Kandy

Travel Guide

Kandy
Kandy showing street scenes
Kandy
Kandy which includes heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Kandy featuring street scenes
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 ColomboOpens in a new window or EllaOpens in a new window. 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
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Radisson Hotel Kandy
4 out of 5
No. 31, Saranankara, Mawatha, Kandy, Central Province
The price is NT$2,962 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$2,962
NT$3,879 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kandy Lake and Malwathu Maha Viharaya ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (407 reviews)
"Had a wonderful time at this excellent hotel. Wonderful and helpful staff, excellent amenities good food and panoramic view of the beautiful Kandy made gave us wonderful stay. Top floor with a swimming pool and a bar is an ideal place to watch arriving flocks after flocks of white birds, mostly ..."

Reviewed on 2025/2/25

Radisson Hotel Kandy
Grand Serendib Hotel
Grand Serendib Hotel
4 out of 5
Mahamaya Mawatha, 12, Kandy, Central Province
The price is NT$3,617 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
NT$3,617
NT$4,739 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 10 - Mar 11
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! (64 reviews)
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Reviewed on 2025/1/19

Grand Serendib 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! (484 reviews)
"For a hotel so centrally located it seems like good value. I'd stay here again if I was in Kandy."

Reviewed on 2025/2/28

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 Kandy Lake and Kanday ...
8/10 Very Good! (75 reviews)
"The place was well looked after, but not close to town. The staff were great. Only complaint would be the breakfast was not a buffet. You had to order it the day before. This is not a reflection of the hotel but a lot of monkeys. Do not leave anything outside. My aunt had a top and make up bag stolen. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/2/16

View 360
Villa Shenandoah
Villa Shenandoah
3.5 out of 5
No 515, Heerassagala Road, Kandy, Central Province
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly villa in Kandy. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kandy Lake and Ceylon Tea Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (20 reviews)
Fantastic little hideaway in Kandy
"The hotel is just out of the hussle and bustle of Kandy city - about a 15min Tuktuk ride. Perfect to see all the sights in and around Kandy and then come back and relax in peace and quiet. The staff are very helpful and friendly and the owner arranged trips and drivers in and around the Kandy area. ..."

Reviewed on 2017/2/13

Villa Shenandoah
Villa Vajrapani
Villa Vajrapani
3.5 out of 5
40/1 Galoyawatta, Upland, Peradeniya, Kandy, Central Province
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre and Nilambe ...
Villa Vajrapani
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

Reviews of Kandy

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
32
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
21
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

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