Kandy

The Sacred Heart of the Hill Country

📍 District: Kandy | Province: Central
🧭 Location: Approximately 115km Northeast of Colombo; the cultural epicenter of the island.

Introduction

Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the cultural soul of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst hills and centered around a picturesque lake, it was the last bastion of the Sinhalese kings. Today, it remains a bustling hub where ancient rituals blend with colonial architecture and modern life. From the drumbeats of traditional ceremonies to the cool breezes of the botanical gardens, Kandy offers a rich, multi-sensory journey through the nation’s heritage.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this is the most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, housing the tooth of the Buddha within a golden canopy.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Spanning 147 acres, these world-renowned gardens feature a spectacular orchid house, massive fig trees, and royal palms.
Kandy Lake & Viewpoint: A stroll around Kiri Muhuda (the Milky Sea) is a must. For the best photos, head to the Arthur’s Seat viewpoint for a panoramic look at the city.
Kandyan Cultural Show: An evening of high-energy traditional dance and drumming, culminating in a dramatic fire-walking display.

Transportation

🚆 Rail

The “Podimenike” or “Udarata Menike” trains from Colombo offer a stunning climb into the hills. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Kandy Station.

🛣️ Road

Private transfers from Colombo take about 3 to 4 hours via the A1 highway. Alternatively, the new Central Expressway has significantly cut down travel time.

Where to Stay

Category	Experience
Heritage Hotels	Stay in grand colonial buildings with sweeping views of the city and Kandy Lake.
Mountain Retreats	Luxury villas and boutique hotels tucked away in the surrounding Hanthana or Knuckles hills.
City Guesthouses	Charming, central homestays that put you within walking distance of the Temple and shopping areas.

💡 Pro-Traveler Tips

Temple Dress Code: Wear white or light-colored clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You must remove your shoes before entering the temple complex.
Timing: Visit the Temple of the Tooth during “Thewava” (offering) hours to hear the traditional drums and see the gold casket briefly.
Walking: Kandy town is congested. It is often faster and more pleasant to walk around the lake than to take a vehicle for short distances.
The Kandy Esala Perahera: If visiting in July/August, book months in advance to witness one of Asia’s most spectacular religious festivals.

Nearby Attractions

Bahirawakanda Vihara: A giant white Buddha statue overlooking the city, offering some of the best sunset views in Kandy.
Udawattakele Sanctuary: A historic forest reserve located right behind the Temple of the Tooth, perfect for birdwatching and easy hikes.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Located about an hour’s drive away, famous for watching elephants bathe in the river.

Introduction

Top Attractions

Transportation

🚆 Rail

🛣️ Road

Where to Stay

💡 Pro-Traveler Tips

Nearby Attractions

Search

Text Search

Search by Category

🧭 LankaHop Trip Planner

Select Language