Kandy Top Tourist Attractions & Travel Guide

Introduction to Kandy City

Surrounded by green hills and lush tea estates, this is a prosperous kingdom that made a massive difference in the history of Sri Lanka. This sacred city is considered the last kingdom to emerge in Sri Lanka. Home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the relic of Buddha, this holy city shines across the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For all these reasons, this city has become a great attraction for tourists and devotees. Here is a detailed overview of the top attractions in this city, additional activities you can do while in the city, and much more.

Location of Kandy city

The city is located in the Kandy District of the Central Province of Sri Lanka and is about 500 meters above sea level. Because this region is mountainous and humid, the surrounding environment is lush green, offering spectacular views and a refreshing climate. Discover the best you can explore in this great city, which shines like a hidden gem in the central hills, the heart of Sri Lanka.

Travel Times to Kandy

Here is a detailed breakdown of how long it takes to travel to Kandy City from the main locations:

Distance from Colombo to Kandy: 115 km
Average travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours by car.

Distance from Sigiriya to Kandy: 90 km
Average travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by car.

Distance from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Kandy: 104 km
Average travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours by car.

Distance from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: 76 km
Average travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by car.

History of Kandy

Three groups of invaders, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English, tried to conquer Sri Lanka. The Kingdom of Kandy, which was established as a kingdom in Sri Lanka in the 14th century, functioned freely and well until the British took it over. However, after the British captured the country in 1815, the Kingdom of Kandy was marked as the last kingdom. However, despite all the turmoil, seeing that the Temple of the Tooth still shines in the city with its relics is heartening.

Kandy weather

Kandy has a moderate rainy climate throughout the year, ranging from 20° to 30° Celsius. However, it is generally a pleasant environment in which to spend time.

Best Time to Visit Kandy

If you are travelling to Kandy, it is worth visiting during the dry season, which runs from December to April. If someone needs to see the spectacular Esala Perahera, it is from July to August.

Things to do in Kandy

Here’s a closer look at some of the best things to do in Kandy:

Kandy is like a city made for tourists because there’s so much to do in this city! So, I will explain those things one by one.

Gem Museums: Sri Lanka is also famous for its various precious gemstones, and there are many museums in and around the city that feature such gems, and there is an opportunity to learn about sapphires in addition to buying them.
Traditional Dance Shows: A performance of the Kandyan dance, one of the dance traditions in Sri Lankan tradition.
Wood carving: Visitors who love woodcarvings and souvenirs will find many shops in Kandy.
Kandy Market: This large market located in the centre of Kandy city is filled with fresh vegetables, fruits and other products, all kinds of spices and clothes.
Meditation: Visitors who are more interested in meditation can also join Buddhist meditation centres.
Traditional Batik and Silk Clothings: Kandy is mostly known for its shops selling traditional Batik clothing and other traditional Sri Lankan clothing.
Ayurvedic Massage: Options for traditional Ayurvedic massages are also available within the city.

Where to Stay in Kandy

From low-budget homestays to ultra-luxury accommodations, you will find a wide range of options in Kandy.

Restaurants in Kandy

There are many restaurants with different types of cuisine in Kandy city.

Balaji Dosai, Sahas Uyana, Hela Bojun Hala, and Thalappakkatti are recommended restaurants where you can taste local Sri Lankan food.
Slightly Chilled Lounge, Sports Bar & Restaurant, Fab Ceylon, Vito Wood Fired Pizza, Senani by Oak Ray, and The Whizz are recommended restaurants where you can taste foreign Sri Lankan food.
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 in Kandy

There are several top attractions in and around Kandy, such as:

Temple of the Tooth: The most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka.
Kandy Museum: A valuable place containing various archaeological information and artefacts from the Kandy Kingdom.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: A free and peaceful green haven with more than 4,000 different plant species.
Bhairawakanda Buddha Statue: A temple with a large Buddha statue in the city of Kandy.

Other Nearby Attractions

Kandy also serves as a great base to explore nearby destinations: Knuckles Mountain Range, Meemure, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Hanthana Mountain Range, Hanthana Bird Park, Ambuluwawa Tower, Belwood and Nelligala Temple, etc.

To sum up, Kandy is a beautiful, vibrant city that combines ancient history and culture with the heritage and natural beauty bestowed by nature. This city is an excellent place to visit if you are looking for a destination that combines culture, adventure, and relaxation.