Things to do in Kandy
Apart from Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, the country is also famous for its religious sites and spectacular train rides. This is where Kandy comes in on your Sri Lanka Route, as the gateway to one of the most epic train journeys in the world and host to a myriad of cultural exhibits. Plan to spend one or two days exploring the beautiful Kandy.
1. Visit the Botanical Garden in Kandy
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kandy is a place where people of all ages gather, especially on the weekends. The garden is famous for its countless (4000+) species of plants and trees, and we really enjoyed exploring the grounds.
It’s a 15-minute drive west of Kandy and makes a great escape from the city. Wander around the massive garden, bring a towel and relax in the grass, or sip a drink at one of the cafes.
Entrance fee: 3,540 LKR (12 USD) – Pricey but worth it if you spend a couple of hours.
2. The Streets of Kandy
The streets in Kandy’s center are full of old colonial buildings and street vendors. Start at the Temple of the Tooth and wander around the old streets, enjoying a fresh coconut from one of the many colorful fruit stands. We always enjoy discovering a new place by simply walking around areas where the locals gather.
Tip: Don’t forget to look up to see the beauty of the historical buildings!
3. Day Trip to Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a stunning area, about a three hour’s drive from Kandy. It is home to Lion Rock, one of the country’s UNESCO world heritage sites and a must-do in Sri Lanka. Lion Rock is an enormous 200-meter square-shaped rock towering over the entire region.
One of the best ways to experience this natural phenomenon is by hiking to the top at sunrise. For this reason, we recommend to spend the night before nearby in Sigiriya or Habarana.
Tip: Pidurangdula lies opposite Sigiriya Rock and is a great alternative to avoid crowds at sunrise. Not only do you get the same panoramic views as you would from Sigiriya but also a head-on view of Sigiriya Rock itself.
4. Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a beautiful golden-roofed Buddhist Temple in the heart of Kandy. Plan an early-morning visit to skip the crowds and see the legendary tooth relic of Buddha (yes the actual Buddha!). No expense is spared to protect the tooth, which is enclosed inside several golden boxes, covered in jewels.
5. Stay at a Rainforest Resort
The real beauty of Kandy exists in its unique blend of nature and luxury. The nearby rainforest hosts a selection of resorts with pools overlooking the forest. Aarunya Resort is a sustainable nature retreat within a 7-acre plantation, which they use to harvest fresh produce for their on-site restaurant. Their true Sri Lanka dining experience is, without a doubt, one of the best Sri Lankan meals you will have.
6. Do NOT visit an Elephant Orphanage
Visiting an elephant orphanage is a popular thing to do in Kandy, but this doesn’t mean it is a good activity. Although you might be led to believe that these establishments take care of animals (which is partly true), the animals are used more as a form of entertainment rather than genuinely being taken care of. Here are the things to know about wildlife tourism and the better alternatives.
Multiple animal organizations, such as Born Free, have written about this and stated that these examples of animal activities are always a no-go.
Here’s the best way to see the Elephants in Sri Lanka
7. Head for the Hills to Visit the Kandy Buddha Statue
The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. This 25-meter-tall statue lies nestled within the hilltops above Kandy, in the shadow of the Knuckles Mountain Range. The top can easily be reached by car or motorbike, and after a small climb up the stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
9. Kandy to Ella Train
Kandy is the starting point of one of the world’s most beautiful train routes – a stunning 4-7 hour journey through the tea plantation hills, which is an absolute must-do on any Sri Lanka travel route. Feel the wind blow through your hair and across your skin as you dangle your feet outside the door of the open train- an exhilarating experience that allows you to see nature in a totally unique way!
Options and Prices: Take the 4-hour ride to Nuwara Eliya or the 7-hour to Ella. A ticket costs around 400 LKR depending on the class and destination.
How to Get to Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy has a strategic location in between all the major sites. The train station is connected to the central highlands, north to Jaffna, east to Trincomalee, and to the capital Colombo.
- Option 1: A train from Kandy to Colombo takes 2.5 hours. Get tickets from Colombo to Kandy
- Option 2: A direct bus or taxi from Colombo takes 3-4 hours.
- Option 3: Self-drive – rent a car.
We recommend to rent a car in Sri Lanka through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy offers a good selection of affordable hostels and hotels. Stay in the city center to explore everything easily. Or choose for calmness by staying up in the hills.
Best Restaurants in Kandy
As a popular travel hub, Kandy is not short of a variety of different restaurants and cuisines. These are our favorites:
- Buono
- Banana Chill
- Vito Wood Fired Pizza
- Indian Summer
The incredible flavors of traditional Sri Lankan dishes are well preserved, western recipes have been introduced, and there is a great fusion of East meets West so that there is something for everyone in Kandy.
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We’re in Kandy right now and we really love your blogpost. Just to let you know, the entrance fee for the botanical garden has increased a lot. It is 3540 for an adult these days. It was really big and beautiful though.
Hi Chantal, thanks for letting us know! We’ll make sure to update our guide :)