Kandy

Lying between the fresh tea plantations and the gentle embrace of the Mahaweli River, Kandy is a emarld gem of Sri Lanka. Once the stronghold of Sinhala kings, this historic city not only attracts many visitors with its sacred sites, but the botanical gardens and vibrant local cuisine also offer tons of things to do. Let’s join Absolute Asia Tours to explore the hidden attractions of this city and insightful traveling tips!

Things to Do in Kandy

Start your journey at the iconic Temple of the Tooth, a religious masterpiece housing Sri Lanka‘s most sacred relic: a tooth of the Buddha. If you get the chance, witness the mesmerizing puja ceremony, where rhythmic drumming and floral offerings accompany worshippers as the golden casket is revealed. The temple’s ornate statues, wooden structures, and lavish gold roofs combine in one area, reflecting centuries of the locals’ devotion and artistry.

After that, you can take a tranquil stroll around Kandy Lake. The shadow of nuga and palm trees on the lakeside path is perfect for you to have some tranquil moments.

A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is a must for those who wants to immerse in nature. Only 6 km away from Kandy, these expansive gardens were once reserved for royalty and are now open for visitors with over 4,000 plant species. The towering Burma bamboo, fragrant spice gardens, and the sprawling Javan fig tree, … All of them will keep you excited as well as the playful monkeys and fruit bats!

Explore the Cuisine in Kandy

Not only the sightseeing and temples but the vibrant cuisine of Kandy will hold your feet, especially if you hop on a guided food tour. Explore bustling markets, sample exotic fruits, and taste local delicacies like wade and egg hoppers. Evening tours introduce you to kottu, a sizzling blend of shredded roti, stir-fried vegetables, and spices. For a sweet ending, indulge in traditional curd with treacle.

As Kandy is in the central location of the country, it makes a convenient stop on any Sri Lanka tour. To create the perfect itinerary, explore the tailored Kandy tour packages from Absolute Asia Tours, designed to reveal the city’s hidden treasures and cultural gems.

The last royal capital

English Wikipedia describes Kandy as a major city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818 under the Kingdom of Kandy, in the midst of hills on the Kandy plateau. It is considered the cultural capital of the country and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important places of the Buddhist world. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1988. The temple is a place of worship, so dress modestly.

What travelers ask AI about Kandy

What are the must-see attractions? AI answers to “kandy tourist attractions” and “things to do in kandy” name the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic first, then the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, Kandy Lake and viewpoints over the city. English Wikipedia says the gardens lie about 5.5 kilometers west of the city, hold more than 4,000 plant species including a renowned orchid collection, cover 147 acres, and drew 1.2 million local and 400,000 foreign visitors in 2016. Kandy Lake is a human-made lake in the middle of the city, and the Udawattakele forest reserve beside the business district makes Kandy the only Sri Lankan city with a forest reserve next to its center. Is there a festival? The Kandy Esala Perahera, the Festival of the Tooth, is held every year in July and August to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic, with fire dances, whip dances and other performances, and ends with the Diya Kepeema water-cutting ceremony on the Mahaweli River at Getambe; book well ahead for these weeks. When should I go? Kandy’s climate is tropical rainforest with mean temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius all year and humidity of 70 to 79%. Wikipedia describes a drier period from January to April and monsoon seasons from May to July and from October to December. Rail services around Kandy were suspended or delayed in places after major floods in late 2025, so check train status with your operator. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transport or tours, so check them before you go.

Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Kandy, Esala Perahera, Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Last checked November 2026.

Kandy: FAQ

What is Kandy best known for?

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and its history as the last royal capital.

When is the Kandy Esala Perahera?

Every year in July and August, ending with the Diya Kepeema ceremony at Getambe.

What are the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens?

A garden about 5.5 km west of Kandy with more than 4,000 plant species and a renowned orchid collection.

When is the best time to visit Kandy?

Wikipedia describes a drier period from January to April; monsoon seasons run May to July and October to December.

How high is Kandy?

About 465 to 500 meters above sea level, depending on the passage.

How many days do you need in Kandy?

Two days, three if you attend the Perahera.