About Kandy

Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage City, stands as the island’s spiritual and cultural heart. Surrounded by lush mountains and built around a peaceful lake, it was the last stronghold of Sinhalese kings before colonial rule. Today, it’s home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and is celebrated for its balance of history, faith, and scenic beauty. Kandy is ideal for cultural travelers, families, and nature enthusiasts seeking heritage, tranquility, and cool highland charm.

★ Best Places & Experiences in Kandy

• Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic): Sacred Buddhist temple housing the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha; daily rituals and annual Esala Perahera festival attract thousands of pilgrims.
• Kandy Lake (Nuwara Wewa): Central lake built in 1807; serene evening walks along the promenade.
• Royal Palace Complex: Ancient seat of Kandyan kings; includes museum and temple annexes.
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: Expansive gardens with orchids, giant bamboo, and royal palms; a must-visit for nature lovers.
• Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue: Gigantic hilltop Buddha overlooking the city; accessible by short hike or tuk-tuk.
• Kandy Esala Perahera (July–August): Sri Lanka’s grandest cultural procession featuring dancers, drummers, and illuminated tuskers carrying the sacred relic casket replica.
• Ceylon Tea Museum (Hantana): Historic tea factory turned museum; panoramic views of Kandy Valley.
• Udawattekele Sanctuary: Forest reserve near the temple with nature trails, meditation spots, and birdwatching.

★ Climate & Best Time to Visit

Tropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round.

• January – April: Pleasant and dry (24–30 °C); best for sightseeing and outdoor walks.
• May – August: Intermittent rain; cooler evenings and Perahera festival season.
• September – December: Occasional showers; lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Carry a light jacket and umbrella — quick mountain showers are common.

★ Elevation

Kandy lies at approximately 500 m above sea level, surrounded by forested hills.

★ Distances & Travel Times

• Colombo → Kandy: ~115 km / 3–4 hrs by road (A1 highway) or 2.5–3.5 hrs by train.
• Bandaranaike Intl. Airport → Kandy: ~105 km / 3–4 hrs by car.
• Sigiriya → Kandy: ~90 km / 2–2.5 hrs.
• Nuwara Eliya → Kandy: ~80 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs.

Scenic train rides from Colombo and Nuwara Eliya offer unforgettable views.

★ Transport Options

• Train: Daily services from Colombo and Ella — the hill country route is among the world’s most scenic.
• Private car or taxi: Flexible for day trips and nearby attractions.
• Public buses and tuk-tuks: Affordable for short-distance city travel.

★ Food & Local Flavors

• Kandyan rice & curry, jackfruit curry, and coconut roti.
• Highland teas, traditional sweets like dodol and kavum.
• Café culture around the lake — fusion and local dining options.

★ Accommodation Types

• Budget: hostels and family guesthouses near the lake and city center.
• Mid-range: boutique hotels with hillside views.
• Luxury: heritage hotels and lakefront resorts with infinity pools.
• Unique: colonial villas and eco-retreats hidden in the hills.

★ Adventure & Activities

• Attend the evening temple ceremony or early morning puja at Dalada Maligawa.
• Boat rides or evening strolls around Kandy Lake.
• Visit Peradeniya Gardens and Ceylon Tea Museum.
• Attend cultural shows and Kandyan dance performances.
• Hike Udawattekele Sanctuary for a peaceful forest escape.

★ Emergency & Help

• Police Emergency: 119
• Ambulance / Suwa Seriya: 1990
• Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Kandy Police: via 119
• Kandy General Hospital: Major regional medical facility

Plan around festival road closures during Esala Perahera (July–August).

★ Traveler Guidelines

• Dress modestly at religious sites; cover shoulders and knees.
• Remove hats and footwear before entering the Temple of the Tooth.
• No photography inside certain temple chambers — follow posted signs.
• Respect festival processions; keep a safe distance from elephants and performers.

★ Environmental Protection Note

• Avoid littering near the lake and temple premises.
• Use refillable water bottles; avoid plastic waste.
• Do not feed animals or birds around the lake.
• Support eco-friendly hotels and local artisans.

★ Service Partners (Coming Soon)

We are verifying trusted travel partners — hotels, guides, and cultural experience providers — to support responsible tourism in Kandy. Certified listings will appear here after approval.

★ Data Sources — Official

• Sri Lanka Tourism Board
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
• Department of Archaeology — Sri Lanka
• Department of Meteorology — Sri Lanka

Disclaimer

Information is compiled from official tourism, archaeology, and meteorological sources plus verified traveler input. Access, ticketing, and schedules may change without notice.

This guide is for educational and informational use only. Third-party image rights remain with original creators. Verify critical details directly with official providers to avoid inconvenience.

Last updated: November 2025