Experience the cultural and religious heritage of the city at the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Kandy's most holy places. This temple is known for housing the tooth of Buddha, a precious relic for the locals. You will be fascinated by the intricate carvings in wood, ivory, and stone and the splendid views of the surrounding area.
The Kandy Lake is a man-made lake which was built in 1807 by the last Sinhalese king of Kandy. It is surrounded by a scenic walking path and lush green trees, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
Empire Cafe is a charming restaurant that serves a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the portions are generous. The restaurant is located in an old colonial building with a beautiful courtyard that is perfect for a relaxing meal.
The Royal Botanic Gardens feature a vast collection of plants and trees from around the world. It is considered one of the finest gardens in Asia and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The gardens are vast, and there are plenty of walking trails to explore. You can also catch a glimpse of monkeys, birds and other animals that call the gardens home.
End your day with a cultural dance show that highlights the traditional dance forms of Sri Lanka. This show is a crowd-pleaser, with colorful costumes, fast-paced music, and impressive acrobatics. It's a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, and it's sure to leave you with long-lasting memories of your visit to Kandy.
To move around Kandy, you can hire a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeler taxi that is ubiquitous in Sri Lanka, to get from one place to another. Most of the locations are within a few kilometers from each other, which makes traveling by tuk-tuk an affordable and convenient option. You can expect to pay around 200-300 LKR for a short ride.
Kandy is a great city to explore, and you can easily spend more time here than just one day. If you have more time, you can visit the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens or the Ceylon Tea Museum. If you have less time, you can skip the cultural dance show or the Royal Botanic Gardens. Keep in mind that the traffic in Kandy can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Kandy does not have an airport, but the nearest airports are the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, which is about 103 km away and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota, which is approximately 185 km away. You can take a taxi or a train to get to Kandy from both airports.