Kandy
Sri Lanka · Central Province · 500 m
Description
Kandy (මහනුවර) is the cultural and spiritual heart of Sri Lanka and the last capital of the historic Kingdom of Kandy. Set among the forested hills of the central highlands, the city is best known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses one of Buddhism’s most revered relics, as well as Kandy Lake and the colourful Esala Perahera. Kandy combines religious heritage and living culture with tropical gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya. The historic city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Kandy is also an important gateway to the highlands, tea country and the celebrated railway journey through Sri Lanka’s mountain landscape.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage(Day trip)
- Kandy Lake
- Sacred City of Kandy
- Kandy Esala Perahera (July - August)
- Kandyan cultural dance show
- Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha statue and viewpoint
- Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary
- Royal Palace of Kandy
- National Museum of Kandy
- Kandy View Point
- Ceylon Tea Museum
- World Buddhist Museum
- Wales Park (Royal Palace Park)
- Malwathu Maha Viharaya
- Asgiri Maha Viharaya
- Nelligala International Buddhist Centre(Day trip)
- Lankatilaka Vihara(Day trip)
- Gadaladeniya Vihara(Day trip)
- Embekke Devalaya(Day trip)
- British Garrison Cemetery
- Hanthana Mountain Range and Pekoe Trail Stage 1
- Knuckles Mountain Range (UNESCO Central Highlands)(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Kandy, Asgiriya, Mahaiyawa, Randles Hill, Mawilmada