Kandy

Travel Guide
Kandy
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 Colombo or Ella. 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
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! (53 reviews)
"Great views overlooking Kandy!"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Grand Serendib Hotel
The Radh Hotel
The Radh Hotel
4.5 out of 5
30 Colombo St, Kandy, CP
The price is ¥25,751 per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
¥25,751
¥33,732 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"Great stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2024

The Radh Hotel
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
3 out of 5
84 Peradeniya Road, Kandy
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! (444 reviews)
"nice hotel with great service and spacious room!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2024

Sevana City Hotel Kandy
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 Kanday Monasteries and ...
8/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel."

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2023

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
Jaide Regency
Jaide Regency
Kandy
Stay at this vacation home in Kandy. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre and Kandy Lake are located ...
Jaide Regency
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 32.8125%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 15.625%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.5625%

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