The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a sacred Buddhist temple located in the heart of Kandy. It is known for its intricate architecture and its significance as the final resting place of Buddha's tooth relic. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances and learn about Sri Lankan history in the museum.
Kandy Lake is a man-made lake located in the center of Kandy. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic lake or take a boat ride for a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The lake is also surrounded by interesting attractions such as the Royal Palace Park and the Kandy Garrison Cemetery.
The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is an impressive 88 feet tall white Buddha statue overlooking the city of Kandy. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape or explore the small museum located at the site.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, or abandoned elephants. Visitors can observe the elephants being fed, bathed, and playing in their natural habitat. The orphanage also has a research and education center for visitors to learn more about elephant conservation.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is a lush and expansive garden featuring a variety of flora from Sri Lanka and around the world. Visitors can wander through the gardens and enjoy the serene environment, as well as visit the orchid house and a spice garden to learn about Sri Lankan plants and herbs.
Travelers can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to get around Kandy. It is advisable to agree on a fare before getting into the vehicle. For the trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, hiring a car with a driver may be more convenient, and prices can be negotiated with tour operators. The estimated cost for a tuk-tuk ride in Kandy is around 100-200 LKR, while a taxi could cost around 500-1000 LKR. The estimated cost for a car and driver to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is around 8000-10,000 LKR.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, a unique attraction that features a panoramic tower and a forest reserve. Those with less time can skip the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, which is a bit out of town. It is recommended to arrive early at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to avoid the crowds and have a better chance of seeing the elephants at feeding and bathing times.
The closest airport to Kandy is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Colombo, about 100 km (62 miles) away. Travelers can take a taxi, bus, or train to Kandy from the airport. The journey by car takes around 3-4 hours, while the train takes around 4-5 hours. The other airport to consider is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), located in Hambantota, about 200 km (124 miles) away. The journey by car takes around 4-5 hours.