12 THINGS TO DO IN KANDY THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF SRI LANKA
Explore the cultural heart of Sri Lanka with this curated guide to Kandy and its surrounding treasures. From the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and serene Kandy Lake to lush botanical gardens and ancient ruins, discover a region rich in history and natural beauty. This journey offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka's heritage, promising unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kandy, housing the relic of Buddha's tooth, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Botanical Garden of Kandy
A vast botanical garden in Peradeniya, showcasing over 4,000 species of flora, including a notable bamboo forest and orchid house.
Kandy to Ella Blue Train
One of the world's most scenic train journeys, passing through lush tea fields and picturesque landscapes from Kandy to Ella.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha statue
A large and imposing Buddha statue on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of Kandy city and the surrounding mountains.
Kandy Lake
An artificial lake located in the heart of Kandy, adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful place for a stroll.
Gadaladeniya Viharaya
An ancient Buddhist temple located in a hidden part of Kandy, representing authentic gems of the Kandyan era.
Embekke
A significant Buddhist temple known for its exquisite 14th-century wooden carvings, particularly the decorative pillars.
Lankathilaka
An ancient temple with unique architecture, featuring a large Buddha image house and distinct Kandyan-era art.
Minneriya National Park
A national park renowned for its large population of Asian elephants, especially visible during the dry season around the Minneriya tank.
Negombo
A coastal city known for its fishing industry, sandy beaches, and Dutch colonial history, serving as a gateway to Sri Lanka.
Pidurangala Rock Hike
A challenging but rewarding hike offering spectacular panoramic views, especially of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress.
Sigiriya
An ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring impressive frescoes, water gardens, and the ruins of an ancient palace.
Dambulla Cave Temple
A sacred Buddhist site featuring five caves adorned with Buddha statues and intricate murals, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Polonnaruwa
The well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's second ancient capital, showcasing impressive royal palaces, temples, and statues.
Colombo
Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and diverse cultural influences.
Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya
A historically significant botanical garden, originally a royal pleasure garden, now a sprawling collection of diverse plant species.
Kandy Old Town
The historic heart of Kandy, offering a vibrant atmosphere for shopping, experiencing local life, and admiring architecture.
Royal Palace of Kandy
The former royal residence of the Sinhalese monarchy, now a complex housing museums and historical landmarks adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth.
Dalada Maligawa
This is another name for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Kandy tea plantations
The hills surrounding Kandy are home to numerous tea fields, offering visitors a chance to learn about tea production.
Esala Perahera
An annual grand procession and festival held in Kandy, celebrating the Sacred Tooth Relic with traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants.
Kandy spice gardens
Gardens dedicated to showcasing and explaining the properties of various Sri Lankan spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper.
Kandy Market Hall
A vibrant local market in Kandy where you can experience the daily life of locals and find fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts.
Kandy Train Station
The central railway station in Kandy, serving as a hub for travelers and the departure point for scenic train routes.
Kandyan Dance Performance
Experience traditional Kandyan dance, a vibrant cultural performance with rhythmic drumming and energetic movements.
Nine Arch Bridge
A picturesque railway bridge located between Ella and Demodara, famous for its nine gracefully spanning arches.
Sigiriya Rock
An ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring impressive frescoes, water gardens, and the ruins of an ancient palace.
Pidurangala Rock
A sacred rock offering a challenging hike with stunning panoramic views, especially of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress.
Kaudulla National Park
A national park known for its elephant population, particularly during the dry season when they gather near the Kaudulla reservoir.
Bandaranaike International Airport of Colombo
The main international gateway to Sri Lanka, located near Colombo, facilitating travel to and from the country.
Colombo Fort Railway Station
The main railway hub in Colombo, connecting various parts of the country and serving as a gateway for scenic train journeys.
Mawatha Bus Station
A central bus station in Colombo facilitating inter-city travel via a vast network of bus routes.
Pettah Bus Station
A key bus station situated in the vibrant Pettah Market area, offering access to numerous local and regional bus routes.