Back to all blogs
Sri Lanka CulturalMarch 28, 2025

Kandy Travel Guide: Attractions and Tips

Kandy Travel Guide: Attractions and Tips

Introduction to Kandy City

Kandy City is set at the heart of thick-hooded hills standing in a high sphere, and the present Kandy has considerably altered the course of Sri Lankan history. It is believed that Kandy City was the absolute last kingdom in Sri Lanka. This sacred city houses the Temple of the Tooth, which contains Buddha's relic, and is clearly visible across the world as a World Heritage Site declared by the UN. For all such reasons, the city has developed as a favourite haunt for tourists and devotees. Here is a brief overview of contracted mug shots and some additional activities one can imagine doing while in the city, and still have a chunk of your holiday in Kandy City.

Furthermore, here are the best bits to visit in the city, things to do, and a variety of other information.


The Location of Kandy City.

It is about 500 meters above sea level in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, in the Kandy District. The locality is surrounded by mountains and forests in a humid climate characterizing lush vegetation and breathtaking vistas. Check out what Kandy, located in the central highlands of magnificent Sri Lanka, offers.


Travelling Distances to Kandy

Translated below is how far it is to travel to Kandy City from the main locations:

  • Distance from Vulutara to Kandy: 115 km
  • The average travel time from Beruwala to Kandy City is 3-4 hours by car
  • Distance from Sigiriya to Kandy: 90 km
  • On the road, the travel time would be 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
  • Distance from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Kandy: 104 km
  • 3- 3.5 hours by car
  • Distance from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: 76 km
  • 2.5-3 hours by car


History of Kandy

Three invaders, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English, three times, attempted to take away Sri Lankan independence. The Kingdom of Kandy has functioned as a free kingdom in Sri Lanka since its establishment in the 14th century until the British took over. Anyway, after the takeover of the country by the British in 1815, the Kingdom of Kandy was marked to be the last one. But despite everything, it is heartening to see that the Holy Temple of the Tooth, once stored with the remains of Lord Buddha himself, still shines in the city.


Kandy Weather

Throughout the year, Kandy’s weather, which leans towards 20° to 30° Celsius, is characterised by moderate rainy conditions. It remains a pleasant place to be in the sheltered periphery.


The Best Time to Visit Kandy

Anyone heading to Kandy may want to do so during the dry season, from December to April. During the period from July to August, if one wants to witness the spectacular Esala Perahera, this would be a prime time.


Things to Do in Kandy

Here are some of the best things to do.

Kandy's aura is tourist-friendly mostly because there is so much to do in the town! I will just touch on all these topics here in a moment.

Gem Museums:

Sri Lanka is also known for its ancient, precious gemstones. There are gem museums around the city where you may view such gems and possibly purchase them, with the opportunity of learning the derivation of sapphires.

Traditional Dance Shows:

A Kandyan dance performance is among the various dance traditions in the Sri Lankan tradition.

Wood carving:

The city also houses several souvenir shops where one can buy wooden and haberdashery items.

Kandy Market:

The big market in central Kandy has all kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other goods, not to mention all the different spices and clothes.

Meditation:

Meanwhile, those interested in meditation may choose to join Buddhist Meditation Centres.

Batik and Traditional Silk Clothing:

Kandy is well known for shopping outlets offering traditional Batik clothing and other traditional Sri Lankan clothes.

Ayurvedic Massage:

The city also provides the opportunity to avail of traditional Ayurvedic massages.


Where to Stay in Kandy

From low-budget guest houses to five-star hotels, Kandy has an array of options to choose from.


Restaurants in Kandy

Various Chinese restaurants and a few local ones will offer you a varied culinary experience throughout the city.

And some sweet treats popular among tourists:

  • Balaji Dosai, Sahas Uyana, Hela Bojun Hala, and Thalappakkatti are places where you can dine if you are a fan of food but prefer something a bit more foreign.

The next group consists of foreign Sri Lankan cafes:

  • Slightly Chilled Lounge, Sports Bar & Restaurant, Fab Ceylon, Vito Wood Fired Pizza, Senani by Oak Ray, and The Whizz.

Beach Pitt is one of the best for grilled fish, while Beach Restaurant and Dine-Kings in particular lived up to the expectations of a restaurant and guesthouse.

  • Buono, Café Secret Alley, Café Kandyana, Department of Coffee, Café Koi, Café Aroma Inn, and Café Walk can be recommended for coffee shops.


Nearby Attractions to Kandy

Kandy has some good spots:

Temple of the Tooth-Kandy-

The holiest place and sacred home to the temple's shrine of the tooth relic of Buddha

Kandy Museum -

A noteworthy destination with various early archaeological treasures and artefacts from the kingdom of Kandy.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya -

This vast green expanse with over 4,000 species of plants is free and serene.

Bhairawakanda Buddha Statue -

Here is a massive Buddha statue in an almost overlying state of repose over the city of Kandy.



Other Nearby Attractions

Kandy also makes a nice jump-off point to other nearby must-visit places: Knuckles Mountain, Meemure, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Hanthana Mountain, Hanthana Bird Park, Ambuluwawa Tower, Belwood, and Nelligala Temple.


All in all, Kandy is exquisitely beautiful and sparkling, woven with ancient history, culture, as well as the benediction and charm of Mother Nature. It is yet another slice of heaven for the culture lover, an adventure enthusiast, and for someone who is on a relaxing trip.

Related Articles