Kandy Travel Guide

Introduction

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second city and its cultural capital — the last royal capital of the Kandyan Kingdom until 1815, home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic, and surrounded by verdant hills and the famous Kandy Lake.

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Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site. The Temple of the Tooth houses a relic claimed to be the left canine tooth of the Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century.

The tooth itself is not visible to visitors — it’s housed in nested golden caskets in the inner sanctum. But the temple complex is extraordinarily beautiful, and the puja (ritual offering) ceremonies at 5:30am, 9:30am and 6:30pm are genuinely moving.

Entry: Rs 1,500 for foreigners. Dress code: cover shoulders and knees. Shoes removed at entrance.

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Kandy Lake

The artificial lake created by the last Kandyan king in 1807. A pleasant walk around the lake takes 45 minutes. The white cloud wall bordering the temple side was designed to resemble the crests of waves.

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Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya)

5km from central Kandy. One of Asia’s finest botanical gardens — over 4,000 species across 147 acres. The avenue of royal palms, orchid house, and giant bamboo grove are highlights.

Entry: Rs 2,000 for foreigners. Allow 2 hours.

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Esala Perahera Festival

If your timing aligns, the Esala Perahera (July–August, date varies with lunar calendar) is one of Asia’s most spectacular festivals. Ten days of torchlit processions with over 100 decorated elephants, whip-crackers, fire dancers, and Kandyan drummers parading through the city. Book accommodation months ahead.

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Getting to Kandy

From Colombo: 3 hours by train or bus. The train journey is scenic — book in advance for 1st class observation car (very popular).

From Sigiriya: 2.5 hours by bus or hired car.

From Nuwara Eliya: 2 hours by bus (beautiful mountain road).

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