Kandy

Travel Guide
Kandy
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 Colombo or Ella. 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

Default Image

Hantana

4/5(1 area review)

Hantana might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Kandy Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hantana
Default Image

Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Kandy Clock Tower are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Richmond Hill
The Radh Hotel
The Radh Hotel
4.5 out of 5
30 Colombo St, Kandy, CP
The price is CA $113 per night from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19
CA $113
CA $148 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Natha Devale and Maha Vishnu Devalaya ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"The staff and management at the Radh are absolutely wonderful! From the front desk staff, the hosts and hostess in the restaurant, and the gentleman at the front door - all were absolutely wonderful, inviting and friendly. I can't say enough good things about the people."

Reviewed on Mar. 9, 2024

The Radh Hotel
Earl's Regency
Earl's Regency
5 out of 5
Kundasale, Kandy
The price is CA $114 per night from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11
CA $114
CA $149 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (292 reviews)
"The room was very clean, the staff were very friendly and the food was excellent at all times."

Reviewed on Feb. 26, 2024

Earl's Regency
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
3 out of 5
84 Peradeniya Road, Kandy
The price is CA $47 per night from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3
CA $47
CA $61 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Kandy ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
"Truely excellent hotel - it is much better than 3 stars. The staff are friendly and helpful, the place is super clean with really top quality bedding. Food in the restaurant is good and fairly priced and the rooftop pool is fun for a quick dip. The hotel works well towards being environmentally friendly. ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 11, 2024

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 spa aparthotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kanday Monasteries and Devales are ...
7.8/10 Good! (59 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel."

Reviewed on Dec. 1, 2023

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 Ceylon Tea Museum and Kandy Garrison ...
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 Feb. 13, 2017

Villa Shenandoah
Rusty Bunk villa
Rusty Bunk villa
3 out of 5
95/A, Dharmaraja Road, Kandy, CP
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"We had an incredible stay at Rusty Bunk Villa, which comfortably accommodated our group of six. The apartment was beautifully designed, immaculately clean, and spacious with three bedrooms, making it a perfect mountain retreat for a larger group. The mountain view from the property is breathtaking, ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 5, 2023

Rusty Bunk villa
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

Things to do

Cities near Kandy