Cultural4.7 ★
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
- Kandy Lake
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Esala Perahera festival
- Colonial architecture
- Tea Museum
- Scenic hill views
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting temples
- Visit during the Esala Perahera for a unique cultural experience
- Take a stroll around Kandy Lake at sunset
- Try local Kandyan sweets and snacks
- Use a tuk-tuk for easy city travel
Nearby Attractions
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Embekke Devalaya
- Gadaladeniya Temple
- Lankatilaka Temple
Location
Quick Information
- Location
- Central Province
- Opening Hours
- Temple: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee
- Temple of the Tooth: LKR 2000 (foreigners), LKR 150 (locals)
- Best Time to Visit
- January to April
How to Reach
- By Air
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (104 km)
- By Road
- Well-connected by road from Colombo and other cities
- By Train
- Scenic train journey from Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla
Weather
- Summer
- Warm and humid (March to May)
- Monsoon
- Heavy rains (October to December)
- Winter
- Mild and pleasant (December to February)