“My heart is in the highland, wherever I go.” -Robert Burns
Does your heart love highlands too? If yes, then you must visit Kandy, Sri Lanka. It’s such a charming city in the misty hills of Sri Lanka’s Central Province.
There’s something magical about the way it combines natural beauty with rich culture and a deep sense of spirituality. It was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, so you can really feel the history in the air.
This highland is surrounded by green tea plantations and beautiful mountains. The peaceful waters of Kandy Lake create a perfect backdrop. If you want to run away from the heat of the coast, this place feels like a breath of fresh air.
I enjoy walking through the lively markets there, it’s a colourful experience! If you have the chance, be sure to see a traditional dance performance.
If you just want to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, Kandy really encourages you to slow down and appreciate the heart of Sri Lanka. It’s definitely a place worth adding to your Sri Lanka itinerary!
| Quick Look at the Best Things to Do in Kandy |
Spiritual Highlights:
Historical Highlights:
Outdoor Nature’s Scenic Attractions:
Cultural Highlights:
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Which one would you like to explore first?
I usually start my exploration with temples first, as it touches my heart with spirituality. Kandy is a hub for Buddhist study and meditation retreats. You can find many temples and monasteries where both locals and foreigners explore mindfulness and Theravāda teachings.
As you know, Buddhism is the largest and most widely practised religion in the country, you can spot many beautiful Buddhist temples.
Sri Dalada Maligawa
It is also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Not just this temple holds a sacred place in the heart of Sri Lankans, but also for Buddhists around the world.
The history behind the naming of the Temple of the Tooth Relic is that- this temple in Kandy houses a tooth of the Buddha.
This tooth was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha from Kalinga, India.
It became a symbol of royal power and a religious symbol. In the late 1500s, King Vimaladharmasuriya I built the temple in Kandy to enshrine it permanently.
What’s Inside?
- Inner Chamber (Handun Kunama): The place where the Sacred Tooth Relic is kept in a golden stupa-like casket (not accessible to the public).
- The Shrine Room (Vedasitina Maligawa): The place where devotees offer flowers and prayers.
- Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa): A historic open-pillared hall used for royal ceremonies.
- Alut Maligawa (New Shrine Room): A modern hall with Buddha statues.
- Pattirippuwa (Octagon Tower): Once used by royalty to view temple processions.
- Museum of the Tooth Relic: The history of the relic, kings, and past temples.
- Drumming Hall (Hevisi Mandapaya): Ritual drumming takes place during daily pujas, or offerings.
Why must you visit? – The temple is within the Royal Palace complex and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Day to Visit:
On Wednesdays, there’s a special ritual where the relic chamber is symbolically bathed in a fragrant herbal preparation.
This water from there is believed to have healing powers and is often distributed to devotees afterwards. So, get lucky by visiting on Wednesday!
Timings: 5:30 AM- 8 PM
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya
This temple has a powerful history that goes back many centuries. The main attraction of the temple is the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India, where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Sanghamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, brought the sapling to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Since then, the temple has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world.
What’s Inside?
- Giant Seated Buddha Statue: 26.8 metres (88 ft) tall Buddha in Dhyana Mudra (meditation posture)
- Shrine Room Inside the Base of the Statue: A modest prayer hall with a small Buddha statue.
- Bodhi Tree (Sacred Fig Tree): A sapling of the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.
Timings: 6 AM- 6 PM
Though the place is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day, many visitors enjoy the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in the evening. There’s something about the peaceful vibe at night that really makes the experience special.
Plus, the way they light up the temple? It’s just beautiful! Have you ever been there after dark? It is actually a serene place to enjoy the nightlife.
Entry Tips:
- Open to all faiths and visitors.
- A modest dress is expected (shoulders and knees covered).
Once the spiritual exploration is done, explore the historical attractions to get a better understanding of Kandy! The first on the list is-
Old Royal Palace Complex
This was the last royal palace used by a native Sri Lankan monarchy before it was colonised by the British in 1815. It represents Kandyan culture, politics, and architecture at its peak.
Recognition: This Palace Complex, along with the Temple of the Tooth, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Main Highlights of the Royal Palace Complex:
- King’s Palace (Maha Wasala): The main structure where the Kandyan king resided.
- Queen’s Palace (Meda Wasala): Separate quarters for the queen’s consorts.
- Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa): An open-pillared hall where the king met ministers and foreign envoys. Now used for important royal ceremonies, like coronations and treaty signings.
- Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Royal Bathing House (Ulpange): A small structure near the lake where royals would bathe.
Things to Note:
- Located right next to Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth, so explore all together.
- Parts of the complex now function as museums and government offices.
Timings: 9 AM- 4 PM (except Tuesday)
After getting insights about Sri Lanka’s history and monarchy, take a tea break and visit the Ceylon Tea Museum.
Sip Tea at the Ceylon Tea Museum
If you are a typical tea lover, then grabbing the opportunity to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum and sipping a cup of tea is a must-do thing!
The museum is located in Hantana, about 3 kilometres south of Kandy. It is in the old Hanthana Tea Factory, which was built in 1925. The factory became a museum in 2001 to celebrate Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
Exhibits and Attractions:
- Ground and Second Floors: In these floors, you can see antique tea-processing machines, such as rollers, dryers, and sorting machines. These displays show how tea was traditionally made.
- First Floor: This floor has a library and an auditorium with audiovisual presentations on the history of Ceylon tea.
- Third Floor: Features a tea shop where visitors can purchase a variety of Ceylon teas.
- Top Floor: The relaxation floor has a tea cafe with scenic views of Kandy and the surrounding hills. It is a perfect location to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Timings: Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Entry Fee: LKR 1000 per person (300 INR)
Pro tip: Visit during the best time and double the pleasure of sipping tea.
Learn Sri Lanka’s History at Kandy National Museum
The Kandy National Museum is located adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic inside the Old Palace Complex. It showcases over 5,000 artefacts from the Kandyan era (17th–19th centuries) and the post-colonial period.
What’s Inside?
- Royal Relics (thrones, sceptres, and ceremonial swords)
- Everyday Items (traditional tools, jewellery, and pottery)
- Historical Documents (a copy of the agreement from 1815 that transferred the Kandyan provinces to the British)
- Cultural Artefacts (Ola leaf manuscripts, masks, costumes, and statues of notable figures like Sir Henry Ward, a former Governor of Ceylon)
Entry Fees:
- LKR 600 (adults)- approximately 180 INR
- LKR 400 (children)- approximately 120 INR
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Sundays and Mondays)
Pay Homage at Kandy War Cemetery
The Kandy War Cemetery commemorates the British soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II.
It serves as the final resting place, featuring a central memorial cross and neatly arranged graves, each marked with a headstone bearing the name, rank, and regiment of the deceased.
Visiting this place will surely bring a reflective feeling. You will feel a mix of emotions: peace, sorrow and reverence.
The sight of names carved in stone, faded flowers, and weathered gravestones can stir thoughts about life, loss, and the passage of time. It’s a place that humbles you, grounds you, and reminds you how fragile and fleeting everything is.
Timings: 7 AM-4 PM
Waruna Antiques
Have you ever heard of Waruna Antiques? Established in 1989, it’s an amazing antique store in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Located on Peradeniya Road, it’s a hidden treasure for anyone interested in unique artefacts.
What’s really cool about the place is its incredible collection. They offer everything from jewelry, coins, and masks to textiles, wood carvings, paintings, and even furniture! So, you can buy the best things that you want to take back to your homeland.
Many of their pieces date back to the Kandyan Period, which was from 1521 to 1817. Some of the standout items include Portuguese-era ivory carvings and Dutch-period Bible boxes- all fascinating parts of history.
The store is owned by Waruna Jayasinghe, who is an antiques enthusiast. He personally curates each piece, so when you visit, you can really feel that connection to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Plus, the atmosphere is super relaxed. There’s no pressure to buy, and Waruna is always ready to share the stories behind the items, which makes the experience even more engaging.
If you ever find yourself in Kandy, definitely check it out. This place gives you plenty of time to explore and maybe find a treasure that speaks to you!
Timings: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
After the deep introspection and some shopping, visit some scenic places to enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka.
Royal Botanical Garden
In its true sense, this garden is royal in terms of its plant species. Royal Botanical Garden houses 4000 plant species that include orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and various palm trees.
Highlight: This garden covers 147 acres (59 hectares) and is located about 460 meters above sea level.
What’s Inside?
- Orchid House: This area displays many types of tropical orchids, including the largest orchid in the world, Grammatophyllum speciosum.
- Spice Garden: Here, you can find various spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg, some of which have been here since 1840.
- Avenues of Palms: This section features the Double Coconut Avenue, Palmyra Palm Avenue, and Royal Palm Avenue, all lined with stunning palm trees.
- Flower Garden: The garden has bright flower displays and is surrounded by colourful coleus plants.
- Fernery: This shaded area holds about 100 types of native and exotic ferns.
- Cactus House: This house showcases over 800 cacti and dry-land plants.
- Bamboo Collection: Here, you can see different species, including the giant bamboo from Burma (Dendrocalamus giganteus), which is the tallest type of bamboo.
- Great Lawn: This area is home to the Java Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina), a large tree that provides plenty of shade.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Ticketing Hours: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
- Adults: LKR 1,500 (approximately 530 INR)
- Children: LKR 750 (approximately 220 INR)
Pro tip: Don’t forget to visit this place with your loved ones, as it is considered one of the best places to visit with family.
Enjoy Serenity at Kandy Lake
Also known as Kiri Muhuda or the “Sea of Milk”, Kandy Lake is an artificial reservoir.
The area was once a stretch of rice fields called Tigolwela. The lake was made to beautify the nearby Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A key feature is the Walakulu Bamma, or “Cloud Wall,” which is a wall with triangular openings that light up the lake during festivals.
The beauty of the lake is in its location, which is surrounded by trees and bird species.
Pro Tip: Kandy may lack beach hotels, but its beautiful lakefront hotels offer premium and deluxe rooms with serene views of the water body. So, book your stay that gives you the best lake view.
Arthur’s Seat
This attraction sounds like someone’s belongings, doesn’t it? A seat that belonged to Arthur! And yes, that’s what history says. Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint in Kandy is at an elevation of 550 meters above sea level.
According to legend, during the British colonial era, this area once belonged to a planter named Arthur. In front of his bungalow, there is a stone seat where Arthur enjoyed the beautiful view of Kandy.
The view from this point includes:
- Kandy Lake
- The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- The Royal Palace and the surrounding cityscape.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It’s such an interesting place! It originally started as a royal pleasure garden, which sounds pretty regal, right? Indeed, it was back when there was the monarchy!
It was declared a forest reserve in 1856 and an official sanctuary in 1938. It covers over 100 hectares, so there’s plenty to explore! It’s also really rich in biodiversity, with a wide range of flora and fauna. If you like nature, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Highlights:
- 50 indigenous tree species
- 60 shrub species
- 30 herb species
- around 80 bird species
What’s inside?
- Forest Hermitage
- Senanayakaramaya
- Tapovanaya
- Cave dwellings where monks live
Things to do:
- Explore nature trails
- Go birdwatching
- Meditate
It’s not just peaceful; it also plays an important role for Kandy Lake, helping purify the city’s air. It sounds like a perfect getaway, doesn’t it? Then exploring this place will be one of the best things to do in Kandy.
Timings: 7 AM- 5 PM daily (special permission is required for early entry at 6:00 AM for birdwatching).
Entrance Fees: 600 INR
Hey! You know, after all that exploring nature, you really have to taste the cultural side of Sri Lanka. It’s something that’ll totally make your heart dance! Have you experienced any of the local dances? They’re just amazing!
For some fun and entertaining stuff, you can visit theatres or dance shows, or take up a cooking class, which can be the best thing to do in Kandy.
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
A live traditional performance that showcases Kandyan dance, the most iconic classical dance form in Sri Lanka. It blends graceful movements, rhythmic drumming, elaborate costumes, and sometimes even fire stunts.
What You’ll See:
- Ves Dance: A sacred and elegant dance performed in ornate white costumes and headdresses.
- Pantheru & Naiyandi Dances: Energetic practice using hand-held instruments and storytelling moves.
- Drum solos & acrobatics: Traditional Geta Beraya drums take centre stage.
- Fire acts: Fire eating and walking barefoot across flames- a thrilling finale!
Where to See It: YMBA Hall or Red Cross Hall – They also host nightly shows.
Time: Usually 5-6 PM, perfect for catching after temple visits.
Cost: Around LKR 1,000–1,500 (350-550 INR) per person.
Yummy Kandy Cooking Class
Want to learn some Sri Lankan dishes? Then, nothing can be better than taking up a cooking class at the Yummy Kandy Cooking Class in Kandy. With a 5-star Google rating, it’s going to be a fun experience!
A lovely family hosts the class, and you really get to dive into traditional Sri Lankan cooking right in their home. It’s all hands-on, so you can learn to make some delicious local dishes.
It feels super authentic and is a great way to connect with the culture. If you’re ever in Kandy, you should definitely check it out!
What to Expect
- Market Visit: Begin with a trip to the local market to buy fresh ingredients.
- Cooking Session: Prepare a variety of dishes, including curries, hoppers, kottu roti, and sambols.
- Cultural Insight: Gain knowledge about Sri Lankan culinary traditions and techniques.
- Enjoy the Meal: Savour the dishes you’ve prepared in a communal setting.
Highlights
- Personalised Experience: Small class sizes ensure individual attention.
- Authentic Setting: Cook in a traditional Sri Lankan kitchen.
- Comprehensive Learning: Receive recipes and tips to recreate the dishes at home.
Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show
Have you heard about the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show? It’s a must to include this place in Kandy in your Sri Lankan itinerary! This incredible show has been running since 1982 and really brings Sri Lanka’s energetic cultural heritage to life.
Each night, you can enjoy a variety of traditional dances-
- Captivating peacock dance
- Mesmerising cobra dance
And don’t miss the highlight – The fire-walking finale. It’s an impressive act of worship in which performers walk barefoot on red-hot charcoal. It’s definitely a unique experience!
Time: Daily at 5:00 PM (lasting approximately 1 hour)
Tickets: 3,500 LKR per person (approximately 1020 INR)
Booking: Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue.
Conclusion
Hey! I hope you learned about the things you can do in this beautiful city of Kendy. Have you ever considered visiting Kandy in Sri Lanka? If not, then you must consider it now. It’s such an amazing place! The history there is so rich, and the spiritual vibe is just incredible.
Plus, if you’re into cultural experiences, you can catch a traditional dance show that really brings the local culture to life. And if you enjoy being outdoors, walking around the lake is super scenic and peaceful.
Oh, and don’t miss the chance to learn how to cook some traditional dishes- it’s a fun way to connect with the local culture! Kandy really offers a beautiful mix of immersion and relaxation. What do you think? Sounds like a great trip, right?
You know, while Kandy really does have that highland charm that captivates you, your Sri Lankan adventure doesn’t have to end there. I mean, just think about the South!
You can explore the colonial charm and gorgeous beaches that are just waiting for you. Have you ever heard of Galle? It’s amazing! There’s the Dutch Fort, which is rich in history, and Unawatuna beach, perfect for relaxing or swimming.
And then there’s Colombo, the capital! It’s lively with an urban vibe and packed with heritage. So much to see and do! What do you think? If you are finding it difficult to add all these cities to your itinerary, contact us for customisation. We would be glad to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to Do in Kandy
What are the must-visit attractions in Kandy?
You shouldn’t miss the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanic Gardens (Peradeniya), Kandy Lake, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, and the Kandy National Museum.
Is Kandy suitable for nature lovers?
Absolutely! Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, hike through Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, or enjoy scenic views from Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint.
Are there cultural experiences in Kandy?
Yes, you can witness Kandyan dance performances, visit historical temples, and explore the Old Royal Palace Complex for a taste of Sri Lankan heritage.
What are the best places for panoramic views in Kandy?
Head to Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint or the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue for stunning views of the city and the lake.
Can I learn about tea in Kandy?
Yes! Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantana to explore Sri Lanka’s tea history and taste different varieties.
Is Kandy a good place for a walk or relaxation?
Definitely, enjoy a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake, relax in botanical gardens, or find serenity at Buddhist monasteries within Udawatta Kele.
How many days should I spend in Kandy?
Two to three days is ideal to cover the main sights, enjoy local food, and soak in the spiritual and scenic atmosphere.
