10 Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka: An Essential Guide

The gateway to Sri Lanka’s central highlands is the city of Kandy. Referred to as the City of Kings, Sri Lanka’s second city, or the Sacred City of Kandy, most travellers will find themselves spending at least a day in this hilly metropolis. As the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, there’s plenty of things to do in Kandy, from soaking up the forested views to visiting the country’s most important Buddhist site.

Kandy is not just a place to swap transport on your way to Ella and the other hill stations around central Sri Lanka. The city is worth exploring, with a rich history and passionate locals who will do their best to ensure you see the best of their home town.

I visited Kandy twice during my three months in Sri Lanka. I was lucky enough to see the city full of life during the annual Kandy Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth), as well as during the low season of September. While I know you’re keen to get on that train to Ella, this guide will outline the very best things to do in Kandy so you can fill in your time.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy

Why Visit Kandy and How Long to Spend There

Set amongst the cloudy hills and dense forests of Sri Lanka’s central province, Kandy is located three hours northeast of Colombo. It was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, with the Kingdom of Kandy holding off the Portuguese and Dutch for centuries before finally succumbing to the British in 1815.

With its protected history and passionate local inhabitants, the city has held onto the rich cultural ties of its ancestors with a strong tradition of dance, art, and devotion. It’s also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a famous pilgrimage site surrounded by a serene lake.

I was surprised to find that very few people actually spend much time in Kandy. Most travellers typically stay one night as they continue onto Ella or further north to Sigiriya. Kandy is more often used as a transport link or stopover on a Sri Lanka itinerary. But this is a shame.

I highly recommend spending at least two nights in the town, if you can. It’s worth exploring, and although it’s just a city at the end of the day, there’s much to see in and around Kandy to fill in a couple of days.

How to Get to Kandy

Kandy has become an essential stop on any Sri Lanka itinerary, due to its convenient location in the central region of the country. Whether you’re heading north to Dambulla and Sigiriya and beyond or using it as a jumping off point for exploring the hills around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, Kandy is a transport hub with options coming and going from many different destinations.

Here’s how to reach Kandy from the most popular places.

From Colombo

Kandy is often one of the most common destinations for tourists leaving Colombo. There’s plenty of options for transport connecting two of Sri Lanka’s most important cities. You can opt for local bus, AC bus, train, or private taxi.

Colombo to Kandy by Train

There are several trains every day leaving Colombo and stopping in Kandy. The journey takes around 3 hours and is arguably just as beautiful as the Kandy to Ella train ride, as you leave the hot and congested streets of Colombo and ascend into the foothills of the central region.

Try to book a few days ahead at the station as this is a very popular route. Sometimes trains sell out on weekends and during popular local holiday times, so be prepared to have a back up plan (like the bus). Trains leave from the main Colombo Fort Railway Station.

Colombo Fort to Kandy train times: 5:55am, 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:35am, 3:35pm, 4:35pm, 5:45pm

Ticket price: 500 LKR for second class or 240 LKR for third class

Colombo to Kandy by Bus

For those who aren’t up for a train ride, you can also take the bus. There are two different buses that head up to Kandy from Colombo; regular local buses and air-conditioned minibuses. Both leave from Pettah Central Bus Station in Colombo.

These buses leave frequently multiple times an hour. The buses have signs on their windscreens indicating the destination so they’re easy to find in the station or you can easily ask around.

The journey time is about 3 hours by AC bus (they make very few stops, i.e. express service) or 4 hours by regular bus (they’ll stop frequently). Tickets range from 400LKR (USD $1.50) for the regular bus and up to 750LKR (USD $2.50) for the AC bus.

Colombo to Kandy by Taxi

If you prefer a private transport option, you can order an Uber or PickMe to take you from Colombo to Kandy. This will take about 3 hours of driving and can cost from USD $45. Otherwise, book a private transfer ahead of time for something more convenient.

From Ella

Kandy is the jumping off point for those looking to explore the tea plantations and hills of central Sri Lanka. Throw in the fact that the Kandy to Ella train has become the most famous experience in the country, and the connection between Kandy and Ella has become a well-travelled route. Whichever direction you’re travelling in:

Ella to Kandy by Train

The Kandy to Ella train ride has become one of the most famous journeys in the world thanks to the jaw-dropping views you can enjoy over the 8 hour ride through the hills. While most people travel from Kandy to Ella by train, you can of course do it in the opposite direction too.

There’s much to say about this popular train ride, so if you’re interested in doing it, I suggest reading my in-depth post linked below for all my top tips. But in a nutshell, I’d try to book ahead as far as possible for this train and be prepared for a long, crowded journey. It’s still worth it though, and is generally a little quieter if you do it in reverse from Ella to Kandy.

Ella to Kandy train times: 6:39 am, 9:23 am, 11:11 am, 12:04 pm, 18:59 pm

Ticket price: 1300 LKR for third class reserved or 1800 LKR for second class reserved

Read more: 18 Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train: Everything You Need to Know

Ella to Kandy by Bus

If you prefer to avoid the chaos of the train, then you can also travel by bus. However, the buses to and from Ella can be a little inconsistent as the town doesn’t have an official bus station.

The best option will be to take a bus to Nuwara Eliya from Ella. These buses pass through a couple of times in the morning having originated down on the coast. Then from Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find several buses leaving to Kandy throughout the day, both normal buses and AC buses.

The other option is to take a bus from Ella to Bandarawela, just 30 minutes away. From there, you’ll find more frequent bus services at the bus station there.

From Dambulla

Dambulla is another town in central Sri Lanka that draws plenty of tourists. Being home to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage cave temples, it’s also the gateway for exploring Sigiriya, one of the country’s most famous sites. The distance from Kandy to Dambulla is just 75km, so you have the option of travelling by bus or taxi (there’s currently no direct train).

Dambulla to Kandy by Bus

There are several buses running multiple times per hour between Dambulla and Kandy. You have the choice between air conditioned minibuses or normal local buses. The journey time is just 2 hours for AC buses, but closer to 3 hours for local buses.

Expect to pay around 500 LKR for an AC bus or less than half of that for a local bus. Dambulla has a main bus station, while Kandy has one huge area catering for buses which can be a bit chaotic, but Goods Shed Bus Stand in Kandy is the main station for long haul buses.

Where to Stay in Kandy

You’ll find great value accommodation in Kandy. Most hotels and guesthouses are spread out in town and into the surrounding hills, here’s where I recommend:

White Rose Hostel | A boutique homestay with dorms and private rooms walking distance to the city centre.

Selyna Sky Terrace | A welcoming and budget friendly guesthouse with private rooms away from the bustling centre.

SWP Eco Lodge | A mid-range eco lodge close to the lake in Kandy and surrounded by nature.

The Radh Hotel | A luxury hotel right in the heart of the city for those looking for comfort and convenience.

When to Visit Kandy

The climate in Kandy generally follows that of Colombo and the southern half of the country. This means that high season is January to April when the weather is at its warmest and driest. However, being up in the hills, means Kandy has a wetter and cooler climate than most of the country.

During the rainy season, the weather can be humid and damp. The heaviest rain can be found from May to July, and from October to December. I visited in August and again in September and found the weather was pretty good.

Read more: 26 Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as The Festival of the Tooth or the Elephant Festival, is held sometime in July-August in Kandy. This historical procession pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha housed inside the temple in town.

The festival runs over 10 days and Kandy is absolutely chaos at this time, with people travelling from all over the country to Kandy. I ended up in Kandy during the festival and while it definitely was fascinating to witness, it also made finding transport difficult as trains were completely booked out. Check the exact dates and events here before you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do in Kandy

Whether you have a day or three, there’s some really wonderful things to do in Kandy. Being the cultural capital and the base of the hilly region, you’ll find a nice balance between religious sites and beautiful scenery. Here are my top things to do in Kandy:

Try these top day tours!

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

The most famous tourist attraction in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, located next to the lake in the middle of town. As Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic (literally the tooth of the Buddha) and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a pilgrimage site that draws locals and Buddhists from around the world.

According to Buddhist legend, Buddha’s tooth was retrieved after he was cremated. It was believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic had divine right to rule over the land. The temple that now houses the relic was built in the late 16th century inside the royal palace complex of the Kingdom of Kandy.

During puja (prayer), the heavily guarded chamber is open to devotees, but the tooth itself is never revealed and remains in its jewell covered casket. During the Festival of the Tooth mentioned above, this casket is paraded around the city’s streets accompanied by dancing and decorated elephants (yes, real elephants).

The main shrine and temple is a spiritual place, but it’s open to everyone as long as you ensure you’re modestly covered. You’re allowed to take photos inside, but be considerate of devotees who might be in prayer. The elaborate murals are stunning and tell fascinating stories of Buddhist legends and the history of Kandy.

Entry ticket | 2000 LKR (USD $6.50) for foreigners

Walk Around Kandy Lake

You can’t miss Kandy Lake, lying right in the middle of town next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Known locally as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, it’s an artificial lake that was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The distinct island in the middle of the lake with its lonesome palm trees was originally used for the King’s harem until the British turned it into an ammunition store during the 1800s.

There’s a road that runs around the lake’s edge, but you can also find a footpath hugging the shores. If you have time, spend an hour or two strolling a lap of the lake which provides a peaceful escape from the bustling traffic. It also offers a different perspective of some of the city’s major attractions, such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace, and Udawattakele Forest Reserve. 

Be watchful for touts and scammers circling around the lake’s footpath near the temple who will no doubt try to sell you a cultural dance show ticket or other souvenirs. Kandy was one of the only places in Sri Lanka that I encountered this kind of thing!

Entry ticket | Free

Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

I’ll admit, I was not overly enthusiastic about the botanical gardens. My hostel owner insisted that I go and even personally took me to the bus stop on the main road to catch a local bus down to the gardens to avoid an expensive tuk tuk ride. So, I relented. When I saw the entry price, I was even more unsure whether it was going to be worth my time. But, I was wrong.

One of the legacies of the British is that Sri Lanka has royal botanic gardens scattered across the whole country. But the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya in Kandy are certainly the largest and most impressive. They existed well before the British though, as they were formerly reserved exclusively for Kandyan royals until the British expanded them.

Today, the gardens cover an area of 147 acres, with more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The garden has many different sections based on the plants and flowers (trying to get around to all of them will literally take hours!). Some of the highlights include the Avenue of Royal Palms (a made-for-Instagram type spot), Cactus House and Orchid House, and the Suspension Bridge.

The botanic garden entrance is about 6km south of the Clock Tower in Kandy city centre. You can either get a tuk tuk for around 600 LKR one way, or jump on #652 bus which travels from the Clock Tower down to Perideniya right past the gardens for 50 LKR one way.

Entry ticket | 3000 LKR (USD $10) for foreigners

Watch the Sunset from Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya in Bahirawakanda

You might spot the towering Buddha statue high on the hill above Kandy while walking the streets. The temple and gigantic white Buddha on the hill of Bahirawakanda is called the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya.

Built in 1972, the sculpted white statue stands 88 feet tall (27 metres) and is one of the tallest Buddhas on the island. I highly recommend climbing up to the statue at sunset time, where you can wander the temples, listen to the evening prayers, and climb the steps to the top of the statue for panoramic views of the city with its backdrop of mountains.

The temple is only 1km from the Clock Tower. You can grab a tuk tuk or I just walked up the steep road to reach it. It’s a safe part of town to walk back after sunset.

Entry ticket | 300 LKR (USD$1) for foreigners

Explore the Architecture of Old Town

Kandy’s rich history and cultural legacy can be explored simply by wandering the streets. While it is a city, I found it quite an enjoyable place to stroll around and soak up the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka. The old town of Kandy mostly runs the few blocks between the Clock Tower and the lake, filled with grand old colonial architecture, little eateries, and plenty of market stalls.

You’ll notice an interesting blend of architecture; a legacy of the colonial history and different religious influences. Don’t miss the Red Mosque of Kandy (not as grand as Colombo’s but still beautiful), Queens Hotel, and Giragama Walawwa (one of the oldest buildings in the city).

Try Masala Dosa at Balaji Dosai

Kandy is home to some incredible food and local restaurants. In fact, the locals of Kandy are very passionate foodies. My hostel owner recommended I try Balaji Dosa for lunch and whenever I hear the word dosa, I’m already sold (it’s easily one of my favourite foods in the world). Dosa is a typical South Indian and North Sri Lanka dish, which is a savoury pancake made from fermented rice and black gram.

Balaji Dosa is known to serve the best in town and I have to say I agree. It’s an absolute institution in Kandy, and you’ll find it packed full of locals and tourists alike. It’s a vegetarian only restaurant, with as range of dosas on the menu, including the famous masala dosa (dosa stuffed with curried potatoes). But you can also pick the traditional rice and curry as well.

Prices | 300-500 LKR

Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint at Sunset

If the Buddha statue didn’t fill your camera enough of epic views, then I also recommend wandering up to the viewpoint above Kandy Lake known as Arthur’s Seat. Located in the upper part of town south of the lake, you can access the viewpoint by walking through the Price of Wales Royal Park and then turning left to follow the road past some upscale hotels to the viewing platform (you can always hail a tuk tuk too).

There’s a large platform from which you can gaze over the lake, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Palace, the Old Town and even up to Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, the white Buddha statue. Like most viewpoints, it’s at its best at sunset but is still nice at any time of the day.

You’ll find some locals selling souvenirs there too. They’re super nice people and I had a chat with the vendors for a while, without them pushing any sales on me (rare in Asia!). They’re part of a cooperative from the local villages, so I recommend purchasing from them if you’re looking for souvenirs.

Entry ticket | Free

Take the Kandy to Ella Train

The main reason tourists find themselves in Kandy is to take the train from Kandy to Ella. This is no ordinary train ride. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world as you climb through the hills and tea plantations to the small mountain town of Ella.

While it’s become a famous experience, it’s definitely not overrated, and you should definitely plan to take some or all of the journey between Kandy and Ella in any direction. The full trip from Kandy to Ella by train can be around 8 hours depending on delays and you’ll need to book in advance if you want to secure a seat.

I recommend hopping on the train and getting off in Nuwara Eliya, spending a couple of days there, and then continuing the journey to Ella. The famous photos of people hanging out of the doorways might not be the reality you get, with the crowded trains having plenty of people competing for photos and window space. But it’s still worth it.

The views along the way are spectacular, as you pass tumbling waterfalls, tea plantations, local villages, and dense forest through the hills. Read more in my post below which details how to book, ticket prices, train schedule, and my top tips for taking the long train journey.

Read more: 18 Tips for Kandy to Ella Train: Everything You Need to Know

Take a Half Day Trip to Ambuluwawa Tower

A decent half day trip from Kandy is to the whimsical Ambuluwawa Tower. This incredibly unique landmark is really worth a visit and is super easy to do by public transport. From Kandy, you simply have to catch the 718 bus for an hour to Gampola and then take a tuk tuk for 6km up to the tower itself.

This is not recommended for anyone scared of heights or not confident in Sri Lanka’s engineering capabilities. Getting to the top of the tower requires walking on an incredibly narrow staircase that wraps around the outside of the spiral all the way to the very tip.

Of course, the reward is truly panoramic views stretching over the surrounding lush green valley, mountains, rivers, and towns. You can easily get to the tower, explore the complex (which also consists of various temples), and return to Kandy well within 4-5 hours, making it a great independent day trip idea. Read more tips about visiting Ambuluwawa Tower below in my guide.

Entry ticket | 2000 LKR (USD $7)

Read more: How to Visit Ambuluwawa Tower From Kandy

Day Trip to Knuckles Forest Reserve

While Sri Lanka may not be known for its excellent hiking, the Knuckles Forest Reserve easily cements itself as one of the best places to go for a challenging walk in the country. The Knuckles Mountain Range is a mist-covered, rugged mountain area located about 40km northeast of Kandy.

Within the park you’ll find some of the most scenic but toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. You’ll need a guide to navigate the area though, so it’s best to arrange a day trip from Kandy or stay overnight somewhere closer to the reserve to fully appreciate the area. Take a look at the Wild Glamping Knuckles for a special experience surrounded by the mountains.

Exploring More of Sri Lanka? Read These:

• Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella: An Essential Guide
• Colombo: Best Things to Do in Colombo in 24 Hours
• Sigiriya: Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya and Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
• Galle: 2 Days in Galle Fort: Best Things to Do in Galle
• Hiriketiya: Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise
• Weligama: Layback Surf Camp Review in Weligama
• Digital Nomad Travel: Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Remote Workers
• Trincomalee: Trincomalee Travel Guide: Underrated Beach Destination in Sri Lanka
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna, North Sri Lanka

Pin this post