Kandy

Travel Guide

Kandy
Kandy
Kandy
Kandy
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 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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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
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Hantana

4/5(1 area review)

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

Hantana
Grand Serendib Hotel
Grand Serendib Hotel
4 out of 5
Mahamaya Mawatha, 12, Kandy, Central Province
The price is CA $82 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
CA $82
CA $108 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Truly beautiful hotel. Large rooms, lovely restaurant, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful pool and nothing beats the view!!"

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

Grand Serendib Hotel
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Radisson Hotel Kandy
4 out of 5
No. 31, Saranankara, Mawatha, Kandy, Central Province
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $104 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $104
CA $136 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Malwathu Maha Viharaya and Kandy Lake ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (452 reviews)
"It was very clean and the staff was friendly and courteous. The staff was accommodating and helpful. The breakfast had many choices and the quality of the food was good."

Reviewed on Jun. 20, 2025

Radisson Hotel Kandy
Cassendra Kandy
Cassendra Kandy
3 out of 5
Rajapihilla Mawatha, 15, Kandy, CP
The price is CA $47 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
CA $47
CA $55 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Wales Park and Kandy Viewpoint are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"good hotel"

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2025

Cassendra 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 Kanday Monasteries and ...
7.8/10 Good! (82 reviews)
"The staff was very accommodating and made our stay really pleasant. The only complaint i had was that the bathroom fittings were leaking and there were some stains on the bedding which caused us to get the staff to be called multiple times"

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

View 360
Hillcrest Villa
Hillcrest Villa
3 out of 5
No 03, Hill Crest Green, Bowalawatta, Kandy
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre and ...
Meget for pengene
"Utroligt stort og flot værelse og rart personale dog skal man tænke på det ligger i bjergene og der er langt der op"

Reviewed on Jan. 14, 2024

Hillcrest Villa
Spacious 5-bedroom villa with WiFi and AC in charming Kandy
Spacious 5-bedroom villa with WiFi and AC in charming Kandy
Kandy
Stay at this villa in Kandy. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Asgiri Maha Viharaya and Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha are located nearby.
Spacious 5-bedroom villa with WiFi and AC in charming 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kandy

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Kandy was great .lots of things to do. Great food and shopping Will be coming back to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Kandy was a worthwhile stop, but honestly Clove Villa was my favourite thing in that city!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We liked Kandy a lot, great town, good scale and nice places for food.

Cities near Kandy