About Kandy
Kandy is one of Asia's great sacred cities — the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses what is believed to be a tooth of the Gautama Buddha. The temple is one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world, drawing millions of devotees and visitors every year.
Set around the beautiful Kandy Lake in a bowl of misty green hills at 500 metres above sea level, the city is a 2.5–3 hour drive from Colombo and offers a compelling combination of cultural depth, natural beauty and cool climate. The old city district around the lake contains the temple complex, the Royal Palace grounds, a collection of colonial-era buildings, and an extraordinary selection of craft shops selling Kandyan metalwork, lacquerware and batik.
July and August bring the spectacular Esala Perahera — one of Asia's grandest festivals. Over ten nights, the Sacred Tooth is paraded through the streets in a magnificent procession of elephants, dancers, musicians and fire-twirlers. If your visit coincides with this festival, witnessing the Perahera is an unmissable experience. Book accommodation and transfers well in advance as the city fills entirely during this period.
Why Visit Kandy
- Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) — one of Buddhism's most sacred sites
- Esala Perahera festival (July/August) — one of Asia's most spectacular annual events
- Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens — 147 acres housing 4,000 plant species
- Kandy Lake — a tranquil man-made lake in the city centre, built by the last Kandyan king
- Kandyan cultural dance performances nightly showcasing ancient tradition
- Gem Museum and factories — Sri Lanka is one of the world's great gemstone producers
- Scenic train journey to or from Colombo through the hill country
- Gateway to Ella and the tea country highlands
Top Attractions in Kandy
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is housed in a golden casket within this magnificent 17th-century temple complex on the shores of Kandy Lake. Three daily puja (ritual offering) ceremonies at dawn, noon and dusk allow visitors to approach the inner shrine. The temple museum houses royal regalia, historical artefacts and offerings from Buddhist nations around the world.
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Located 6 kilometres from Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens span 147 acres and contain over 4,000 species of trees, plants and orchids. Highlights include the palm-lined avenue, the bamboo pavilion, the orchid house and the giant Javan fig tree — one of the largest trees in Sri Lanka. The gardens are one of Asia's finest botanical collections.
Kandy Lake
Built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha in 1807, Kandy Lake is a beautiful artificial reservoir at the heart of the city. The perimeter walk (approximately 4 km) passes the temple complex, the cloud wall (a distinctive coral-and-stone wall), the royal bath house, and offers views of the surrounding hill country. The walk is particularly magical at dusk.
Kandyan Cultural Show
Nightly cultural performances (5:30–7pm) at the Kandyan Arts Association Hall offer a 1-hour showcase of traditional Kandyan dances, acrobatics and the extraordinary fire-walking and fire-spinning traditions. The show provides an accessible introduction to Sri Lanka's extraordinary performing arts heritage.
Bahiravokanda Vihara (Big Buddha)
Visible from across Kandy, the 26.8-metre white Buddha statue at Bahiravokanda hill is the largest sitting Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. The site is a 20-minute walk from the city centre and the views from the hilltop are excellent. The statue was completed in 1979 and is an active place of worship.
Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka & Embekke Temples
Three 14th-century temples located in a scenic valley 15 kilometres from Kandy are best visited together on a half-day excursion. Embekke Devale is famous for its intricate 600-year-old carved wooden pillars. The route between the temples passes through rural countryside and paddy fields.
Best Time to Visit Kandy
Kandy's mid-elevation location gives it a relatively even climate year-round. The driest and most pleasant months are January through April. July and August, while wetter, are the months of the extraordinary Esala Perahera festival — the most spectacular event in the Sri Lankan calendar. If you can time your visit to coincide with the Perahera, it is worth the occasional shower.
Travel Tips for Kandy
- 1Dress modestly when visiting the Temple of the Tooth — shoulders and knees must be covered. Sarongs are available for hire at the entrance.
- 2Book the Esala Perahera show seats well in advance. Premium grandstand seats sell out months ahead.
- 3The expressway (E01/E03) from Colombo to Kandy takes approximately 2 hours and is by far the most comfortable route. The old A1 highway through Kegalle is very slow.
- 4The Kandyan cultural show runs nightly at around 5:30pm — check current venues as shows sometimes move.
- 5Kandy's gem shops can be pushy and some use aggressive tactics. Stick to government-certified gem dealers if you want to buy sapphires or rubies.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kandy
How long does it take to drive from Colombo to Kandy?
The drive from Colombo to Kandy is approximately 115 kilometres and takes 2.5–3 hours via the Colombo–Kandy Expressway. The older A1 highway through Kegalle is much slower (3.5–4 hours) and is not recommended.
What is the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy?
The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple in Kandy that houses the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three daily puja ceremonies at 6:30am, 9:30am and 6:30pm allow visitors to see the inner shrine.
What is the Esala Perahera in Kandy?
The Esala Perahera is a 10-night Buddhist festival held in Kandy each year, typically in July or August. The centrepiece is a nightly procession through the streets featuring over 100 decorated elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire-twirlers, and flag bearers. The Sacred Tooth Relic is carried in a golden casket on the back of the majestic Maligawa Tusker.
How much does a transfer from Colombo to Kandy cost?
A private transfer from Colombo to Kandy with Colombo Cabs starts from $65 USD as a fixed rate. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours via the expressway in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle.
Can I combine Kandy and Sigiriya in one trip?
Yes. Kandy and Sigiriya are approximately 90 kilometres apart (2 hours by road). Many visitors base themselves in Kandy and do a day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Alternatively, take the Colombo–Kandy–Sigiriya route over 2 days, staying overnight in either Kandy or the Sigiriya area.
Is the train from Colombo to Kandy worth taking?
Yes — the Colombo–Kandy train journey is a classic Sri Lanka experience. The route climbs through the hill foothills with scenic views. However, trains can be crowded and delayed. For reliability and comfort, a private transfer is more practical, especially for families with luggage or tight schedules.