Kandy
Cultural capital of Sri Lanka, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the beautiful Kandy Lake.
Overview
Kandy, nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka's Central Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The city is most famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the revered tooth relic of the Buddha and attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Kandy is also known for its picturesque lake, vibrant Perahera festival, and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. The city's colonial architecture, bustling markets, and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both history and natural beauty.
Key attractions include: - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Kandy Lake - Royal Botanical Gardens - Kandy Esala Perahera festival - Udawatta Kele Sanctuary - British Garrison Cemetery - Ceylon Tea Museum
Highlights
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- UNESCO World Heritage city
- Kandy Lake
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Esala Perahera festival
- Colonial architecture
- Tea plantations
Travel Tips
- Visit the temple early morning for fewer crowds
- Attend the Esala Perahera festival in July/August
- Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
- Take a scenic train ride from Colombo
- Visit during the dry season for best weather
Nearby Attractions
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
- Ceylon Tea Museum
- Peradeniya University
- Ambuluwawa Tower
Location
Quick Information
- Location
- Central Province
- Opening Hours
- Temple: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee
- Temple: Foreigners: $10, Locals: Free
- Best Time to Visit
- January to April
How to Reach
- By Air
- Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (115 km away)
- By Road
- Well-connected by road from Colombo and other cities
- By Train
- Direct train service from Colombo Fort station
Weather
- Summer
- Warm and pleasant (March to May)
- Monsoon
- Heavy rains (October to December)
- Winter
- Cool and comfortable (December to February)