Kandy Travel Guide

Exploring the Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka

Surrounded by misty mountains and lush tea plantations, Kandy is more than just a city — it is the soul of Sri Lankan culture. As the last capital of the ancient kings, it withstood European colonisation for centuries longer than the coast, preserving unique traditions still alive today.

1. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most visited site in Kandy. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. Whoever held the tooth historically held the right to rule the island.

Daily Puja Times: 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM (most popular). Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes at the entrance.

2. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

The largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka (147 acres), once reserved for Kandyan royalty. Famous for the Orchid House, the Great Circle picnic lawn, the giant Javan Fig Tree covering 2,500 square metres, and the stunning Avenue of Palms.

3. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

The giant 88-foot white Buddha statue visible from anywhere in Kandy. Climb the stairs behind the statue to the viewing deck for breathtaking city and lake views at sunset.

4. Walk Around Kandy Lake

The man-made Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda), built in 1807 by the last King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. A one-hour walk around the lake where you may spot monitor lizards, pelicans, and tortoises.

5. The Esala Perahera Festival

If visiting in July or August, witness one of the grandest festivals in Asia. A ten-day procession where the Tooth Relic is paraded on a majestic tusker elephant, accompanied by dozens of adorned elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, and fire breathers.

Practical Travel Tips

• By Road: 3–4 hours from Colombo, with great stops like Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage along the way.
• Best Season: Kandy can be visited year-round. July/August is best for the Perahera.
• Getting Around: Tuk-tuks are fine for short hops; hire a Terry Cabs taxi for a full-day city tour.