Central Highlands
Kandy
Sacred lakeside capital of the last kingdom
The cultural heart of Sri Lanka — a hill-rimmed lake city built around the temple that houses the Buddha's tooth relic.
Available9 Tours
Plan my Kandy trip
Best time
January – April · July (Esala Perahera)
How to get there
3h drive or scenic train from Colombo
Region
Central Highlands
About the place
Why travelers fall for Kandy
Kandy was the final stronghold of the Sinhalese kings and remains the spiritual capital of the island. Evening puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is unforgettable; days are spent on the lakeside, in royal botanical gardens and at traditional Kandyan dance performances.
Known for
- 01Temple of the Tooth
- 02Kandy Lake
- 03Kandyan dance
- 04Royal Botanical Gardens
Things to do
Unmissable in Kandy
01
Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Join the evening puja as drummers herald the opening of the inner chamber.
02
Peradeniya gardens
147 acres of palm avenues, orchid houses and a giant Javan fig tree.
03
Kandyan dance show
Fire walkers, drummers and acrobats in elaborate silver costumes.
04
Esala Perahera
Sri Lanka's grandest festival — a 10-night procession of elephants, dancers and torchbearers.
Gallery
Postcards from Kandy
Keep exploring
