The Best Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Looking for the best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

Coined as the second city to Colombo, Kandy is full of culture and life. Its elevation in the green peaks gives this city a much more small-town feel. You won’t have any issue escaping the commotion of the city centre if you want to relax and properly enjoy all the best places to visit in Kandy.

A walk around Kandy lake is just the ticket to observe local life and watch the ducks swim in the ripples. If you want to go further into nature, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy just outside of the city, it won’t disappoint.

Do make sure to wander into the market streets, a must for places to visit around Kandy, where the heartbeat of the city pulses. 

Of course, a visit to the UNESCO Temple of the Sacred Tooth will be one of the major highlights of your Kandy sightseeing trip. Believed to be home to a piece of Buddha’s tooth, you will find devotees from all over the world here. Go early to listen to the drumming ceremony and to watch devotions of flowers being given to the shrine, one of the best Kandy things to do, in my opinion. Don’t forget to leave time to visit the surrounding gardens and buildings. 

From iconic temples, abundant gardens, quiet lakes, and lively markets, there are many beautiful places in Kandy. To experience all the best places to see in Kandy, make sure to spend a good 2 full days here to immerse yourself in everything this city has to offer.

Once leaving this lively cultural city, you can take one of the most scenic train journeys in the world: the Ella to Kandy train ride.

Looking for the ideal Sri Lanka Route? Follow my 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

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Where is Kandy?

Located in the green Central Province of Sri Lanka, Kandy is sprawled into the nooks and crannies of the hill country and is centred around a manmade lake. 

A 3-hour train journey northeast from the capital city of Colombo, the city of Kandy has a population of 125,000 residents and is known for some of the richest and oldest culture and history of the entirety of Sri Lanka. All concentrated in the city centre of Kandy. 

Best Time to Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons, each striking the northeast and southwest coasts at opposite times of the year. The best time to visit Kandy is during the driest months of December to April. All of the Kandy Sri Lanka things to do are best seen during this time.

The monsoon hits this part of Sri Lanka between July to November. Shoulder months like May and November will provide pleasant weather with a chance of sporadic rainfall. 

As opposed to the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, Kandy faces larger fluctuations in temperature with hot days and cooler nights. 

TIP | Bring a warm layer, rain jacket and good shoes as temperatures dip in Kandy when the sun isn’t shining.

Spending time in Sigiriya? Check out my guide on the best things to do in Sigiriya

How to Get Around Kandy

Walking

What I consider to be the best way to see all of the tourist places in Kandy, walking can enhance your experience with a combination of exercise and time to notice the details. Due to the small size of Kandy city centre, it maintains a high walkability level. 

Tuk-tuk

If you decide to enjoy the outlying activities and places to visit near Kandy, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens or Buddha Temple, hailing a tuk-tuk is your best bet. Costing approximately 200-400 LKR each way, a tuk-tuk ride is super fun and can provide you with a chance to chat with a local. 

Haggling is a must and makes sure you stick to your guns and finalize the price before getting into the tuk-tuk.

TIP | Always finalize the price before getting into the tuk tuk

Taxi

Since Kandy enjoys the modern amenities of a larger city, you can find services like Uber and Pick Me, making it easier to get to all of the things to do in Kandy Sri Lanka.

Looking to make an early morning journey to watch sunrise at Buddha Temple, for example? Schedule your pick up the night before to make your experience as stress free as possible.

Where to Stay in Kandy Sri Lanka

As the main cultural city of Sri Lanka, the city enjoys an abundance of high-end and luxury best places to stay in Kandy, but because this destination is located on the main Sri Lanka tourist route, there are options like mid-range and budget hotels in Kandy, as well. 

I’ve recommended three accommodation in Kandy below for enjoying the best places to see in Kandy, but you can also search for all hotel options for Kandy, Sri Lanka using Agoda.com.

AARUNYA NATURE RESORT + SPA | LUXURY

Splurge for a night at this luxury resort in Kandy, one of the best hotels in Kandy Sri Lanka, located a 30-minute drive outside of Kandy city in the neighbouring rainforest. Aarunya is set on a 7-acre colonial plantation and offers a swimming pool, fitness centre, bicycles and free wifi. If you are looking for one of the top boutique hotels in Kandy, this is it.

OZO KANDY | MID-RANGE

A rooftop pool with epic views is the highlight of this mid-range Kandy accommodation. OZO comes complete with a sophisticated and chic interior aesthetic, restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Ozo Kandy is a great option if you are looking to stay in 4 star hotels in Kandy with great value.

HELGA’S FOLLY ANTI HOTEL | BUDGET + UNIQUE

Just as the name of the property eludes to, this spot was created to emphasize an anti hotel vibe. Kitschy, and downright funky, this Kandy accommodation is bound to be one of your favourite stays of your trip. The onsite restaurant also offers local Sri Lankan cuisine made fresh daily with organic produce. A great option if you are looking for a guest house in Kandy.

Things to Do in Kandy Sri Lanka

#1 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

One of the top Kandy places to visit, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is best seen first thing in the morning. The white plastered and gold-topped exterior takes you into an elaborately decorated temple with local woods and richly red fabrics.

Thought to hold a piece of Buddha’s tooth, the shrine room is heavily guarded as believers stream slowly through the space.  Offerings of florals and money are made. The drumming ceremony, which I highly recommend you visit, takes place at 5:15am daily. This is the ideal opportunity to see the ceremony before tourists come pouring in.

Take your time here to explore the different rooms of the temple and the exterior gardens.

WHERE | Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy 

COST | Entrance fee is 1500LKR ($8USD)

BOOK A TOUR | Kandy: Temples, Gardens + Cultural Show highlights

#2 Wander the streets and Walk Around Kandy Lake

A mishmash of old colonial and Sri Lankan building facades, the streets of Kandy are not to be missed.  The hustle and bustle of this city is a sympathy of sights, sounds and smells. Take some time to wander in and out of the city’s back alleys and markets. A perfect place for street photography and people watching. 

After you’ve absorbed the energy of this cultural city, make your way to the manmade Kandy Lake at sunset and stroll around the 2.1 km in circumference. The quieter side of local life is on display here, and plenty of rest stations are at your disposal to fully take in all of your surroundings. The iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is also located right at the lake, one of the best things to do Kandy, making a great backdrop for your walk.

WHERE | Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka 

COST | Free

#3 Sunrise at Bahirawakanda Temple (Buddha Temple)

The Buddha Temple sits atop a hill, in the centre of the city of Kandy. Buddha, in its enormous statuette form, will greet you at the top of the stairs. 

Arrange a tuk tuk at your hotel or hostel for a sunrise mission to Bahirawakanda Temple. 

I was the only one there for quite some time and was only joined by two other people when sunrise kicked in. I imagine sunset here would be breathtaking as well, but be aware that this is when most tourists will come to visit the temple. There is something about watching the city awaken that really sticks with you. And it’s free to enter!

WHERE | Bahirawakanda Temple (Buddha Temple), Kandy 

COST | Free

TIP | Take your shoes off at the bottom of the stairs before heading up to the temple

#4 Lunch and Shopping at Sthree Craft Shop and Café

Put your tourist dollars to good use, and stop in at this lovely little shop for delicious food and handmade crafts. Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe is an initiative supporting disabled youth looking to gain experience in hospitality and mistreated women suffering from violence and abuse. As you can imagine, this is one of the most unique things to do in Kandy.

The lunch I had was a completely vegan Sri Lankan platter with a multitude of different curries, rice and condiments and man, did I ever enjoy it (yum!). I consider this one of the best places to eat in Kandy, and you should definitely make a point to visit. Make sure to check out my Sri Lanka travel tips to find out all about delicious cuisine.

The craft shop is full of authentic Sri Lankan goods. Batik table clothes, dresses, coconut wood kitchen utensils and beaded jewellery are just a few. I spent a good 45 minutes wandering around the shop and was happy to know that the money from my purchase was directly given to the woman who created the product. What a great way to support the local economy!

WHERE | Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe, Kandy 

COST | Meals range from 400 – 1200 LKR

#5 Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy

The most beautiful gardens in Sri Lanka, the Botanical Garden Kandy is a great respite from the busyness of the city centre. Palm-lined avenues, perfectly manicured plants and a house full of stunning orchids are only some of the highlights this attraction has to offer. Put a couple of hours aside to ensure you have time to peruse the grounds at ease.

WHERE | Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy | You can reach the botanic gardens Kandy by a 10 minute Pick Me or Uber ride outside the city. Or simply hire a tuk-tuk on the street for around 400 LKR.

COST | Entrance fee is 1500 LKR ($8 USD)

TIP | Visit the suspension bridge for a cool photo, but come prepared with some patience as the bridge is popular with the Instagrammers.

BOOK A TOUR | Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and other Kandy highlights

#6 Overnight Stay at Tamarind Garden Farm in Digana

Located a short drive outside of Kandy is the small village of Digana, home to Tamarind Garden Homestay. Basic but beautifully crafted homestay cabins dot the hillside to a stunning view of the local reservoir.

The food and hospitality are what really make this place shine and is what you come to expect from the Sri Lankan locals. Petting cows and lounging in hammocks are common activities here as the homestay is a part of a small working farm.  

WHERE | How to get to Tamarind Garden Farm in Digana from Kandy, Sri Lanka | Hire a tuk tuk or taxi to take you the 40 minute journey to Digana.

BOOK A STAY | Tamarind Garden Homestay, Sri Lanka

TIP | Ask for the village walk. The staff will take you to the local haunts. This includes the convenience hut, the local jewelry craft-smith and they give you an insider look at small village life in Sri Lanka.

#7 Kandy to Ella Scenic Train Ride

One of the most scenic train rides in the world, the trip from Kandy to Ella will leave you slack-jawed. The Kandy to Ella train journey will take you up through lush green tea plantations, vibrant villages, jungled hilltops, and deep valleys. The locals will likely come out to greet you with warm smiles and big waves.

One of the highlights of my 3 weeks Sri Lanka itinerary, this train ride is not to be missed. I’d suggest breaking it up into two parts, taking the first leg from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and then continuing on to Ella.

WHERE | Kandy to Ella Scenic Train Journey, Sri Lanka 

COST | The second class compartment will only cost you 270 LKR ($1.50 USD), and the third class compartment will run you 150 LKR (less than $1USD). Both can be purchased at the Kandy train station the day of your journey

BOOK | If you are looking to sit in the observation car, which will give you the best view of the scenery, I’d suggest getting the latest Kandy to Ella train ticket prices online and purchasing early 

TIP | Kandy to Ella train ride schedule

#8 Day Trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

If you haven’t been following my 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary, then you might be interested in a day trip to see the Lion Fortress of Sigiriya. Located just outside of the small village of Sigiriya, the dusty red Lion Rock Fortress features frescoes, lion statues and meandering staircases.

Once you make it to the top, panoramic views of the jungle will greet you, along with the ancient ruins of the old capital city of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 5th century.

WHERE | How to get from Kandy to Sigiriya | Take a local bus from Kandy bus station to Dambulla station. From there, you can transfer to the bus headed to Sigiriya or simply hire a tuk-tuk to take you the short 25 minutes journey.

BOOK A TOUR | Making your own way to Sigiriya can be a bit too time consuming, so I’d recommend taking this all-inclusive day trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Kandy 

COST | Entrance fees for Sigiriya Rock Fortress are on the higher end at $30 USD, and if you choose to book a day tour from Kandy, it will cost you anywhere from $30 – 150 USD.

Best Places to Eat in Kandy Sri Lanka

BALAJI DOSAI | Serving up some of the best dosas of any cafe in Kandy, this little gem located right across from the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Fill your belly with cheese or masala dosas (250 LKR) and try one of their south Indian chais (100 LKR). See location here

CAFE BANANA CHILL | Want to get a healthy start to your day? Stop by this backpacker-esque hole in the wall for some local fruit smoothies (350 LKR) or chia pudding parfaits (800 LKR). See location here

VITO WOOD FIRED PIZZA | With an open-air patio overlooking Kandy, this is a great place to stop for dinner after your stroll around the lake. Good, albeit American-style, pizza can be found here. See location here

More Essential Guides for Sri Lanka

Want to continue planning your trip to Sri Lanka?

Check out my 3 WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY or if you prefer to determine the route yourself, read the specialized guides below for some of the best experiences in Sri Lanka:

SRI LANKA BUCKET LIST | Get inspired by all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Here are my Sri Lanka highlights.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | Prepare for your Sri Lanka trip by reading my 21 top tips on what you should know before visiting the beautiful teardrop isle

ELLA | Nestled in the green center of Sri Lanka, this hiker’s paradise features trails with panoramic views of jagged green hills, deep valleys, and rushing waterfalls.

YALA NATIONAL PARK | Majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a myriad of bird species can all be found in one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka.

WELIGAMA | Where surf culture is alive and thriving, this central town is located on the golden south coast of Sri Lanka and offers the best surf beach for beginners, and an abundance of traditional and modern eateries.

GALLE FORT | Fortified stone walls, dutch and Portuguese style architecture, great food and shopping all culminate in this little town that was once a major Sri Lankan trading post.

SRI LANKA PACKING LIST | Take the guesswork out of packing and easily check off my list to all things you will need for Sri Lanka’s warm climate

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