Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy is a hill city in Central Province. Here are places to see in and around Kandy, with distances measured in a straight line from the town centre. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.

Places to visit near Kandy

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicIn town · A major landmark in Kandy's royal palace complex and part of the Kandy World Heritage…
• Bahirawakanda TempleIn town · A hilltop landmark overlooking Kandy, recognized by its large seated statue and elevated…
• Kandy LakeIn town · A man-made lake beside Kandy's historic royal quarter and city centre.
• Royal Botanic Gardens, PeradeniyaAbout 5 km away · A historic botanical garden near Kandy with extensive collections of tropical plants,…
• Hanthana Mountain RangeAbout 5 km away · A mountain landscape south-west of Kandy with trails and panoramic views.
• Embekka DevalayaAbout 6 km away
• Ambuluwawa TowerAbout 18 km away · A distinctive multi-level tower on Ambuluwawa Mountain near Gampola, offering panoramic…

Best time to visit

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Attend the evening drumming ceremony around 6:30pm.
• Bahirawakanda Temple: Late afternoon into sunset for the best panoramic views over Kandy and the surrounding hills from the statue's base.
• Kandy Lake: Late afternoon into sunset, when the walking path fills with locals and the light over the water is best.
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Weekday mornings avoid both the day's heat and the weekend crowds of local visitors.
• Hanthana Mountain Range: Start the climb by 9am and aim to be back down by early afternoon, before mist and heat set in on the exposed ridgelines.

Plan it your way

Add these places to your own trip and arrange them into days with the Ceylon Loop travel planner. See also the best time to visit Sri Lanka and how many days you need.

Opening hours and fees can change, so please verify them before you travel.