20 Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Discover the best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka. From the Temple of the Tooth Relic to scenic train rides, explore culture, nature, and adventure.

Here's the thing about Kandy: it doesn't try too hard. While other cities shout for attention, this former royal capital just sits there in the hills, absolutely dripping with history, surrounded by misty mountains, and somehow managing to be both ancient and alive at the same time.

I'll be straight with you. The first time I visited Kandy, I planned one day. One measly day. What a rookie mistake. Before I knew it, I was extending my stay, canceling beach plans, and completely falling for this place's particular brand of magic. There's this energy here—part sacred, part chaotic, entirely Sri Lankan—that gets under your skin.

So is Kandy worth visiting? Let me answer that with another question: do you want to experience the real soul of Sri Lanka? Because that's what Kandy Sri Lanka delivers, wrapped up in temple rituals, colonial gardens, mountain views, and enough cultural experiences to fill a month's worth of stories.

Whether you're the temple-hopping type, an adrenaline junkie, or someone who just wants to sip Ceylon tea while watching the world go by, this Kandy travel guide has you covered. Let's dive into the 20 things to do in Kandy that'll make your Sri Lankan adventure unforgettable.

1. Pay Your Respects at the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Look, you can't come to Kandy and skip the Temple of the Tooth Relic. That's like going to Paris and avoiding the Eiffel Tower—technically possible, but you'd be missing the whole point.

This UNESCO World Heritage site houses what's believed to be Buddha's actual tooth, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. The temple complex itself is stunning—golden roofs, intricate carvings, and an atmosphere so thick with devotion you can practically feel it.

Dress code alert: Cover your shoulders and knees. No hats. And you'll need to remove your shoes before entering. The temple gets packed during puja (prayer) times at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM, which is actually when you should go. The chanting, the drums, the offerings—it's an experience that goes way beyond sightseeing.

Pro tip? Hire a local guide. The temple's history is complex and fascinating, and you'll miss half the story without someone to explain it.

2. Stroll Around Kandy Lake at Sunset

Kandy Lake is the city's beating heart, and honestly? It's where I spent half my evenings just... existing. Created by the last king of Kandy in 1807, this artificial lake sits right in the middle of town, offering that rare urban sanctuary where you can actually hear yourself think.

The walk around the lake takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. Locals jog, couples stroll, monks in orange robes pass by deep in conversation. At sunset, the whole scene gets bathed in golden light, with the temple reflecting off the water and the hills turning purple in the distance.

There's something therapeutic about this walk. Maybe it's the gentle breeze off the water, or the fact that you're literally surrounded by mountains, but I've solved more life problems walking around Kandy Lake than I care to admit.

3. Lose Yourself in the Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens Kandy, also known as Peradeniya Botanical Gardens Kandy, is 147 acres of pure plant paradise. And I'm not even a "garden person," but this place converted me.

Located about 6 km from Kandy city center, these gardens date back to 1821 and house over 4,000 species of plants. The orchid house alone is worth the entrance fee (approximately LKR 3,000 for foreigners). Then there's the avenue of royal palms, the giant Javan fig tree, and the bamboo grove that feels straight out of a martial arts movie.

Here's what nobody tells you: bring a picnic. Seriously. Grab some local snacks from town, find a spot by the river that runs through the gardens, and just spend a lazy afternoon there. The gardens close at 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly.

Fun fact: fruit bats the size of small dogs hang in the trees. They're harmless but hilariously huge, and watching tourists freak out never gets old.

4. Experience a Traditional Kandyan Dance Performance

If you think cultural shows are touristy and boring, the traditional Kandyan dance performance will change your mind. This isn't some watered-down version for foreigners—it's the real deal, and it's absolutely wild.

The dancers, dressed in elaborate costumes with massive silver ornaments, perform acrobatic moves that seem to defy physics. Fire walking, drum ceremonies, mask dances—the whole thing is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The Kandy cultural show venues charge around LKR 3,500 per person, and shows usually run for about an hour.

My recommendation? The Red Cross Hall or the YMBA Hall near the lake both offer authentic performances. Book tickets a day in advance during peak season, because these shows fill up fast.

5. Climb to Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue for Epic Views

The Bahirawakanda Buddha statue Kandy sits on a hilltop overlooking the entire city, and let me tell you—the view alone justifies the climb. This massive white Buddha statue (about 88 feet tall) can be seen from all over Kandy, but being up there is something else entirely.

The entrance fee is a mere LKR 200, making it one of the best value experiences in Kandy. You can either hike up (about 20 minutes of stairs) or take a tuk-tuk right to the entrance. Early morning or late afternoon light makes for spectacular photos, with the whole city spread below you and mountains stretching to the horizon.

There's a peaceful vibe up here that contrasts sharply with the bustle below. It's also way less crowded than the Temple of the Tooth, so you can actually meditate or just sit without being jostled by tour groups.

Bahirawakanda Vihara, Kandy

6. Visit the Kandy National Museum

Hidden inside what used to be the royal palace's ladies' quarters, the Kandy National Museum offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka's last kingdom. It's not a massive museum—you can cover it in about an hour—but the artifacts are genuinely fascinating.

Royal regalia, ancient manuscripts, weapons, jewelry—it's all here, preserved from Kandy's glory days as an independent kingdom that held out against colonial powers until 1815. The building itself is beautiful too, with traditional Kandyan architecture that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Admission is cheap (around LKR 500 for foreigners), and it's right next to the Temple of the Tooth, so you can easily combine both visits.

7. Take a Day Trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Okay, full transparency time. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Kandy is accessible on a 7-8 hour day tour, and opinions on it are... mixed. Some animal welfare advocates have concerns about how the elephants are kept. But if you do decide to go, the sight of dozens of elephants bathing in the river is undeniably memorable.

The orphanage was established in 1975 to care for orphaned elephants, and it now houses around 80 elephants. Feeding time (9:15 AM and 1:15 PM) and bathing time (10-12 PM and 2-4 PM) are when things get most interesting.

Personally? I'd recommend researching ethical elephant experiences first and making an informed choice. There are alternatives like the Millennium Elephant Foundation that focus more on rehabilitation and have better ethical standards.

8. Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Right behind the Temple of the Tooth lies Udawattakele Forest Reserve Kandy, and I'm constantly amazed by how many visitors skip this place. It's a 104-hectare forest sanctuary that offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and blessed peace from the city's noise.

The forest has Buddhist monk hermitages dating back centuries, and you might spot various wildlife including monkeys, birds, and if you're incredibly lucky, porcupines. The entrance fee is nominal, and there are several marked trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.

Best time to visit? Early morning when the forest is misty and the birds are most active. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and maybe hire a guide if you want to learn about the medicinal plants and history of the area.

9. Take the Scenic Kandy to Ella Train Ride

The Kandy to Ella train ride regularly makes "most beautiful train journeys in the world" lists, and for once, the hype is justified. This isn't just transportation—it's one of the main things to do in Kandy.

The journey takes about 6-7 hours (longer if the train's delayed, which happens), passing through tea plantations, mountains, waterfalls, and villages that look like they haven't changed in decades. The stretch from Hatton to Ella is particularly spectacular, with the train winding through hills covered in tea bushes as far as you can see.

Pro tips for the train ride:

Book second or third class tickets in advance (first class is boring and sealed)
Sit on the right side for the best views
Bring snacks and water
Don't be shy about hanging out of the open doors for photos (everyone does it)
Start early—the morning trains offer clearer views

The whole experience costs less than $2 for third class, making it possibly the best value scenic journey on the planet.

10. Visit a Tea Factory and Learn Your Ceylon from Your Earl Grey

Sri Lanka is basically built on tea, and visiting a Kandy tea factory tour gives you the full story from bush to cup. Several factories near Kandy offer tours where you can see the entire production process—withering, rolling, fermenting, drying—and yes, there's tasting at the end.

Places like the Ceylon Tea Museum or working factories in the hills around Kandy offer tours for around LKR 500-1,000. You'll never look at your morning cuppa the same way again. Plus, the factory shops sell tea at way better prices than tourist shops in town.

The drive to most tea factories is scenically ridiculous, winding through plantations with views that make you want to buy property and never leave.

11. Experience the Madness of Esala Perahera

If you can time your visit for July or August, the Esala Perahera festival Kandy is an absolute bucket-list experience. This 10-day festival is one of Asia's oldest and most spectacular, featuring decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, fire-breathers, and thousands of participants in a nightly procession.

The final night's procession (the Randoli Perahera) is the main event, with over 100 elephants parading through the streets. Hotels book out months in advance, and viewing spots along the route get claimed hours early, but the energy is electric.

Is Kandy worth visiting just for this festival? Absolutely. But prepare for crowds, inflated prices, and book everything well in advance.

12. Trek the Knuckles Mountain Range

For adventurers, the Knuckles Mountain Range Kandy offers some of Sri Lanka's best hiking. Named because the peaks resemble a clenched fist, this UNESCO World Heritage site has trails ranging from half-day walks to multi-day treks.

The biodiversity here is insane—cloud forests, grasslands, waterfalls, and views that stretch forever on clear days. Popular trails include the Knuckles Mini World's End and the Campground Trail.

You'll need a guide for most trails (it's required in the conservation area), and they cost around LKR 3,000-5,000 per group. Worth every rupee, because getting lost in these mountains is a real possibility.

13. Shop for Authentic Kandyan Crafts

The markets around the Temple of the Tooth are packed with Kandyan crafts—lacquerware, brass items, traditional masks, handwoven textiles. Sure, a lot of it is tourist tat, but dig deeper and you'll find genuine artisans creating beautiful pieces.

The Kandy City Center and the old market area near the clock tower are good hunting grounds. Bargaining is expected (and honestly, part of the fun). Start at 50% of the asking price and work from there.

Looking for something special? Kandyan drums, traditional dance masks, or hand-painted batik make unique souvenirs that'll actually mean something when you get home.

14. Explore the Temple Trinity: Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekka

The Gadaladeniya Lankathilaka Embekka temples form a historic temple circuit about 15-20 km from Kandy. These three ancient temples date back to the 14th century and showcase different architectural styles—Gadaladeniya with its South Indian influences, Lankathilaka perched on a rock outcrop, and Embekka famous for its intricate wooden carvings.

Most tourists skip these for the Temple of the Tooth, which means you'll often have them largely to yourself. A tuk-tuk for the half-day circuit costs around LKR 2,500-3,000, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it one of my favorite afternoons in Kandy.

15. Try Authentic Kandyan Cuisine

Kandy tourist attractions aren't just about sights—the food deserves its own category. Traditional Kandyan cuisine is distinct from coastal Sri Lankan food, with influences from the old royal court.

Try Kandyan Kola Kanda (a herbal porridge breakfast), Pittu (steamed rice flour and coconut), or a proper rice and curry spread with what feels like twenty different curries and sambols. The White House in Kandy and several local joints near the market serve authentic stuff that'll blow your mind and your tolerance for spice.

Street food near the lake is also excellent—vadai, samosas, and short eats that cost pocket change and taste incredible.

16. Find Peace at Ceylon Tea Museum

Different from tea factory tours, the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantane (about 4 km from Kandy) occupies a restored colonial tea factory. It's a proper museum chronicling the history of Ceylon tea, with vintage machinery, photographs, and exhibits about tea pioneers.

The museum itself is atmospheric—old wooden floors, machinery that still works, and that aged tea smell that permeates everything. The top floor has a café where you can sample different teas while looking out over the plantations.

Entrance is around LKR 750, and it's less touristy than most attractions, which makes it perfect for when you need a break from crowds.

17. Visit During One of Kandy's Many Festivals

Beyond Esala Perahera, Kandy hosts various festivals throughout the year. The Kandy Esala Perahera in July/August is the big one, but there's also Duruthu Perahera in January and various poya (full moon) celebrations that light up the temple.

What is the best time to visit Kandy? For weather, January to April offers dry conditions. For culture, July-August brings the Esala Perahera. For fewer crowds and decent weather, September to November works well.

Each poya day sees extra festivities at the Temple of the Tooth, with evening ceremonies that are open to visitors. It's a more authentic experience than the big festival, with more locals than tourists.

18. Take a Meditation or Yoga Retreat

Kandy meditation centers have been drawing spiritual seekers for decades. Several centers offer everything from single-day sessions to week-long silent retreats.

The Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre in the hills above Kandy is particularly popular with foreign visitors. Basic accommodations, vegetarian meals, and structured meditation sessions in a genuinely peaceful mountain setting.

You don't have to be a serious practitioner—many centers welcome beginners. A few days of silence, meditation, and mountain air can reset your entire trip (and possibly your entire life, if testimonials are to be believed).

19. Experience the Local Nightlife (Such As It Is)

Let's be real: Kandy isn't a party town. But the scene around the lake comes alive in the evenings with locals, street food vendors, and a relaxed vibe. A few bars and restaurants near the lake offer evening entertainment—nothing wild, but pleasant enough.

The Q Bar at Queen's Hotel and the Pub Royale are about as lively as it gets, with occasional live music. Most visitors find their evenings revolve around cultural shows, temple visits, or simply enjoying the cool mountain air by the lake.

Is it safe to walk around Kandy at night? Generally yes, especially in the tourist areas around the lake and temple. Standard precautions apply—stay aware, avoid dark alleys, keep valuables secure.

20. Use Kandy as Your Base for Day Trips

The beauty of Kandy's location is that it's perfectly positioned for exploring the hill country. Where should I go after visiting Kandy? Here's your roadmap:

Day Trip Distance Table:

Destination	Distance from Kandy	Travel Time	Main Attractions
Nuwara Eliya	77 km	2.5-3 hours	Tea plantations, Gregory Lake, colonial architecture
Ella	135 km	4-5 hours (better by train)	Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, hiking
Sigiriya	88 km	2.5 hours	Ancient rock fortress, frescoes
Dambulla	72 km	2 hours	Cave temples, Golden Temple
Adam's Peak	45 km to base	1.5 hours + pilgrimage climb	Sacred mountain, sunrise views

How many days do you need in Kandy? The consensus is 2-3 days to really experience the city properly. Is one day enough for Kandy? You can hit the main sights, but you'll be rushing, and that defeats the whole point of Kandy's relaxed mountain vibe.

Practical Information: The Stuff You Actually Need to Know

Getting to Kandy

How to get to Kandy from Colombo:

Train: 2.5-3 hours, scenic route, costs LKR 200-600 depending on class
Bus: 3-4 hours, frequent departures, cheapest option at LKR 200-300
Private car/taxi: 2.5 hours, most comfortable, around LKR 8,000-12,000

Getting Around Kandy

The Kandy city tour area is compact enough to walk, but tuk-tuks are everywhere for longer distances. Always negotiate price before getting in—short rides should be LKR 200-300, longer trips (like to the Botanical Gardens) around LKR 500-700.

Uber and PickMe apps work in Kandy and eliminate bargaining hassle.

Where to Stay

Where to stay in Kandy depends on your budget and priorities:

Budget: Guesthouses near the lake, LKR 2,000-4,000/night
Mid-range: Hotels with lake views, LKR 5,000-10,000/night
Luxury: Queen's Hotel, The Grand Kandyan, Earl's Regency, LKR 15,000+/night

Book ahead during Esala Perahera or you'll be scrambling.

Language and Communication

What languages are spoken in Kandy? English is widely spoken in tourist areas, while Sinhala is the main local language and Tamil is also common. Learn a few Sinhala basics like "ayubowan" (hello) and "bohoma istuti" (thank you), and locals will love you for it.

Entrance Fees Summary

Attraction	Entrance Fee (approx.)
Temple of the Tooth Relic	LKR 2,000
Royal Botanical Gardens	LKR 3,000
Cultural Show	LKR 3,500
Bahirawakanda Temple	LKR 200
Kandy National Museum	LKR 500
Udawattakele Forest	LKR 400

Kandy vs. Colombo: The Great Debate

Is Kandy better than Colombo? That's like asking if mountains are better than the ocean—completely depends what you're after.

Colombo offers: modern city energy, shopping, diverse restaurants, nightlife, and easier airport access.

Kandy delivers: cultural heritage, natural beauty, slower pace, historical significance, and that intangible "soul of Sri Lanka" feeling.

Most visitors do both, and honestly? That's the smart play. Colombo for arrival logistics and urban energy, Kandy for cultural immersion and hill country access.

Final Thoughts: Why Kandy Gets Under Your Skin

There's something about Kandy that makes people extend their stays and cancel onward plans. Maybe it's the way mist rolls over the hills in the morning, or how the drumming from the temple echoes across the lake at sunset. Maybe it's the perfect temperature—cool enough to need a light jacket in the evenings but warm enough during the day.

Or maybe it's just that Kandy doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a city where ancient traditions still matter, where sacred rituals happen daily regardless of tourists watching, where the pace of life matches the mountains—steady, unchanging, solid.

The best places to visit in Kandy aren't just attractions to tick off a list. They're experiences that connect you to Sri Lanka's heart. The temple that still houses living traditions. The lake that locals circle every evening. The train ride through tea country that reminds you the world is still beautiful. The cultural shows keeping centuries-old art forms alive.

Kandy tourist attractions might draw you here, but it's the feeling of the place that makes you stay. It's watching monks in orange robes buying street food. It's the cool mountain air after the coastal heat. It's understanding why this city held out against colonial powers longer than anywhere else in Sri Lanka—because there's something here worth protecting.

So give Kandy those 2-3 days. Wake up early for temple ceremonies. Walk around the lake aimlessly. Take the slow train through the hills. Eat at local spots where you're the only foreigner. Let the city work its particular magic.

Because is Kandy worth visiting? That question answers itself about two days in, when you're sitting by the lake at sunset, watching the hills turn purple, and realizing you've accidentally found the Sri Lanka you were looking for all along.

Ready to explore Sri Lanka's cultural capital? Share your Kandy experiences in the comments below, or tell us which of these 20 activities you're most excited about. And if you've been to Kandy, what would you add to this list? Let's keep the conversation going!