Explore Kandy

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Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession. ― Google

🏞️ Kandy Travel Guide

Known for: Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, cultural shows, botanical gardens, and scenic hill landscapes
Location: Central Sri Lanka, ~115 km northeast of Colombo

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • December to April (Dry Season):
    ✅ Best time – pleasant temperatures, low rainfall, ideal for sightseeing

  • May to August (Kandy Esala Perahera Festival):
    🎉 Best for culture – expect crowds and vibrant festivities

  • October to November (Monsoon):
    🌧️ Rainy but green — pack an umbrella

🛣️ How to Get There:

🚆 From Colombo:

  • Train:

    • Scenic ride (~3–4 hours) through lush tea country

    • Reserve 1st or 2nd class for comfort and views

🚗 By Car/Taxi:

  • ~3.5 hours via Kandy Road or Expressway

🚌 By Bus:

  • Intercity buses from Colombo or other towns like Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Dambulla

🌟 Top Attractions:

🛕 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa):

  • Holiest Buddhist site in Sri Lanka

  • Believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha

  • Cultural & religious hub — a must-visit

🌳 Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya:

  • 147-acre garden with orchids, palm avenues, bamboo forests, and medicinal plants

  • Ideal for a relaxing half-day visit

🏞️ Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake):

  • Picturesque lake in the heart of the city

  • Great for peaceful walks, especially at sunrise or sunset

🏯 Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue:

  • Large hilltop Buddha overlooking Kandy

  • Panoramic city views from the top

🕍 Udawatta Kele Sanctuary:

  • Urban forest reserve — peaceful hiking and birdwatching

  • Great for nature lovers

🎭 Activities to Do:

  • 🕊️ Witness a puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth

  • 💃 Watch a Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening

  • 🛶 Enjoy a paddleboat ride on Kandy Lake

  • 🧘 Take a meditation or yoga session at a retreat center

  • 🛍️ Shop for handicrafts, spices, batik, and gems

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

  • Earl's Regency Hotel

  • The Kandy House – Colonial-style boutique hotel

  • Jetwing Kandy Gallery

Mid-range:

  • Hotel Suisse

  • Theva Residency – Stylish hilltop views

  • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Budget:

  • Clock Inn Kandy

  • Kandy City Hotel by Earl’s

  • Homestays and eco-lodges available around the city

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • Kandyan-style rice & curry

  • Jackfruit curry (kos ata)

  • Pol sambol (coconut relish)

  • Roti and dhal curry

  • Milk rice (kiribath)

Top Places to Eat:

  • Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar – Great views and international food

  • The Empire Café – Fusion café near the Temple

  • Balaji Dosai – Affordable and delicious South Indian vegetarian meals

  • Café Divine Street – Trendy and good for quick bites

  • The Kandy Garden Café – Authentic Sri Lankan food

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

  • Esala Perahera (July/August):
    Grandest Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka — elephant parades, drummers, dancers

  • Buddhism and Kandyan Kingdom heritage deeply influence local life

  • Crafts: Wood carving, batik art, brassware, and traditional masks

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders & knees)

  • Shoes must be removed before entering temples — bring socks

  • Train tickets sell out fast — book in advance (especially observation cars)

  • Avoid plastic bags — banned in many parts of Sri Lanka

  • Evenings can be cool — bring a light jacket