12 Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
A complete 2026 guide to the things to do in Kandy — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, botanical gardens and the hill-country day trips around Sri Lanka's last royal capital.
Things to Do in Kandy: Sri Lanka's Last Royal Capital
Kandy was the final seat of Sri Lanka's kings until the British annexed it in 1815, and the city still carries that history — in its temples, its royal palace grounds, and in the daily rituals still performed at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. UNESCO listed the whole Sacred City of Kandy as a World Heritage Site in 1988, and it remains the country's cultural and religious centre.
Set around a man-made lake at roughly 500 metres elevation, Kandy is cooler and greener than the coast, ringed by hills, botanical gardens and tea country. There are more things to do in Kandy than the temple alone — a forest reserve within walking distance of downtown, a hilltop Buddha statue with views over the whole city, and one of Asia's most celebrated botanical gardens a short drive away.
Kandy's central location also makes it a natural hub for day trips — Pinnawala's elephant orphanage, the Knuckles mountain range, and the road toward Nuwara Eliya and the tea hills are all within reach. According to UNESCO's listing for the Sacred City of Kandy, the site is recognised as the last capital of the Sinhala kings and a centre of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Top Things to Do in Kandy: 8 Must-See Attractions
The landmarks that make the things to do in Kandy worth a stop on any Sri Lanka itinerary.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa, dating to the 16th century, houses what's believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha and sits within the old royal palace complex. Three daily ritual ceremonies (thewava) are held roughly at dawn, late morning and evening — check locally for exact timing. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required, and shoes come off before entering.
Kandy Lake
An artificial lake built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy, ringed by a walking path that makes for an easy evening stroll past the temple and old fort walls. Monitor lizards and waterbirds are a common sight along the banks, and the lakeside promenade lights up gently after dark.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
One of Asia's great botanical gardens, spread across roughly 60 hectares beside the Mahaweli River, with an orchid house, a giant Javan fig tree, and an avenue of royal palms planted by visiting heads of state. Easily half a day if you enjoy gardens; two hours covers the highlights.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A 104-hectare forest reserve right behind the temple, once a royal reserve for the kings of Kandy and now a rare patch of protected wilderness inside a city. Walking trails pass giant lianas, kingfishers and troops of macaques and purple-faced langurs — keep food out of sight, as the monkeys are bold.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A large white Buddha statue on a hill overlooking the city, visible from almost anywhere in Kandy and reachable by a short, steep tuk-tuk ride or a longer walk. The terrace at the base gives one of the best panoramic views over the lake, the temple and the surrounding hills — particularly good near sunset.
Kandy Central Market
A multi-storey covered market selling produce, spices, batik and local crafts — busiest and most interesting in the morning. It's a good, low-key way to see everyday Kandy life away from the temple crowds, and a reliable spot for gifts and spices to take home.
International Buddhist Museum
Housed in the old royal palace buildings beside the Temple of the Tooth, with artefacts, statues and exhibits on Buddhism contributed by seventeen countries. A worthwhile add-on if you're already visiting the temple, since it's included on the same grounds.
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
A one-hour evening show of traditional Kandyan dance, drumming and fire-walking, performed nightly at a handful of cultural centres around town. A good introduction to Kandyan tradition for visitors who can't time a trip to coincide with the Esala Perahera festival.
More Things to Do in Kandy: Tea, Views & Local Life
The quieter things to do in Kandy that fill out a longer stay.
Ceylon Tea Museum
A former tea factory turned museum on the road to Peradeniya, tracing the history of Ceylon tea from colonial plantation to global export, with old machinery still on display and a tasting room at the top.
Kandy Esala Perahera
One of Asia's grandest Buddhist festivals — ten nights of drummers, dancers, fire performers and elaborately decorated elephants parading through the streets, held annually in the Esala month (typically August). Book accommodation and seating well ahead if your dates align.
Arthur's Seat Viewpoint
A hillside lookout above the city, quieter than Bahirawakanda, with sweeping views over Kandy and the surrounding hills — a good alternative sunset spot when the main viewpoint is crowded.
Royal Palace & National Museum
The remaining buildings of the old Kandyan royal palace, now housing exhibits on the Kandyan kingdom's history, regalia and artefacts — a useful stop for context before or after the Temple of the Tooth.
Gem & Wood Carving Workshops
Kandy sits near Sri Lanka's gem-mining region, and several workshops around town offer a look at gem cutting and traditional wood carving — genuinely interesting if you have time to spare, though come prepared for a sales pitch.
Kandy to Ella Scenic Train
One of the world's most celebrated rail journeys, climbing through tea estates and misty hills toward Ella. Parts of the hill-country line have seen service disruptions through 2026, so confirm current schedules with Sri Lanka Railways before booking around it.
Day Trips from Kandy
Kandy's central location makes it a strong base for these excursions.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
A rescue and breeding centre for orphaned elephants, best known for the twice-daily river bathing sessions. One of the most popular half-day trips from Kandy, especially with families.
Knuckles Mountain Range
A UNESCO-listed mountain range named for its knuckle-like ridgeline, with hiking trails through cloud forest, grassland and waterfalls. Best arranged with a local guide, and a full day given the driving and trail time involved.
Sigiriya & Dambulla
The Lion Rock fortress and Dambulla's cave temples sit close together and make a long but doable day trip from Kandy. See our Sigiriya taxi service or Dambulla taxi service.
Suggested Kandy Itineraries
Three ways to fit the best things to do in Kandy into a Sri Lanka trip.
Half-Day
Full Day
2 Days
Kandy Travel Tips
What to know before you go, so you can fit in more things to do in Kandy without wasting time.
1Best Time to Visit
Kandy's elevation keeps it milder than the coast year-round, but January to April and July to September are generally the driest stretches. The Esala Perahera festival, usually in August, is spectacular but brings crowded streets and booked-out hotels.
2Temple Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes and hats come off before entering the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Light scarves or sarongs are sold nearby if you arrive underdressed.
3Getting Around
Central Kandy is walkable — the temple, lake and market all sit within a few minutes of each other. For the Botanical Gardens, Pinnawala or the Knuckles range, a private driver is far easier than coordinating buses or tuk-tuks.
4Where to Stay
Hotels cluster around the lake and the temple for walkable access to the main sights, while quieter guesthouses on the surrounding hillsides trade convenience for better views over the city.
Things to Do in Kandy: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions first-time visitors ask most about things to do in Kandy.
Shoulders and knees covered, and shoes and hats removed before entering. Scarves and wraps are available to buy or rent near the entrance if needed.
A full day covers the temple, lake and botanical gardens comfortably. Two days lets you add Pinnawala or the Knuckles range without rushing.
Usually a ten-night festival held during the Esala month, typically in August, with exact dates set annually. Hotels and viewing spots fill up well in advance.
The town centre — temple, lake and market — is easily walkable. For the Botanical Gardens, Pinnawala or the Knuckles range, you'll want a taxi or private driver.
About 115km, roughly 3 hours by road depending on traffic. The scenic train is a popular alternative, taking somewhat longer.
Generally not, but they're bold around food. Keep snacks out of sight and avoid feeding them, and you're unlikely to have any issues on the walking trails.
A day trip covers the temple and lake, but an overnight lets you catch the evening ritual, a cultural dance show, and the Botanical Gardens without rushing between them.
Ready to Explore the Best Things to Do in Kandy?
Book a private driver to cover the temple, the gardens and the hill-country day trips at your own pace — no fixed tour schedule.