12 Mesmerizing Places to Visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The largest city in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and a UNESCO world heritage site, Kandy, Sri Lanka boasts stunning colonial architecture and several sacred Buddha sites. About a 3-hour train ride from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, Kandy is accessible to travelers of all ages and backgrounds, and its stunning (very Jungle Book) design can enchant young backpackers or family travelers alike. Use our guide to find out the top places to visit in Kandy to ensure you have the best trip.

Whether you’re planning a one day trip in Kandy, or a full week, our guide to the top Kandy attractions can provide the guidance you need to compile a lipsmackingly good Kandy travel itinerary.

Our comprehensive Sri Lanka travel itinerary is essential for any Sri Lanka trip planning!

On our ultimate Sri Lanka itinerary, we were able to spend a full day in Kandy, exploring a few of the top places to visit in Kandy to see what the scenic city has to offer, before taking the Kandy to Ella train.

Since we had already done a fair bit of traveling before arriving in Kandy, we enjoyed a relaxing day strolling through the marvelous city’s center before delving into the other top places to visit in Kandy.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even opt to explore the top places to visit in Kandy on scooter!

Top Places to Visit in Kandy

As we learned, Kandy is one of those cities well-suited for brief exploration, as you can easily fill a day with some of the top places to visit in Kandy, a few blocks away from each other. The more time you have, however, the more you will be able to enjoy this gorgeous colonial city, so plan accordingly.

In our guide to the most mesmerizing places to visit in Kandy, we’ll delve into some of the top Kandy tourist places, as well as some of the uncommon places to visit in Kandy.

1. Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Arguably the main tourist draw to Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, holds the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, making it one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world and certainly one of the top places to visit in Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth is one of those Kandy tourist places that’s incredibly popular, but still worth the visit, as its interior is truly spectacular.

While you probably won’t be able to see the sacred tooth of the Buddha itself, you can stretch to view the casket it is contained in with hundreds of other pilgrims.

The temple itself is worth it for sheer aesthetic overload—vibrant colors, fragrant flowers and ornate designs line the walls and ceilings.

In addition to the ornate and stunning interior of the temple, the Temple of the Tooth’s Puja Ceremonies make this one of the top Kandy attractions. If possible, it’s definitely best to align your visit with one of the puja ceremonies throughout the day.

A rich cultural experience (yes, we saw more Sri Lankans there than westerners, although there were certainly plenty of westerners) lush with tradition, rhythm, and ritual, the puja ceremonies bring the caskets holding the tooth relic out for the public’s eyes, set to the sound of traditional drums and horns. The temple is certainly one of most famous places in Kandy, and you’ll soon see why!

Make sure to check out the Dambulla Elephant Trash Dump!

Visiting the Puja Ceremonies

Held every day at 5:30 am, 9:30am and 6:30 pm, the puja ceremonies may be more crowded than other times of the day at the temple, but it’s worth it!

And make sure you’re dressed appropriately!

As with all temples in Sri Lanka, you shouldn’t wear anything shorter than the knee (especially the ladies), and your shoulders should be covered. A scarf, sarong, or pashmina are great items to pack for just the purpose!

2. Browse the Markets

A few blocks from Kandy Lake (starting on the same side of the street as the Food City supermarket), you’ll find some of Kandy’s markets, stocked from floor to shack-roof with a medley of clothing both trendy and traditional, scarves shaded every hue, linen-everything—and yes, the hecklers that come with bargain-hunting.

Visiting these local markets is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Kandy, and certainly worth it! While many tourists don’t eat at the local markets, we definitely recommend it as one of the uncommon places to visit in Kandy that will offer an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Before you go to the market, make sure to check out Foodie Souvenirs to Bring Back from Sri Lanka.

We snagged several bags of Sri Lankan spice tea with cardamom pods and other spices added for a fraction of the cost it would be at spice gardens (which are pretty much universally rip-offs, by the way), and a few adorable printed lounge pants. Plus, it’s a great location to fulfill the next item on our list…

You can’t leave Sri Lanka without a Safari in Yala National Park!

3. Eat Cheap Local Sri Lankan Food

Another bonus for visiting the markets is scoring some authentic, dirt cheap and delicious food.

If you walk through the maze of vendors, you’ll come across a few hole-in-the-wall food venues loaded with locals (typically men in sarongs) feasting on some piping hot plates. At one such eatery, we scored a plate of rice and curry (with a free refill) for 60 Sri Lankan rupees/$0.41 USD for two people! It was scrumptious, and by far the cheapest meal we’ve ever had (yes, cheaper than Thailand!). Besides the food itself, the venture is worth it for the cultural experience—eating a plate of rice and curry with your hands surrounded by sarong-clad Sri Lankan men doing the same. As they say, when in Rome!

Be sure to make time for this cultural experience as one of the top unique things to do in Kandy.

4. Catch the View at Arthur’s Seat

Don’t miss out on a spectacular view at Arthur’s Seat viewpoint, accessible by car.

Arthur’s Seat is one of the Kandy travel places that offers quite possible the most immaculate view of the city. The little trek to this spectacular viewpoint is one of the top things to do in Kandy to truly drink the city in.

When you make your way to the top of Arthur’s Seat, you’ll feast your eyes on a panoramic view that includes such Kandy tourist places as the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, the Royal Palace of Kandy, and the city center. The incredible view makes Arthur’s Seat one of the top Kandy attractions.

5. Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Mahaweli River

If you get a chance, be sure to catch a lovely boat road on the soothing Mahaweli River for one of the most romantic things to do in Kandy.

Enjoy the views of Gulmohar trees as you float gently down the river. Keep an eye out for traditional fisherman and don’t miss the wildlife, such as beautiful birds and turtles. You might even get the chance to see water monitor lizards relaxing along the banks.

6. Take a Stroll Around Kandy Lake

What tourists refer to as “Kandy Lake,” locals refer to as Bogambara, and it’s certainly the centerpiece of your Kandy experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around this lake as you enjoy the colonial architecture, as Kandy Lake is undoubtedly one of the top Kandy travel places.

Digest the cheapest meal of your life from the market while strolling along the edges of Kandy Lake, watching children feed the birds, taking in the scenery, and maybe picking up some sliced mango from a vendor to snack on. If the weather’s nice, you can even opt for a peaceful boat ride on the lake.

You’ll also love this beautiful Secret Beach in Mirissa, Sri Lanka!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RENNY + BENNY 🌏 Travel & Food (@televisionofnomads)

Feeling a climb? How about up the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka!

7. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

The Royal Botanical Gardens, dating back to the late 14th CE, are some of the most scenic places to visit in Kandy, and certainly one of the most famous places in Kandy.

The kings of Kandy had the sprawling gardens built on the banks of the Mahaweli River, but the gardens existing today have a heavy colonial hand from when the British occupied the country.

Across its lush 150 acres, the Royal Botanical Gardens are filled with gorgeous bamboos and interesting trees. Be sure to walk across the seemingly fragile Hanging Bridge and take a moment of peace in the Open Circle area in the center of the garden.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the many sights included on this day tour of Kandy.

We recommend going earlier in the morning before the heat of day.

Entrance fee:  1500 SLR

8. Visit the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

If you have extra time in Kandy, the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage isn’t too far, and would definitely be worth the trip if you can squeeze it in. It’s a great place to see elephants, even if they aren’t wild. 

The orphanage is home to dozens of elephants, forming the largest captive herd of elephants in the world. The best time to see the elephants is when they bathe in the river.

9. Watch the Traditional Dances

After some rest and relaxation by the lake, you might want to watch a traditional dance show at one of the nearby halls.

The show will likely feature a variety of styles of Sri Lankan dance, but the style native to the hill country and Kandy is known as Uda Rata Natum.

No matter the style, the dances are a spectacle of elaborate and stunning costumes, acrobatics, symbolism, and even fire-walking.

There are several ways to buy a ticket, but the best method is to ask your hotel ahead of time (if you’re staying in the general region of Kandy Lake). If they don’t sell them, there will most likely know someone nearby who does.

10. Stop by a Gemstone Workshop

Another interesting Kandy activity is to visit a Gemstone workshop to learn the process that gemstones go through: from mining, polishing, cutting, and shaping to framing.

You’ll learn all about the steps of working a gemstone, right from the point they are mined. If you have any interest at all in learning about traditional mining in Sri Lanka, this is exactly the activity to understand the incredibly tedious and lengthy process that gemstones go through before they can become jewelry!

11. Stop by a Wood Workshop

Sri Lanka is known for its wood carving masterpieces, so stopping by a wood workshop in Kandy is a fantastic way to experience this Sri Lankan art form.

A wood workshop in Kandy will show you how some of the amazing wooden artworks are created, from gorgeous furniture to wooden carved masks. These carpenters are truly artists, and it’s so fascinating getting the chance to watch them work!

12. Explore Some Unique Locations During a Private Photoshoot

If you’ve never experienced a private photoshoot before, Kandy is a spectacular location to try!

Book your private photoshoot in Kandy here, and explore unique and special places to visit in Kandy with a photographer there to capture your experience.

You can choose from a candid photoshoot for a more authentic photo capturing experience, or use the opportunity to get one-of-a-kind romantic photos for couples for wedding engagement. Whichever you choose, you’ll receive up to 50 photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Where to Stay in Kandy

Budget:

• McCarthy Guesthouse (About $12/night)

• Ceyloni Lake Residency (About $12/night)

Mid-range:

• Beauty Hills ($27 and up/night)
• Lakewood Residence ($40 and up/night)

Splurge: 

• Villa 49 ($53 and up/night)
• The Radh Hotel ($113 and up/night)

Booking.com

A delightful city to spend a day in Sri Lanka, Kandy (otherwise known as Senkadagalapura) can provide the perfect backdrop for those brag-worthy wanderlust-inspiring photos you’ll want to take.

You can even enjoy Kandy with kids, as you can see from this guide to Sri Lanka with kids! And whatever your next Sri Lankan venture after Kandy may be—perhaps braving the 7-hour train ride through the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya to Ella (often referred to as the world’s most beautiful train journey),  or maybe a shoot in the other direction to visit the famous sites in Dambulla and Sigiriya—you’ll be glad you had some time to frolic in the architectural dream of the Sacred City of Kandy!

More Info for Your Sri Lanka Trip

As you begin to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, refer to more of our travel guides and resources to ensure you plan the best Sri Lanka trip:

10 Days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

The ultimate backpacker itinerary for squeezing the most out of your 10 days in Sri Lanka.

Elephant Trash Dump in Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Discover wild elephants during your visit…to the Dambulla trash dump?!

Places to Visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Learn more about the essential and unique things to do in Kandy.

Sigiriya: Climbing Sri Lanka’s Lion Rock

Everything you need to know to visit Sigiriya in Sri Lanka.

Safari at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Our ultimate guide to planning a safari at Yala National Park.

Mirissa, Sri Lanka: the Secret Beach (A Hidden Gem!)

How to find the Secret Beach in Mirissa, as well as other need-to-know info.

Mind-Blowing New Year’s Eve Sri Lanka Party in Mirissa Beach

Our detailed guide to New Year’s Eve in Sri Lanka, Mirissa.

Looking for a place to stay in Kandy? Check out this list of recommended Sri Lankan Accommodation!

Like This Post?

Share it on Pinterest by hovering over the picture below and clicking the red “Pin It” button!

You Might Also Appreciate…

More Sri Lanka Posts

• Safari at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
• Elephant Trash Dump in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
• Mirissa, Sri Lanka: the Secret Beach (A Hidden Gem!)
• Sri Lanka Travel: the Ultimate 10-Day Backpacker’s Itinerary
• Sigiriya: Climbing Sri Lanka’s Lion Rock

Travel Guides

• O’Sulloc Tea Museum and Green Tea Fields: Jeju Island, South Korea
• Sapa Trek with the Hill-Tribes in Vietnam: 10 Things You WON’T Expect
• 5 Memorable Things to Do in Beijing for Chinese New Year
• (Shark?!) For the Soul: Willala Fish and Chips on Jeju Island
• At the Foot of Sunrise Peak: Yellow Submarine Guesthouse on Jeju Island
• The Bone Church of Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic: A Scary Places Travel Guide
• Sand, Sea, and Jeju-si: Iho Beach on Jeju Island, South Korea
• A Girl’s Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
• Romantic Spots to Enjoy Autumn in Korea: A Couples Travel Guide

Travel Tips

• Essential Cameras for Every Traveler
• What I’ve Learned from Traveling to 25 Countries
• Travel Hack: Do a Cheap Flight Search Like a Pro
• Best Travel Drone Bag: Backpacking with a DJI Phantom

What’s your favorite thing to do in Kandy?

Let us know in a comment below!