Exploring Kandy in July 2023

1. 8:00AM: Temple of the Tooth Relic
   Located in the heart of Kandy
   Get ready to experience a spiritual awakening with the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, this temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. You’ll be amazed by the intricate carvings and magnificent architecture of the temple, which dates back to the 16th century.
2. 10:00AM: Kandy Lake
   5 minutes (0.7 miles) from the Temple of the Tooth Relic
   Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake. Built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in the early 19th century, the lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the serene surroundings and take in the stunning views of the city from the lake’s edge.
3. 11:00AM: Royal Botanical Gardens
   20 minutes (4.4 miles) from Kandy Lake
   Explore the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens, one of the largest botanical gardens in Southeast Asia. With over 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants, the gardens are a nature lover’s paradise. Take a relaxing walk and enjoy the beauty of the gardens, or learn more about Sri Lanka’s unique flora and fauna at the on-site museum.
4. 1:00PM: Lunch at Balaji Dosai
   15 minutes (3.3 miles) from the Royal Botanical Gardens
   Enjoy a delicious South Indian vegetarian meal at Balaji Dosai. With a wide range of dosais, idlis, and vadas, this restaurant is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Don’t forget to try their famous filter coffee!
5. 2:00PM: Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Balaji Dosai
   Marvel at the impressive Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, a towering 88-foot-tall white statue of the Buddha. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy. Be prepared to climb a few stairs to reach the top, but the views are worth it!
6. 4:00PM: Kandy View Point
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
   End your day with a stunning view of the city from Kandy View Point. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, Kandy Lake, and the surrounding hills. Be sure to arrive before sunset to catch the best views!

Recommendations

If you have extra time, we recommend checking out the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a beautiful forest reserve located just a few minutes from Kandy Lake. For a unique cultural experience, visit a local spice garden and learn about the traditional uses of Sri Lankan spices. If you’re interested in history, the Ceylon Tea Museum is a must-visit attraction.

If you have a few extra days, consider taking a day trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see the gentle giants up close. You can also visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century AD.

For a fun and unique way to explore the city, consider taking a tuk-tuk tour. Your driver will take you to all the best sights and provide insider knowledge about the local culture and traditions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Temple of the Tooth Relic (2 hours, free admission)
• Kandy Lake (1 hour, free admission)
• Royal Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, 1500 LKR per person)
• Balaji Dosai (1 hour, 1000 LKR per person)
• Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue (1 hour, 500 LKR per person)
• Kandy View Point (30 minutes, free admission)
• Total Estimated Costs: 3000 LKR per person (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Ready to plan your trip? Check hotel and flight prices by clicking here.