Hill Country
Kandy
The last royal capital of the Sinhalese kings
Overview
AboutKandy
Cradled in a bowl of misted hills around a serene lake, Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka — the city where the last kings of the island ruled, and where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha still rests.
Kandy is at once a working city and a spiritual centre. Temples, monasteries and old Kandyan mansions cluster around the lake; forested hills rise steeply behind. Beyond the town centre, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the elephant-crossings of the Mahaweli River reward a slower pace.
Kandy resisted colonial rule for three centuries, sheltered by its mountains, and only fell to the British in 1815. The city's temples, palaces and rituals preserve that lineage — most visibly in the Esala Perahera, one of the great processional festivals of the Buddhist world.
Top Attractions
What to see
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
- Kandy Lake at dusk
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Udawatta Kele forest sanctuary
- Kandyan cultural dance and drumming performance
Things to do
Ways to experience Kandy
- Attend evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth
- Wander the botanical gardens with a naturalist guide
- Visit a local artisan — batik, silver or wood carving
- Take a scenic tuk-tuk loop around the lake
Best time to visit
Kandy is pleasant year-round with mild temperatures. The Esala Perahera festival, typically in July or August, is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Asia.
Nearby
Peradeniya Gardens • Nuwara Eliya • Sigiriya
Photography
The Temple of the Tooth reflected in Kandy Lake • Cinnamon-lit puja ceremonies • Botanical Garden orchids
Travel tips
- Dress modestly to enter the Temple of the Tooth.
- Puja ceremonies are held morning, midday and evening — evening is the most atmospheric.
Suggested Journeys
Private toursfeaturing Kandy
Questions
About visiting Kandy
Can I see the sacred tooth relic itself?
The relic itself is not visible, but the gilded chamber that houses it is opened during puja, drawing pilgrims from across the country.
How long should I stay in Kandy?
Two nights allow enough time to enjoy the temple, the lake, the gardens and a nearby craft experience without rush.
Ready when you are
Include Kandy in your journey
Our team will design a private itinerary shaped around your travel style, dates and party.