Kandy, the Sacred City.

Set around a still lake and ringed by forested hills, Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings and remains the island’s spiritual heart.

115 kmFrom Colombo

2 DaysIdeal Stay

Jul – AugEsala Perahera

Central ProvinceRegion

ABOUT KANDY

Where Sri Lanka’s KingsOnce Ruled.

Kandy served as the seat of Sri Lankan royalty for nearly five centuries, and today its skyline is still dominated by the golden roof of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most venerated shrines. The temple complex, lake and surrounding royal gardens are all listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beyond the temple, Kandy is a gateway to the hill country — a base for exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, spice plantations and the scenic train line that climbs on toward Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

WHERE TO GO

Iconic Placesin Kandy.

The must-see landmarks and sights that define a visit to Kandy.

Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Kandy’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, built to house a relic of the Buddha’s tooth, with ceremonial drumming at the twice-daily rituals.

Kandy

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

A sprawling 147-acre garden a short drive from town, home to a giant avenue of palms, an orchid house and one of the world’s largest collections of tropical trees.

Kandy

Kandy Lake

A calm, artificial lake right in the town centre, ringed by a walking path and framed by hills — a good spot for an evening stroll.

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Experiences& Good to Know.

Plan around 2 days in Kandy to make the most of what it has to offer.

Top Experiences

✓Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
✓Kandyan Dance Show
✓Royal Botanical Gardens
✓Kandy Lake Walk

Good to Know

iDress modestly and remove shoes to enter the Temple of the Tooth.
iThe Esala Perahera festival draws huge crowds — book accommodation ahead.
iKandy Lake is a flat, pleasant walk in the cooler evening hours.
iA good overnight stop between Colombo and the hill country.

PLAN AHEAD

Quick Factsat a Glance.

Central ProvinceRegion

115 km / 3 hrsFrom Colombo

Listed 1988UNESCO Status

Esala Perahera, Jul–AugSignature Festival

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