Kandy

Why visit Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, sits among lush hills and tea plantations. Forested slopes, manicured gardens, and the calm waters of Kandy Lake fill the city’s centre. Hills around the city are dotted with temples, shrines, and colonial-era buildings.

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth: Home to one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, with daily rituals and ornate halls.
  • Kandy to Ella Train: One of the world’s most scenic rail journeys through misty hills, waterfalls and tea plantations.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya: Famed for orchids, palms and giant trees, with shady paths and the iconic avenue of palms.
  • UNESCO World Heritage City: A city of history, religion and architecture, with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and lakeside paths.
  • Gateway to the Hill Country: The starting point for exploring tea plantations, waterfalls and forested trails in Nuwara Eliya, Ella and beyond.
  • Thriving Food Scene: Street food and cafés serve hoppers, string hoppers, rice and curry, sambols and fresh king coconut.
  • Cultural Festivals: The Esala Perahera fills the streets with drummers, dancers and elephants, while smaller temple ceremonies offer year-round insight into local traditions.
  • Lakes and Walks: Kandy Lake and surrounding paths provide a peaceful city escape with views of the temple, hills and skyline.
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Jindy Sangha

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Good to know

Kandy is most easily reached via Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. From which, the journey takes about three hours by car.

Kandy pairs beautifully with Sri Lanka’s other regions, making it easy to combine culture, nature, and adventure. From the city, the hill country is close at hand, with Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Hatton offering tea plantations, waterfalls, and trails, including the scenic Pekoe Trail through lush tea estates. The Cultural Triangle, including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla, is also within reach, perfect for exploring ancient temples, rock forts, and UNESCO-listed ruins.

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