Kandy Travel Guide 2026: Temple of the Tooth & Best Things to Do

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the hills at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level, Kandy offers a cooler climate and stunning scenery that makes it one of Sri Lanka's most beloved destinations.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth Relic, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. The temple complex features beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and a museum that tells the story of the relic's journey to Sri Lanka.

Every evening, a traditional ceremony called "Thevava" is performed, where the relic is venerated with drumming, chanting, and offerings. This is a deeply spiritual experience that visitors can witness, providing insight into Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Just 5 kilometers from Kandy city, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is one of the finest tropical gardens in Asia. Spread across 147 acres, the gardens feature over 4,000 species of plants, including a giant bamboo collection, spice garden, orchid house, and the famous giant Javan fig tree with its sprawling branches.

The gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, photography, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The well-maintained lawns, colorful flower beds, and diverse plant collections make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Kandy Lake

Also known as Kiri Muhuda or the "Sea of Milk," Kandy Lake is an artificial lake built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The lake adds to the city's charm and provides a beautiful backdrop for evening walks. The lake is surrounded by a walking path, and you can see various bird species and monitor lizards.

Traditional Kandyan Dance

Kandy is the birthplace of Kandyan dance, one of Sri Lanka's most famous traditional dance forms. Several cultural centers in the city offer daily performances showcasing various dance styles, fire walking, and drumming. These performances are a vibrant display of Sri Lankan culture and are highly recommended for visitors.

What to Do in Kandy

Beyond the main attractions, Kandy offers several other experiences:

• Visit the Kandy Museum: Learn about the city's history and the Kandyan Kingdom
• Explore the Spice Gardens: Discover how spices are grown and their uses in traditional medicine
• Take a Train Ride: The train journey from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world's most scenic train rides
• Visit Gem Museums: Learn about Sri Lanka's famous gem industry
• Enjoy Local Cuisine: Try authentic Kandyan rice and curry at local restaurants

Best Time to Visit

Kandy can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry season from December to April. The city's elevation provides a pleasant climate throughout the year, though it can be cooler in the evenings. The Esala Perahera festival, held in July or August, is a spectacular cultural event featuring processions, dancers, and decorated elephants.

Getting There

Kandy is well-connected by road and rail from Colombo (approximately 3-4 hours). The train journey offers scenic views of the hill country. Once in Kandy, the city is compact enough to explore on foot, though tuk-tuks are readily available for longer distances.

Kandy truly represents the heart of Sri Lankan culture and is an essential stop on any journey through this beautiful island nation. Its combination of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes it a destination that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.