Did you know that Kandy is home to one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, the Temple of the Tooth Relic? Kandy, a historically remarkable and naturally beautiful kingdom, serves as a vibrant hub in Sri Lanka from which you can explore the entire island. Whether you’re someone who loves to wander without a guide or prefer to read up before exploring, this city guide will lead you through the top things to do in Kandy in 2024.
From the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic and the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens to vibrant cultural performances, Kandy offers a range of experiences. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enrichment, family-friendly activities, or outdoor adventures, Kandy is the perfect destination. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly where to go, and SL VOYO is here to create the best tours for our travellers.
Table of Contents
Top Tourist Attractions Kandy
Go pay homage to the Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Spiritual Heart of Kandy
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, alias Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most respected temple in Sri Lanka; hence, it is frequented by visitors and pilgrims alike because of the sacred tooth nestled in its premises. We recommend visiting it during the ‘puja’ ceremonies three times a day. The evening ceremony, conducted with drumming and chanting, is very descriptive. We remember once chatting over a cup of tea with a monk, who told us many interesting stories about the temple’s past, and the trip became quite personal.
Walk around Kandy Lake
A Peaceful Getaway
Constructed in 1807 by the last king of the Kandyan kingdom, this artificial lake serves as a great escape from the cacophony of city life. The view around the lake at sunset is truly enchanting; the lights from the city and the Temple of the Holy Tooth are reflected in the water. One should not miss the opportunity to have a boat ride on the lake, which remains a unique experience to perceive the city from this angle.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Nature’s Bounty
They make an excellent place to while away some leisure time just a short drive from the city center at the Royal Botanical Gardens. With over 4,000 plant species, there’s a mind-blowing collection of orchids, among others. Sprawling branches of the giant Javan fig tree make a perfect place for taking photos. I always tell visitors to look out for the fruit bats at dusk; watching them fly out, silhouetted against the setting sun, is quite spectacular.
Bahirawakanda Hill Trek
Views Worth the Climb
The Buddha statue at Bahirawakanda Vihara rises high into the sky and is visible from almost everywhere in Kandy. It doesn’t just function as a spiritual site but gives some of the best views across the city. While the climb up the hill is gentle, the panoramic view from the top well repays the effort. It would be best to visit at early morning or late afternoon so as to avoid the scorching heat of the midday sun.
Top Cultural Experiences in Kandy
Watch a Cultural Dance Show
A Vibrant Spectacle
Kandyan dance is a lively, vibrant dance form through which stories are told by choreography, costume, and music. Most evenings performances take place at one of the many venues dedicated to showcasing this art form. Once, we had the opportunity to spend an evening backstage with the dancers, observing their ornate costumes and hearing them describe the significance of the different styles of dance forms a real treat on the cultural immersion circuit!
Attend the Kandy Market Hall
The Local Buzz
A lively market hall, with plenty of locals and tourists bargaining for spices, colorful fruits, textiles, and different varieties of handcrafted souvenirs, is situated in Kandy. In fact, for the most part, I’m just interested in talking to the sellers since they are usually eager to share recipes for cooking something with the purchased ingredients or how to craft something with the purchased item, so every purchase is a tiny contribution to the exchange of culture.
Explore the Ceylon Tea Museum
A Sip of History
Located in the lush close suburban area of Kandy, up in the Hantana Mountain Range, the Ceylon Tea Museum exposes a very interesting view of a very rich and lush history of tea manufacture, from ancient tools to modern processing. The museum gives a full view of the tea industry, and, of course, one can taste it. Not a lot of experiences beat a fresh brew of Ceylon tea.
Things to Do in Kandy with Kids
Nature Trek to Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A Green Sanctuary
Once a pleasure garden for Kandyan kings, now the Udawattakele Forest Reserve is a peaceful reserve for nature lovers. Trails interweave through thick but placid foliage, while from distant leaves, the calls of birds and monkeys echo. It’s a great place to go for that morning hike. I like to start so many days right here in the quiet, finding wild-winged wonders that always feel like a treat.
Kandy Outdoor Adventures
Day Outings from Kandy
Nearby Adventures
The center also serves as a good base for exploring a bit farther afield. The Kandy center is good for organizing day trips to visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala, but another quite restful trip is to take a visit to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, which is a couple of hours out of Kandy and offers beautiful panoramic views; well-preserved frescoes can be glimpsed here, among others. Each offers a different view of the firmament of Sri Lanka’s tapestry of history and nature.
Kandy is a very traditional and beautiful place in its own right. When there, really get into the mood of the place. One of the best times is when they have the Esala Perahera festival in July or August. This ten-day festival is one of the most spectacular cultural events in Asia. Dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants take part since the city gets very crowded during this time.
Try to book accommodation well in advance. The city center of Kandy and all its major attractions, such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake, could be reached on foot. It would be more convenient to head out of town to visit the attractions further afield, for example, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, using a tuk-tuk.
Set the fare in advance to avoid any confusion later on. Exploring street food scenes locally can be a major addition that can be made to the feel of Kandy, with all of its authenticity, and there are certain must-tries here: kottu roti or hoppers, especially those sold around Kandy Lake in the evening.
These insights will make one feel the place more and connect to the rich life and culture Kandy has to offer.
FAQs
Is Kandy worth visiting?
Yes, Kandy is worth visiting for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and significant historical sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Is 1 day enough in Kandy?
One day in Kandy is enough to see the main attractions, such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, but staying longer allows you to fully experience its cultural and natural offerings.
What is special in Kandy?
Kandy is special for its historic and spiritual significance, being home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant cultural performances that showcase traditional Sri Lankan arts.
Why is Kandy famous for?
Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, its annual Esala Perahera festival, beautiful botanical gardens, and its role as a major cultural and religious center in Sri Lanka.
How do you get around in Kandy?
You can get around Kandy using tuk-tuks, local buses, taxis, or by walking, especially in the city center where many attractions are located close to each other.
When should I go to Kandy?
The best time to visit Kandy is from December to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the coldest month in Kandy?
The coldest month in Kandy is January, with average temperatures ranging between 18°C (64°F) and 28°C (82°F).
When is the Esala Perahera?
The Esala Perahera takes place annually in Kandy during the month of Esala, which usually falls between July and August. The exact dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
How long does it take to reach Kandy from Colombo?
The journey from Colombo to Kandy typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by car or train, depending on traffic and the specific mode of transportation.
One-Day Tours to Kandy with SL VOYO
Discover Kandy’s highlights in a single day with our exclusive tours. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and enjoy cultural performances. Make the most of your time with SL VOYO. Book your tour now.