Kandy Travel Guide
Sri Lanka's last royal capital and spiritual heart, set around a misty lake in the hill country, home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, royal botanical gardens, and the Esala Perahera procession.
🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Kandy
- Kandy Lake — An artificial lake built by the last king of Kandy in 1807, encircled by a walking path with views of the Temple of the Tooth and surrounding hills.
- Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya — A 147-acre botanical garden 6km from Kandy, famous for its avenue of royal palms, orchid house, and giant Javan fig tree.
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary — A primary forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, once the royal pleasure garden, with walking trails through giant liana-draped trees.
- Kandy National Museum — A museum in the former royal palace complex displaying Kandyan artifacts, regalia, and historical exhibits from Sri Lanka's last kingdom.
- Gadaladeniya Temple — A 14th-century stone temple on a hilltop 12km from Kandy, built in South Indian style with faded frescoes and a 2-story image house.
- Lankatilaka Temple — A 14th-century temple on a rock outcrop, blending Sinhalese and South Indian architecture, with Buddhist and Hindu shrines under one roof.
- Embekka Devalaya — A 14th-century temple dedicated to the god Kataragama, famous for its intricately carved wooden pillars with unique folk designs.
- British Garrison Cemetery — A restored 19th-century colonial cemetery telling the stories of British planters, soldiers, and administrators who lived in Kandy.
- National Museum of Kandy — The National Museum of Kandy in Kandy, Sri Lanka is located next to the Temple of the Tooth in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. The primary exhibits are housed in the Palle Vahala building, which was the former home of the King's harem. A secondary exhibition is located
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, housing a tooth relic of the Buddha, the centerpiece of the annual Esala Perahera procession.
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🥾 Trails and Hikes in Kandy
- Knuckles Mountain Range Trail — A challenging multi-day trek through the Knuckles Range, a UNESCO World Heritage cloud forest with 35 peaks, endemic species, and dramatic ridge walks.
- Hanthana Mountain Trail — A steep 4-hour hike up the Hanthana Range south of Kandy, rewarded with panoramic views of the city, lake, and tea plantations.
- Udawatta Kele Forest Walk — A gentle 2-kilometer loop through the sacred forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, past meditation caves and giant trees.
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden Walk — A leisurely walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens along the Mahaweli River, past royal palms, bamboo groves, and the giant Javan fig.
- Mahaweli River Trail — A riverside walk along Sri Lanka's longest river, from Peradeniya through villages and spice gardens, with views of the Hanthana hills.
🍽️ Restaurants in Kandy
- Put Chutney — A popular budget restaurant on Colombo Street serving authentic rice and curry, kottu, and roti, with dishes prepared in front of you downstairs.
- Kulture32 — An authentic Sri Lankan restaurant and art gallery on D.S. Senanayake Veediya, serving 15-curry rice and curry plates surrounded by Kandyan murals.
- Mandiya — A tiny four-table restaurant in a small shopping mall, considered by many the best rice and curry in Kandy, with fish ambul thiyal and daily-changing curries.
- Meda Midula Cafe — An elegant courtyard restaurant in an 18th-century aristocratic home, serving a seasonal Sri Lankan set menu under terracotta-tiled galleries.
- Balaji Dosai — A popular South Indian vegetarian chain with four Kandy locations, specializing in dosas, idli, and thali at budget prices.
- The Empire Cafe — A relaxed cafe in a colonial building near the Temple of the Tooth, serving Sri Lankan and Western dishes with good coffee.
- Kandy Muslim Hotel — A no-frills institution serving biryani, wattalappam, and Sri Lankan Muslim specialties since 1953, popular with locals.
- Sri Devi Restaurant — A local favorite for traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry with generous portions and authentic Kandyan flavors.
🍸 Bars and Nightlife in Kandy
- Grand Sky Lounge at Grand Serendib — A rooftop bar with panoramic views of Kandy city and the surrounding hills, serving cocktails as the sun sets over the cultural capital.
- The Bar at Elephant Stables — A colonial-style bar at the Elephant Stables boutique hotel, offering sunset drinks with views of the Knuckles Mountains.
- Royal Bar — A classic Kandy pub near the city center, popular with locals and travelers for cold Lion lager and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Slightly Chilled Bar — A backpacker-friendly bar with a laid-back vibe, cheap drinks, and occasional live music near Kandy Lake.
- Kandy View Hotel Bar — A rooftop bar with panoramic views over Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth, best at sunset.
🎯 Activities and Tours in Kandy
- Kandy City Tour in a TukTuk — Embark on a one-day tuktuk tour through Kandy, Sri Lanka, blending history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Explore iconic landmarks like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Embekka Dewalaya, and Gadaladeniya. Immerse yourself in the aroma of freshly brewed tea at Embilmeegam
- All Inclusive Kandy Private Day Tour From Colombo and Negombo — Your full-day Guided tour to Kandy Sri Lanka will take you to most Popular Travel Destinations in and around Kandy, Travelers Can Customize This Tour As They want Discussing With Your Guide While You Travel. • The Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic. • Tea Factory and Tea Gardens. • Ba
- Kandy to Ella Scenic Road Trip and Train Ride Tour — Most of the travelers who visit Sri Lanka find it interesting to visit Ella. In This Tour we are giving Scenic Road trip + Scenic Train Ride to Ella from Kandy . you will be driving through the mountain area where beautiful landscaping, tea estates , Tea factory and natural place
- Kandy City Tour By Best Guide Lanka Tours — Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s heritage hub. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and admire scenic viewpoints overlooking the city. Discover vibrant markets, colonial architecture, an
- Kandy City Tour with Temples, Culture and Scenic Viewpoints — Explore the cultural heart of Sri Lanka on Wicky’s Kandy Tour, a carefully crafted journey through Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Discover the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, admire the architectural beauty of Gadaladeniya Temple, and enjoy peaceful views from Nell
- Kandy to Minneriya National park and Sigiriya Rock day tours — Summary of the Kandy - Minneriya National park & Sigiriya Rock Fortress (only transport ). We can prepare anything for you on your holiday. This day tour is prepared in a unique and special way for you. During this tour we will be going to the following destinations - Matale
- Kandy City Tuk Tuk guide Tour full Day — Kandy is most beautiful place in the Sri Lanka and it also world heritage city as well .The visitors who come to Kandy can get amazing city tour experience with local tuk tuk Driver /Guide who help you very well including most highlighted place around the Kandy.
- Unforgettable Experience on a Private Day Tour of Kandy City — Discover the wonders of Kandy on this captivating day tour, exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Your journey begins at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, followed by the iconic Big Buddha at Bahirawakanda Temple. Visit the Kandy War Cemetery and
- Kandy Heritage City Tour by tuktuk — Experience Kandy like never before with Gaveesha Tuk Tuk! Our unique tour combines visits to the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens with exclusive cultural performances showcasing Sri Lanka’s vibrant heritage. Enjoy personalized service in sma
- Culture Tour in Kandy — I observe that many travelers who visit Kandy are missing the insights of the Kandyan culture and hidden attractions, as they go by the traditional routes done by others. With the experience and the passion i have to show off you about Kandy and it's culture created this experien
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🏨 Hotels and Stays in Kandy
- The Trees Kandy — Great care is taken to ensure guests experience comfort through top-notch services and amenities.Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available. Prior to your check-in date, you can arrange airport transportation services, guaranteeing a seamless and efficie...
- Jetwing Kandy Gallery — Great care is taken to ensure guests experience comfort through top-notch services and amenities.Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available. Prior to your check-in date, you can arrange airport transportation services, guaranteeing a seamless and efficie...
- Elephant Stables Kandy — A hotel in Hanthana Hills, Kandy, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at luxury rates. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Grand Serendib Hotel — A hotel in Peradeniya / Botanical Gardens, Kandy, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at upscale rates. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Aarunya Nature Resort — Aarunya Nature Resort offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort. Complimentary internet access is available in the resort to ensure you stay connected during your visit. Arrange your trips to and from the airport using the resort's convenient transportation s...
- Cinnamon Citadel Kandy — A hotel in Kandy Lake / Temple Area, Kandy, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at mid-range prices. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Hotel Suisse Kandy — A colonial-era hotel on the Mahaweli River with views of the Knuckles Mountains, featuring Kandyan-style architecture, an outdoor pool, and gardens just 10 minutes from the city center.
- Earl's Regency Hotel — Experience an abundance of unparalleled facilities and features at Earls Regency.Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by hotel. Visitors can take advantage of complimentary parking directly at the hotel. Reception services such...
- Amaya Hills Kandy — Amaya Hills Kandy offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort. Complimentary internet access is available in the resort to ensure you stay connected during your visit.Arrange your trips to and from the airport using the resort's convenient transportation servic...
- Mahaweli Reach Hotel — Located in City Center / Commercial. Guest review score: 8.1/10. Rates from $64/night. 5-star property.
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