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Nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy is the island’s spiritual and cultural capital. Surrounded by misty mountains and centred around a scenic lake, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As the gateway to the hill country, Kandy is an essential stop on any Sri Lanka holiday, offering a rich blend of history, religion, tradition and natural beauty.
Why Visit Kandy?
Kandy is perfect for travellers seeking:
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UNESCO World Heritage cultural experiences
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Sacred Buddhist temples
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Traditional Sri Lankan dance performances
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Scenic hill country landscapes
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Access to the famous train journey to Ella
It offers a fascinating contrast to Sri Lanka’s beaches and wildlife parks.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN KANDY
Temple of the Sacred Tooth
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is Sri Lanka’s most important religious site. Believed to house a sacred tooth relic of Buddha, the temple attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Witness the traditional daily ceremonies and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this historic landmark.
Learn more about the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
Kandy Lake
Located in the heart of the city, Kandy Lake offers a peaceful setting for a scenic stroll. The lake, built in 1807, enhances the city’s charm and provides beautiful photo opportunities.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Just outside Kandy, these expansive botanical gardens feature thousands of plant species, including orchids, palms and giant bamboo. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens in Sri Lanka.
👉 Learn more about the Botanical Gardens
Cultural Dance Performances
Kandy is the centre of traditional Sri Lankan dance. Evening cultural shows showcase colourful costumes, drumming and fire performances that reflect the island’s rich heritage.
Gateway to the Hill Country
Kandy marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s famous hill country region and is a starting point for the scenic train journey to Ella and Nuwara Eliya.
The Kandy to Ella Train Journey
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. Travelling through tea plantations, mountains and rural villages, this iconic experience is a highlight for many visitors.
Many itineraries include Kandy specifically to connect with this unforgettable rail journey.
Best Time to Visit Kandy
Kandy enjoys a cooler climate than coastal regions.
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December to April – Best weather for sightseeing
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May to September – Occasional rainfall
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July/August – Esala Perahera Festival (major cultural event)
The Esala Perahera festival, held annually, is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular religious celebrations featuring processions, dancers and decorated elephants.
👉 Learn more about the Sri Lanka Weather
Who is Kandy Suited For?
Kandy is ideal for:
Culture and history lovers
Spiritual and religious travellers
First-time visitors to Sri Lanka
Couples and families
Travellers combining cultural and scenic experiences
It pairs perfectly with Sigiriya, Dambulla, Ella and Nuwara Eliya.
Combine Kandy with other Holidays
Kandy is often included in:
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Cultural Triangle tours
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UNESCO heritage site itineraries
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Ella hill country stays
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Yala National Park safaris
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Beach holidays in Bentota or Galle
Explore our Sri Lanka Holiday Packages to create a seamless itinerary featuring Kandy and beyond.
Why Book Sri Lanka Holidays through BlueSun Travel
We've actually been to Galle!
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Sri Lanka travel specialists
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Tailor-made cultural and beach itineraries
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Hand-picked boutique and heritage hotels
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Private transfers and guided tours
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Trusted Australian travel experts
We ensure your stay in Galle is stylish, smooth and memorable.
READY TO DISCOVER KANDY?
Step into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, where sacred temples, lush hill country landscapes, and timeless traditions come together in one unforgettable destination. From the iconic Temple of the Tooth to peaceful walks around Kandy Lake and vibrant cultural performances, Kandy offers a rich and immersive travel experience.
Whether you're exploring Sri Lanka’s history, enjoying cooler mountain air, or beginning your journey into the hill country, Kandy is an essential part of any itinerary.
Let our Sri Lanka specialists design a seamless journey including Kandy and beyond.
👉Enquire now to start planning your Sri Lanka holiday
👉 Or explore our curated Sri Lanka holiday packages
For more information on booking a Sri Lanka Holiday and visiting Kandy, call us now:
Call 1300 799 758 now.
Available to chat 7 days a week!
"Travelling with two young kids can be stressful, but BlueSun Travel made everything incredibly smooth. From the moment we inquired, the Best Sri Lanka Holidays team handled our flights, accommodations, and transfers with such care and attention to detail. They recommended family-friendly hotels and fun, safe activities that kept our kids engaged while we still got to enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka. Every part of the trip—from planning to the actual experience—felt effortless. We were able to truly relax and focus on making memories as a family. Highly recommended for anyone traveling with children!"
JEN U.
Client
“Our Sri Lanka getaway was everything we dreamed of and more, thanks to BlueSun Travel. We were looking for a peaceful escape filled with nature, relaxation, and wellness—and they absolutely delivered. The Best Sri Lanka Holidays team curated the perfect itinerary, including serene boutique stays, breathtaking scenery, and rejuvenating wellness experiences. Every booking was seamless, and we felt supported throughout the entire journey. It was the perfect balance of romance, relaxation, and adventure. We came back completely refreshed and grateful for such a thoughtfully planned holiday.”
ANNA M.
Client
DANIEL S.
Client
“We had the most unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka as a group of friends, and it’s all thanks to BlueSun Travel and the Best Sri Lanka Holidays team! They understood exactly what we wanted—cultural experiences, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and lots of fun—and built an itinerary that ticked every box. From exploring historic sites to enjoying local cuisine and lively festivities, every day was exciting and well-organized. Planning a group trip is never easy, but they made it stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better travel experience!”