Kandy

Travel Guide
Kandy
Kandy showing street scenes
Kandy
Kandy which includes heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Kandy featuring street scenes
Discover colonial-era relics and Sri Lanka’s most revered religious site at this romantic city nestled amid the undulating landscapes of the Hill Country.

Famous for its illustrious Buddhist temple, lively arts scene and lingering aura of colonialism, Kandy is one of central Sri Lanka’s most rewarding destinations. Kandy sits amid the cool climate of the Hill Country, a picturesque region of mountains and valleys clad in lush tea plantations. Once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, the nation’s second-largest city was colonized by the British in 1815. Today join pilgrims and tourists in Kandy looking for an escape from the sweltering coastal towns.

The UNESCO-protected city center stands on the northern shore of Kandy Lake with an attractive collection of temples and palaces. Visit the venerated Temple of the Tooth, which guards a tooth of the Lord Buddha. See exhibits about Buddhist practices throughout the world at the World Buddhism Museum. Admire the 19th-century St. Paul’s Church and spot colonial tombs at Kandy Garrison Cemetery. Learn about the Sinhalese kingdom and British rule at the National Museum, housed in the Royal Palace.

Explore handicraft shops and browse artisan markets while wandering the streets of the commercial district. Walk uphill to see the imposing Bahirawa Buddha Statue. Nearby is Asigiriya Stadium, where fans come to cheer on Sri Lanka’s Lions, the national cricket team.

Stroll along Kandy Lake’s shores or join a boat cruise at Kandy Lake Jetty. Mingle with monks and devotees at Malwathu Maha Viharaya temple. Relax in pretty Wales Park and enjoy superb city views at Kandy View Point.

Hike through thick forests, breathe in crisp mountain air and spot myriad birdlife at Udawattakelle Sanctuary. Catch a bus or rickshaw to Peradenuya, home to the Royal Botanical Garden. See orchid houses, orderly gardens and spice plantations, among other features.

Reach Kandy by taking a scenic train journey from either ColomboOpens in a new window or EllaOpens in a new window. Stay overnight at hotels tucked away in the city’s surrounding hills. Come in summer and join in the flamboyant events of Kandy Esala Perahera, a 10-day pageant that celebrates the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha.

Where to stay in Kandy

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Hantana

Hantana might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Wales Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hantana
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Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Wales Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Richmond Hill
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
3 out of 5
84 Peradeniya Road, Kandy
The price is ¥4,832 per night from Jan 1 to Jan 2
¥4,832
¥6,331 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2025
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (450 reviews)
Close to city centre
"Easy check in nice restaurant and ok room. Walk to the city centre and the lake. Rooftop pool comes handy when the water permits."

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2024

Sevana City Hotel Kandy
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Radisson Hotel Kandy
4 out of 5
No. 31, Saranankara, Mawatha, Kandy, Central Province
The price is ¥15,475 per night from Dec 23 to Dec 24
¥15,475
¥20,270 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 23 - Dec 24
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Malwathu Maha Viharaya and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (399 reviews)
"Quiet comfortable facility."

Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024

Radisson Hotel Kandy
Grand Serendib Hotel
Grand Serendib Hotel
4 out of 5
Mahamaya Mawatha, 12, Kandy, Central Province
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
A hidden gem !
"The hotel exceeded our expectations particularly in terms of cuisine. The breakfast, the al a carte menu and the dinner buffets were excellent. The staff were friendly and very attentive and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. The views from the rooms & the restaurant were majestic. The roof ..."

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2024

Grand Serendib Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View 360
View 360
3.5 out of 5
5/16A, Uplands, Kandy
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Devales and Kanday Monasteries ...
7.8/10 Good! (67 reviews)
"Location was very remote so transportation was an issue. The restaurant was almost non functional and whatever we requested was not available or out of stock. The night reception staff was terrible. We wanted to book airport transfer but this staff never communicated with us and so we had to frantically ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

View 360
Rusty Bunk villa
Rusty Bunk villa
4 out of 5
95/A, Dharmaraja Road, Kandy, CP
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Kandyan Art Association & ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"We had an incredible stay at Rusty Bunk Villa, which comfortably accommodated our group of six. The apartment was beautifully designed, immaculately clean, and spacious with three bedrooms, making it a perfect mountain retreat for a larger group. The mountain view from the property is breathtaking, ..."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2023

Rusty Bunk villa
Villa Vajrapani
Villa Vajrapani
3.5 out of 5
40/1 Galoyawatta, Upland, Peradeniya, Kandy, Central Province
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre and Nilambe ...
Villa Vajrapani
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kandy

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
32
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The area around Kandy Lake is quite beautiful and delightful to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing and historical place. Such beauty and positivity

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It was a nice stay before launching off in the scenic train to Ella.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not my favorite city, but certainly one filled with rich Sri Lankan culture and history. The sacred Temple of the Tooth is a magical landmark.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

If at least mcdonalds open here!

4/5 - Good

Zvika

Nice city. If you don’t plan to travel for location around one night will be enough