Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Then you’ll want to add Kandy to your itinerary! After spending a couple days exploring this city, I’m going to share the best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka for first timers.
Kandy is set amongst the lush hilly mountains in the heart of Sri Lanka. It stretches across a ginormous human made lake and is a one of the largest cities on the island. During the Sinhalese monarchy, it served as the capital from 1469 to 1818.
This ancient capital’s rich heritage and unique position sets the stage for the most spectacular adventures. I spent a few incredible days here, thanks to the support of the Sri Lanka America Chamber of Commerce (SLACCOM) and Lyfetraveller. All opinions are my own.
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The best things to do in Kandy for a day (or more)
From vibrant museums and sacred heritage sites to serene tea plantations and flowing rivers, keep on reading to discover the best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka. And if it’s your first time to Sri Lanka, check out my Sri Lanka travel guide for more travel tips.
Step inside the Temple of the Tooth Relic
One of the best things to do in Kandy for first timers is to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This Buddhist temple is became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and houses Buddha’s sacred tooth relic. Here, you’ll find beautifully decorated shrines, golden elephant statues, intricate carvings, and a unique architectural design.
Take off your shoes at the entrance and get ready to wander through the grounds to experience the cultural depth and peaceful energy of the temple. It’s worth noting that shorts are not allowed into the temple.
Book the famous Kandy to Ella train ride
Named as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, the Kandy to Ella train journey is one you don’t want to miss on your visit to Sri Lanka! This scenic train ride takes you through the lush green mountains, tea fields, waterfalls, and much more. Relax and soak up the magical views as you travel through the heart of Sri Lanka.
Keep in mind that tickets sell out very quickly and purchased tickets do not guarantee you a ride on the popular blue train. If you want to ride the blue train, I highly recommend talking to the ticket agents and booking your ticket accordingly.
While the Kandy to Ella ride is the most famous direction, the Ella to Kandy journey offers less crowds and the same views. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, opt for this train ride instead. The journey lasts about 7 hours.
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
Built in 1821, the Royal Botanical Gardens is famous for it’s stunning orchid collection. The garden is 147 acres and home to more than 4,000 unique plant varieties. Step inside the garden to witness the delicate orchids, vibrant spices, lush palm trees, and the wide array of medicinal herbs.
Royal Botanical Gardens is located about 3.5 miles outside the city of Kandy. It’s right next to the longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli River.
If you’re traveling during rainy season, be sure to pack your umbrella and insect repellent. To be honest, sometimes I forgot to use the repellent, and boy, did I get eaten. I’d recommend packing some quick-relief bug bite itch cream too.
Take a day trip to Sigiriya
Are you staying multiple days in Kandy? If so, one of the best things to do is to take a day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Since Kandy is centrally located, it’s a prime spot for taking day trips to explore more of the island.
Sigiriya is known as the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s spiritual serenity, connect with the untamed wildlife, and delve into the rich history. Some of my favorite things to do in Sigiriya are:
- Go on a safari at Kaudulla National Park to see the cutest baby elephants
- Climb to the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock and face your fear of heights
- Wander around the Sigiriya Museum to learn about the history of Lion Rock
- Explore and hike Pidurangala Rock at sunrise for the stunning views
- Relax and restore your body with a herbal bath (Awagaha Sweda) at Aliya Resort & Spa
The best way to get to Sigiriya is by car or taxi. It’s a little more than an hour and a half from Kandy.
And explore Dambulla too
Dambulla is twenty minute drive south of Sigiriya. Here you’ll find the biggest cave temple in the country called Dambulla Cave Temple. This temple is extremely well-preserved. It features five unique shrines embellished with stunning displays of paintings, statues, and carvings.
Other things to do in Dambulla include:
- Booking a safari at Minneriya National Park
- Visiting the stunning Golden Temple of Dambulla
- Wander Popham’s Arboretum, the only dry-arboretum in the country
- Buy some fresh fruit and veggies at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
Get a personalized Ayuverdic treatment at Santani Wellness
Ayuverda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It focuses on restoring wellness by bringing balance to the mind, body, and spirit. While it was developed in India, many countries like Sri Lanka practice this ancient healing system.
Kandy, in particular, is brimming with various Ayuverdic treatments designed to create harmony in your body. One of my favorite places to go for a treatment was the wellness resort, Santani Wellness. It had numerous one-of-a-kind options to choose from, ranging from personalized yoga and immune boosting detoxes to deep sleep treatments.
I absolutely loved the chance to stretch my body outdoors! Listening to the trees sway was deeply relaxing and I saw some monkeys too.
Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum
Calling all tea lovers! If you’re a passionate tea drinker, I highly recommend visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum. Located at the once-thriving Hantane Tea Factory, this museum offers incredible views of the verdant hills while diving deep into the rich history of tea. It’s less than two miles from Kandy.
Sri Lanka is renowned for growing Ceylon tea and this museum serves up some great education for tea nerds. Get ready to discover old tea machinery, learn about tea pioneers, and sip on fragrant tea from the cafe. The museum is open every day, except Monday.
Tickets are 1000 LKR for adults.
Sip on coffee or Ceylon tea
During my trip, our guide Senaka, took us to one of his friend’s properties called the Coffee Bungalow Kandy on the hillside for afternoon tea and coffee. The views alone made this experience unforgettable, along with a tasting of the local coffee.
If you’re a fan of coffee, this resort is a great place to try the local brew along with traditional Sri Lankan bites. It’s also a 17-minute walk to the scenic Kandy lookout point!
On the other hand, the Hill Tips Tea Lounge is a newly opened tea lounge that serves up a wide array of the finest Ceylon teas. Here, you can savor an aromatic tea tasting paired with local sweets, or sit down for a delightful lunch with views overlooking Kandy.
Top free things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Wander around Kandy Lake
Aside from pampering yourself with an Ayuverda treatment, one of Kandy’s most relaxing (and budget-friendly) experiences is a stroll around the lake.
Kandy Lake is a stunning human-made lake situated in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to observe locals going to the temple, admire the wild turtles, and test your bird watching skills. Some birds you might see include the black-crowned night herons, corants, and egrets. They’re stunning to watch!
Kandy Market
Foodie and shopping alert! The Kandy Market is a bustling market filled with fragrant spices, teas, artisanal jewelry, various trinkets, and tons of food. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the city, this is it.
Wander the stalls to try different types of fresh fruit and local snacks. Young coconut is a popular drink in Sri Lanka, while cashews is a popular snack I found everywhere. Hands-down, curry cashews are the best flavor to buy! They’re flavorful and filling… your belly will thank me later.
Also this is a great place to buy souvenirs and support local businesses.
Enjoy a scenic view of Kandy and the lake
No trip to Kandy is complete without pausing to take in the stunning terrain from a high vantage point. During our tea time at Coffee Bungalow Kandy, we experienced some of the best views in Kandy. From the giant white Buddha statue to the lake that glistened against the deep green backdrop – the views were spectacular!
I highly recommend roaming to the one of the numerous mountaintops to take in the sweeping vistas of the city and the lake.
Go hiking in the Knuckles or Hunnasgiriya Mountain Range
I’m a big believer that hiking gives you a glimpse into the soul of a region and Kandy is lucky. It’s home to several mountain ranges – Knuckles and Hunnasgiriya Mountain Range.
I explored these mountain ranges during my stay at the luxury wellness resort, Santani Wellness. It was one of the most scenic hike I’ve ever been on!
We hiked through tea farms, small villages, alongside rice plantations, and discovered a wide array of plants and trees. From ginger to cinnamon and chocolate, I could practically eat the ground we walked on. The hike ended at a charming river bed with a gently flowing waterfall. It was magical!
Keep in mind there are leeches so I highly recommend going covering up, wearing longs socks, and going with a guide if possible.
Is Kandy worth visiting in Sri Lanka?
Kandy is 100% worth visiting! If it’s your first time visiting Sri Lanka, this city has some of the most famous attractions in Sri Lanka such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic and one of the most beautiful train rides – the journey from Kandy to Ella.
Centrally located in Sri Lanka, this major city is a popular tourist hub and the perfect launchpad for exploring the island’s many adventures.
How many days do you need in Kandy, Sri Lanka?
Kandy is the one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, which means it has much to offer. There’s rich cultural sites to discover, museums to visit, yummy food to try, and an abundance of nature to explore in this city. To fully immerse yourself in Kandy, I recommend spending 2-3 days here.
Its central location makes it a great place for visiting neighboring cities and attractions. For instance, if you’re renting a car, you can easily take a day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya and Dambulla. It takes a less than two hours by car.
Staying 2-3 days in Kandy will give you plenty of time to enjoy the city and take a day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla.
How do I get to Kandy?
The best way to get to Sri Lanka is by flying with Sri Lanka Airlines and landing in Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport—the main gateway to the island. After you land in Colombo, you’ll have several options to choose from.
Rent a car: This is by far the most convenient option when it comes to traveling in Sri Lanka. But be warned, driving in Sri Lanka is not the same as the States. Cars and buses will drive on both sides of the lane, regardless of the direction. You might also see elephants wandering along the road.
Train: Traveling by train is the most scenic route as you’ll past through the enchanting jungle and charming villages. The trains depart ten times daily and the last departure is at 7:30 pm. To catch the train you’ll head to Colombo Fort Station which is located in the middle of town. It takes less than 3 hours.
Keep in mind train tickets sell out quick, so I highly recommend booking at least a month in advance here.
Public Bus and private bus: The most budget-friendly option is the public bus. Head to the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in downtown to catch Bus #1 to Kandy. Note, this bus has no AC. If you want a bus with AC, you’ll have to book a private bus here.
The public bus can take around 4 and half hours.
Taxi and private transfer: This is great option if you’re looking for convenience, privacy, and a quicker route. To compare pricing and book your transportation, click here.
How do I travel around?
The best and easiest way to travel around Kandy is by car. It’s convenient and allows you to travel at your own pace. If renting a car isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. There’s a great transportation system in Kandy!
If you’re traveling within the city, TukTuks, buses, and taxis are your best options. On the other hand, if you’re venturing outside the city, trains and taxis are your best options.
It’s important to note that all taxis are metered. If you’re traveling far, I highly recommend agreeing on a price with your driver beforehand. Keep in mind that the local app for ride share isn’t Uber, it’s Pick Me.
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
Anytime is an excellent time to visit Kandy, Sri Lanka. It’s one thing I love about this country! Similar to California, this island is a year round destination due to its several microclimates.
Since Kandy is located on a plateau, the temperature tends to be more mild compared to other cities. On average, temperatures in Kandy fluctuate between mid to high 70s.
The dry season runs from January to April. During this season, humidity and rainfall are low.
On the other hand, there are two wet or monsoon seasons. The Yala Monsoon Season is from May to September and brings short bouts of rain. While the Maha Monsoon Season runs from October to December and is characterized by torrential rainfall and high humidity.
I visited in late October, and found the rain to pass rather quickly. I was still able to wear shorts and would duck inside if it was raining heavy. With that in mind, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Kandy.
Best hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Trees, Kandy
Price: $
If you’re looking for exceptional views overlooking Kandy, I highly recommend checking out The Trees, Kandy. This upbeat, elegant hotel is located in the city center and is less than 1-mile from the Kandy Railway Station.
On the property you’ll find a stunning outdoor swimming pool, a coffee shop and a restaurant with various options ranging from gluten-free foods to American and Asian cuisine. There’s also an airport shuttle here! This hotel is great for families, couples, and friend getaways.
The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel
Price:$$
The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel is a stunning estate located in the green mountains of Kandy. This hidden gem is the ideal location for travelers who want to stay connected to the city—without being in the middle of it. It’s near the Kandy Royal Botanic Gardens.
Beyond its great location, this property has a beautiful garden, an infinity pool, a relaxing sun terrace, and a tasty restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options. You’ll find a spa here too if you’re looking to relax after exploring the city. This is a great location for romantic escapes, family trips, and solo trips.
Santani Wellness
Price: $$$
Santani Wellness is a 5-star luxury wellness resort nestled in the Knuckles and Hunnasgiriya Mountain Range. It’s an 1.5 hour drive from Kandy and is the perfect stay for anyone craving a wellness getaway with a company that pride themselves on eco-friendly practices.
I stayed here during my trip and was astonished by the unique architecture, stunning views, and warm hospitality. For instance, every morning I enjoyed a free kombucha from the fridge while overlooking the expansive mountain range from my private patio. It struck the ideal balance between indulgent luxury and soul-soothing wellness.
It’s an excellent choice solo travelers, wellness fanatics, and couples.
Final thoughts on Kandy, Sri Lanka & the best things to do
In short, Kandy is chock full of amazing things to do! Whether you have 1-2 days to explore the city or a week, this list will help you immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture. From exploring the famous Kandy Lake to relaxing your body and mind with an Ayuverdic treatment at a spa, you’re bound to have an excellent time in this city.
Happy adventuring!
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