Places to Visit in Kandy

Kandy, tucked away in the heart of Sri Lanka, is a city rich in culture, heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a city that beautifully guards its traditions and houses landmarks steeped in history. Here are the best places to visit in Kandy.

Best Places to Visit with Family:

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relicis a iconic temple holds the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, offering an unforgettable spiritual experience to visitors.

Udawattakele Forest Reserve:

A sanctuary for nature lovers,Udawattakele Forest Reserveis the reserve is home to numerous species of birds and mammals alongside unique flora.

International Buddhist Museum:

International Buddhist Museumis a great place to learn about the spread of Buddhism across the world with exhibits from sixteen countries.

Top Places to Visit with Friends:

Kandy Lake:

Adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lakeis a picturesque lake is wonderful for leisurely walks and relaxing boat rides.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanageis a unique attraction where you can witness the nurturing of orphaned elephants.

St Pauls Church:

St Pauls Churchis a Anglican church stands testament to the colonial era with its striking gothic architecture.

National Museum of Kandy:

Discover the ancient and colonial history of Kandy, National Museum of Kandyis a tales of war and peace eerily echoed within the museum walls.

Best Time to Visit Kandy :

The best time to visit Kandy is during the cooler months from December to April when the weather permits exploring without discomfort. The vibrant Esala Perahera festival in July or August is also an enticing time to visit Kandy.

Good Places to Visit at Night in Kandy :

For night owls, a visit to the Kandy city centre with its bustling shops and eateries is a must. Ideal for food enthusiasts looking to try local flavours.

Restaurants in Kandy

• Senani by Oak Room
• Balaji Dosai
• Café 1886 by Salgado Bakers
• Indian Summer Restaurant
• La Mulberry
• Café Divine Street

Places to Visit in Kandy in 1 Day:

If limited to a day, prioritise the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and the Kandy National Museum for a whirlwind cultural experience.

Places to Visit in Kandy in 2 Days:

With an additional day, delve into the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, visit St Pauls Church and spare some time for the tranquil International Buddhist Museum.

Places to Visit in Kandy in 3 Days:

If you've got three days in Kandy, add a memorable visit to the P innawala Elephant Orphanage to your itinerary. This allows plenty of time to absorb the fluttering tranquillity of the city and fully explore all its famous landmarks.

Places to Visit Near Kandy :

There are several fascinating places around Kandy that every traveller should consider adding to their itinerary: About 76km from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful town known for its lush tea gardens. This hill station has earned the nickname 'Little England' due to its British-era charm. Roughly 90km to the north, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with a well-stocked museum. The panoramic view from the top is simply breathtaking. Located about 72km north-east of Kandy, Dambulla is famous for its Golden Temple and Royal Rock Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The serene beauty of the garden makes it ideal for a relaxed stroll. Approximately 134.6km from Kandy, Ella is a hiker's paradise with plenty of tea plantations, hills, and trails leading to scenic views, including the famous Nine Arches Bridge.