kandy
Day tour to Nuwareeliya (Little England) from Kandy
From $27

Day tour to Nuwareeliya (Little England) from Kandy

5.0(19)
Duration: 8 min
Kandy
Kandy Nuwara Eliya & Train tour to Ella
From $70

Kandy Nuwara Eliya & Train tour to Ella

5.0(6)
Duration: 5h
Kandy
Explore on Viator

Attractions in Kandy

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Sri Dalada Maligawa

4.7(31,5 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Sacred, Historical, Cultural
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

4.4(3,3 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Serene, Natural, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

4.6(23,4 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Serene, Scenic, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Arthur's Seat View Point, Kandy

4.6(1,9 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Scenic, Buzzy, Accessible
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

View point

4.7(183)
Kandy, Central Province
Tranquil, Scenic, Uncrowded
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Aniwatta Tunnel

4.4(182)
Kandy, Central Province
Historical, Narrow, Atmospheric
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Kandy National Museum

4.3(223)
Kandy, Central Province
Educational, Quiet, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Kandy Viewpoint

4.6(1,6 K)
Kandy, Central Province
Scenic, Buzzy, Accessible

Natural & historic sites near Kandy

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Minneriya National Park

4.5(1,7 K)
North Central Province
National Park · Wild, Scenic, Adventurous
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Horton Plains National Park

4.6(10,1 K)
Central Province
National Park · Serene, Expansive, Wild, Untouched
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Udawalawe National Park

Protected Area · Rugged, Natural, Wild, Serene
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Angammedilla National Park

North Central Province
Protected Area · Remote, Rugged, Quiet, Untouched
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Flood Plains National Park

Protected Area · Remote, Wild, Conservation Focused
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Gal Oya National Park

Protected Area · Tranquil, Remote, Nature Focused
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Galway's Land National Park

Protected Area · Tranquil, Lush, Serene, Protected
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Horagolla National Park

Protected Area · Tranquil, Lush, Natural, Serene