Kandy is one of Sri Lanka‘s most culturally rich and scenic cities, set high in the central hills and known for its sacred temples, lush landscapes, and living traditions. Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), scenic Kandy Lake, vibrant markets, and cultural shows, this city offers a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and nature. Whether you’re wandering through the Royal Botanical Gardens, catching a traditional Kandyan dance performance, or simply soaking up panoramic views from the hills, this Kandy Travel guide will help you plan your visit with the best things to do, top attractions, and practical tips.
Where to stay in Kandy?
We stayed in the Viyana Boutique Hotel, with a great view of Kandy Lake!
Things to do in Kandy
1) Queen’s Hotel
This is one of the oldest hotels in Kandy and used to be the residence of a British governor. Lord Mountbatten stayed here at one point.
2) Kandy Municipal Central Market
We spent our morning at the Municipal Central Market. This place has everything you want to buy: clothing, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and spices. I sometimes got nauseous due to the smell of the fish, but the fruits I tasted were so good!
3) Kandy City Centre Shopping Mall
After our market experience, we also took a look at the Kandy City Centre. The shopping mall resembles the malls in Europe: modern and clean. Some shops: Nike, Bodyshop & Adidas.
4) Kandy Lake
Our hotel, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the Queen’s Palace are all located next to Kandy Lake. Fishing in the lake is strictly forbidden. We walked around the lake when we went to the dance show and the temple of the Tooth Relic.
5) Bahirawakanda Vihara
We were brought to a viewpoint in Kandy where we saw the giant white Buddha statue. The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue is 27 meters high.
6) Wood Shop
We also visited a woodshop where they showed us how to make paint from the rainbow tree. This was so special because it looked like magic!
7) Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre
We started our night with a cultural dance show. This was the first time that we saw more than 4 tourists in the same place! The dance show was beautiful and lasted 1 hour. The show ended with a typical walk-on fire spectacle.
8) Queen’s Palace
Right in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic is the Queen’s Palace. The queen resided in this palace and, later on, also the brothers of the last King of Sri Lanka.
9) Temple of the Tooth Relic
When visiting Kandy, you have to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic: a unesco-recognized shrine. This temple houses the upper left canine from Buddha. Before entering the temple, you’ll have to pass a security check of your bags and a personal check. There was a bombing in the 1990s at the gate of the temple, which is why there are these security measures. After you enter the temple, you have to take off your shoes and leave them at a booth.
When we entered the temple complex, we admired it with awe. The original temple of the tooth is very beautiful! The original temple is located in another building now, to protect it. Never seen something like this. The temple complex also houses a temple where the Sri Lankan independence was signed; a replica of this building can be found in Colombo.
After that, we went to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The tooth itself cannot be viewed, but the casket in which it is stored can be. Here, you have 2 options: wait in a (long) queue to see the casket up close, or just see the casket from further away. We did the last thing and waited for the doors to open. Eventually, the doors opened, and we saw the casket. Only once a year, the tooth is taken out of the temple and brought to other cities. This 10-day festival is called the Esala Perahera.
Temple Fact: The doors are opened at around 5.30 AM, 9.30 AM, and 6.30 PM.
Temple Fact: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women!
What should I pack for Sri Lanka?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered. Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Sri Lanka:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Sturdy Hiking shoes: to make amazing hikes
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Kandy
🌄 When is the best time to visit Kandy?
The best months are during the dry season (January-April and July-September) when outdoor activities and sightseeing are most pleasant.
🚂 How do you get to Kandy?
Common routes include scenic train journeys from Nuware Eliya or Ella, bus journeys, or private drivers from major cities.
🕒 How many days should I spend in Kandy?
Many travelers spend 1-3 days in Kandy. One to experience the town’s highlights and two or three days for relaxed exploration. We stayed here for 2 days.
👚 What should I wear when visiting temples in Kandy?
When visiting temples like the Temple of the Tooth, respectful clothing is required: shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.