Kandy
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At a glance
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Region
- Central Province
- Population
- 125,000
- Best time to go
- January to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Bandaranaike International (CMB)
- Coordinates
- 7.29°N, 80.63°E
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Overview
Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom and remains the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. The city wraps around a lake in a bowl of green hills, with the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth on its shore.
It is cooler than the coast and makes a good base for the hill country. Take time to watch the evening ceremonies at the temple, walk the lake and explore the tea estates beyond.
Things to see
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Temple of the Tooth
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site, said to hold a tooth of the Buddha; go for the evening puja.
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Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kandy Lake
An artificial lake built by the last king, with a shady path around its shore.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Beautiful gardens with an orchid house, giant bamboo and an avenue of royal palms, just outside town.
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Bahirawakanda Buddha
A huge white Buddha statue on a hill above the city, with views over the lake and temple.
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Photo: McKay Savage from Chennai, India, CC BY 2.0 Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A forest sanctuary on the ridge behind the temple, home to monkeys and birds.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Ashan96, CC BY-SA 4.0 Esala Perahera
In July or August, decorated elephants, drummers and dancers parade through the streets over ten nights.
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Photo: Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0 Kandyan dance show
Evening performances of drumming, acrobatic dancing and fire walking in halls near the lake.
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Photo: Colby Otero from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0 Visit a tea estate
Tour a tea factory in the hills around Kandy and taste the island's famous brews.
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Photo: Madhuwaran, CC BY-SA 4.0 Train to Ella
One of the world's most scenic train journeys through tea plantations and misty hills.
Find tours
Where to stay
Around the lake
Central and walkable to the temple and restaurants.
Hotels in Around the lakeThe hills above town
Guesthouses with views and cooler air, a short tuk-tuk ride from the centre.
Hotels in The hills above townPeradeniya
Quieter, near the botanical gardens and the university.
Hotels in Peradeniya
Getting around
The centre is small enough to walk. Use tuk-tuks for the hills and the botanical gardens.
Trains from Colombo take about three hours on a scenic route, and the road journey from the airport takes a similar time.
When to go
January to April is generally the driest period. Kandy receives rain from both monsoons, and the Esala Perahera falls in July or August.
Plan your trip to Kandy
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.