Kandy, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Discover Kandy, Sri Lanka: A city of rich cultural heritage, sacred temples, and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the vibrant Esala Perahera and serene Kandy Lake.

Nestled amidst lush hills and tea plantations, Kandy is the cultural and spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. This vibrant city is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred shrines. Each year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to witness its grandeur and feel its serene ambiance. Strolling through Kandy's bustling streets, you'll find a blend of colonial architecture and traditional Kandyan designs. The Kandy Lake, situated in the heart of the city, offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. A walk around the lake provides picturesque views and is a perfect way to soak in the city's beauty. Kandy is also famous for the Esala Perahera, a grand procession held annually in July or August. This vibrant festival features traditional dancers, drummers, and beautifully adorned elephants, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting the city. Additionally, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just a short drive from Kandy, showcases a stunning collection of flora and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kandy.

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Kandy Lake and exploring the city's hilly terrain.
If you're visiting during the Esala Perahera, book accommodations well in advance as hotels fill up quickly.
Try local delicacies like Kottu Roti and Sri Lankan rice and curry at small, local eateries for an authentic experience.
Consider hiring a guide for a detailed tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens to learn about the diverse plant species.

Explore Kandy: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kandy

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Sri Dalada Maligawa

Discover the spiritual heart of Kandy at Sri Dalada Maligawa, home to the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.7

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore the lush landscapes and diverse flora of Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya - a serene escape in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

4.6

Victoria Park - Nuwaraeliya

Explore the serene beauty of Victoria Park, a lush garden oasis in Nuwara Eliya, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and nature photography.

4.3

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Discover the breathtaking Hakgala Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka, where vibrant flora meets serene landscapes for an unforgettable nature experience.

4.5

Best landmarks in Kandy

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Best Landmarks

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Sri Dalada Maligawa

Explore the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at Sri Dalada Maligawa, home to the sacred Tooth Relic and a symbol of the nation's rich Buddhist heritage.

4.7

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya – a stunning oasis of biodiversity and tranquility near Kandy, Sri Lanka, perfect for nature lovers and explorers.

4.6

Sacred City of Kandy

Explore the Sacred City of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes in Sri Lanka.

4.7

Kandy City Centre

Explore Kandy City Centre, the vibrant shopping mall offering a fusion of local culture, international brands, and delightful dining in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

4.5

Best restaurants in Kandy

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Balaji Dosai

Discover the vibrant flavors of South Indian vegetarian cuisine at Balaji Dosai in Kandy – a culinary gem that delights every palate.

4.2

Dinemore - Kandy

Discover the flavors of Sri Lanka at Dinemore - Kandy, where delicious submarines and local cuisine await you.

3.9

Vito Wood Fired Pizza

Savor the rich flavors of authentic wood-fired pizza at Vito Wood Fired Pizza in Kandy—an unforgettable culinary experience awaits.

4.6

Fab Ceylon

Experience the flavors of Sri Lanka at Fab Ceylon – where tradition meets modern cuisine in a cozy setting.

4.2

Best bars in Kandy

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Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant

Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and Asian fusion cuisine at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Kandy.

4.2

Hideout Lounge

Discover the vibrant flavors of Kandy at Hideout Lounge, where the best of bar and grill meets a cozy pizza restaurant atmosphere.

4.5

Royal Bar & Hotel

Discover the unique blend of history and hospitality at Kandy's Royal Bar & Hotel, a perfect retreat for discerning travelers.

4.3

HQ Pub & Restaurant

Discover the lively HQ Pub & Restaurant in Kandy, where delicious meals and refreshing drinks create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and fun.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Kandy

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Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant

Discover a unique blend of Asian fusion cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Kandy.

4.2

Old Trinitian's Sports Club

Experience the vibrant social scene at Old Trinitian's Sports Club in Kandy, where tradition meets modern nightlife.

4.6

The Kandy Club

Experience an unforgettable nightlife adventure at The Kandy Club, where music, culture, and great food unite in the heart of Kandy.

4.3

Tavern 29 Rooftop Bar

Discover Tavern 29 Rooftop Bar in Kandy, where breathtaking views and delectable drinks create an unforgettable nightlife experience.

4.4

Best shops in Kandy

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Kandy City Centre

Explore Kandy City Centre: A vibrant shopping destination blending modern retail with Sri Lankan culture in the heart of Kandy.

4.5

Kandy Municipal Central Market

Explore Kandy Municipal Central Market, a lively hub of local culture, fresh produce, and unique crafts in the heart of Sri Lanka's historic city.

3.8

Cool Planet

Explore Cool Planet, Kandy's premier shopping destination for trendy women’s clothing and unique fashion accessories.

4.0

Nils

Explore Nils in Kandy for a unique selection of women's clothing that combines elegance, style, and local craftsmanship.

4.5

Explore Kandy on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kandy, mapped for you.

Kandy Essentials

Kandy is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, approximately 115 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take a train, which offers a scenic route through Sri Lanka's lush landscapes and typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi, with the journey by road taking around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Once in Kandy, getting around is relatively straightforward. Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient mode of transport for short distances. Local buses are available and provide an affordable way to travel within the city and to nearby towns. Taxis can be found easily, and ride-hailing apps like PickMe are also operational in Kandy. For a more relaxed pace, walking is a great way to explore the city's central areas.
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops in Kandy, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus.
Kandy is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places such as markets and public transportation hubs. Areas to be cautious in include the bus station and the railway station, especially during late hours.
In case of an emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. Kandy General Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and hat when entering temples, and avoid turning your back to Buddha statues. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ayubowan' or a handshake. Avoid touching people on the head as it is considered disrespectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kandy like a local, visit the Kandy Market Hall where you can purchase fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals to learn about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the Esala Perahera festival if you visit in July or August; it's one of the most spectacular cultural events in Sri Lanka. For a serene experience, take a stroll around the Kandy Lake or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.

When is the best time to visit Kandy?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kandy

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kandy. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [Ayubowan]
- Goodbyeසල්ලි
  [Salli]
- Yesඔව්
  [Owa]
- Noනෑ
  [Nae]
- Please/You're welcomeකරන්න/ස්වභාවික
  [Karanna/Suwabawik]
- Thank youස්තූතියි
  [Sthuthiyi]
- Excuse me/Sorryකියන්න/සමාවෙන්න
  [Kiyanna/Samawenna]
- How are you?ඔයා කොහෙද?
  [Oya koheda?]
- Fine. And you?හොඳේ. ඔයා?
  [Hode. Oya?]
- Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරයිද?
  [Oya ingreesi katha karayi da?]
- I don't understandමට දත්ත නොදෙනුනේ
  [Mata data nodenu]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමම මෙනු බලන්නන්, කරුණාකළ
  [Mama menu balannanna, karunakala]
- I don't eat meatමම මස් කන්නේ නෑ
  [Mama mas kannae nae]
- Cheers!සුමන්
  [Suman]
- I would like to pay, pleaseමම ගෙවිලා ගත්තේ, කරුණාකළ
  [Mama gevila gatthe, karunakala]
- Help!උකුලට
  [Ukulta]
- Go away!යලියෙන්න
  [Yaliyenna]
- Call the Police!පොලිස් කළද?
  [Police kalada?]
- Call a doctor!වෛර කලද?
  [Vaidya kalada?]
- I'm lostමම අතේදාගෙනා
  [Mama athedagenaa]
- I'm illමම අස්වැල්ලුවා
  [Mama aswelluwa]
- I'd like to buy...මම ... මෙනු වෙනවා
  [Mama ... menu wenawa]
- I'm just lookingමම කරත්තන්ට පෙනෙනවා
  [Mama karattant penenawa]
- How much is it?එයාලා කොචලා?
  [Eyala kothala?]
- That's too expensiveඑයාලා කට්ටියේ ප්‍රමාණයයි
  [Eyala katteye pramanayi]
- Can you lower the price?මිනිස්සු කට්ටි අඩු කරනවාද?
  [Minissu katti adu karanavada?]
- What time is it?නොකියාම කාලය කුගුලයි?
  [Nokiyaama kalaya kugulayi?]
- It's one o'clockඑකට
  [Ekata]
- Half past (10)සමිප්වල
  [Sampawala]
- Morningපානම්
  [Panam]
- Afternoonපසළ
  [Pasala]
- Eveningසවස
  [Savasa]
- Yesterdayඊයේ
  [Iye]
- Todayඅද
  [Ada]
- Tomorrowහෙට
  [Heta]
- 1එක
  [Eka]
- 2දෙක
  [Deka]
- 3තුන
  [Thuna]
- 4හතලි
  [Hathali]
- 5පහ
  [Paha]
- 6හය
  [Haya]
- 7හත
  [Hatha]
- 8අට
  [Ata]
- 9නත්
  [Natha]
- 10දහය
  [Dahaya]
- Where's a/the...?... ඉවුල්කොට?
  [... Ivulkota?]
- What's the address?ලිපිනය කුලයි?
  [Lipinaya kuli?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?මට (කිසිවක්) පෙනෙනවාද?
  [Mata (Kisiwak) penenavada?]
- When's the next (bus)?ඊතලට (බස්) කුලයි?
  [Italata (Bas) kuli?]
- A ticket (to ....)ප්‍රාන්තය (.... වෙත)
  [Prantaya (.... wetha)]

History of Kandy

Kandy was the last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka before it fell to the British in 1815. Established in the 14th century, it became a significant center of political power, culture, and Buddhism in the country. The kingdom's strategic location amidst the central highlands made it a formidable fortress against invaders.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, which is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. The temple complex, built within the royal palace grounds, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a central role in Kandy's religious and cultural life.
The Kandyan Wars were a series of conflicts fought between the Kingdom of Kandy and colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, from the late 16th century to the early 19th century. These wars were marked by fierce resistance from the Kandyan forces and complex alliances. The final Kandyan War in 1815 led to the kingdom's annexation by the British.
The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, held annually in Kandy. This spectacular event, held in July or August, features a procession of beautifully decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and other performers. The highlight of the festival is the sacred casket bearing the Buddha's tooth relic, paraded through the streets in a grand ceremony.
British colonial rule brought significant changes to Kandy, including the construction of new infrastructure, schools, and administrative buildings. Despite colonial influence, Kandy retained its cultural and religious significance. Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948, and Kandy has since continued to be a vital cultural and historical center in the country.
Kandy is renowned for its distinctive art and architecture, which reflect a blend of indigenous styles and foreign influences. The city's architectural heritage includes the royal palace, temples, and colonial-era buildings. Traditional Kandyan art is characterized by intricate wood carvings, vibrant murals, and elaborate jewelry, all of which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.