Kandy
The island's last royal capital and its most sacred Buddhist city
Kandy was the last independent kingdom in Sri Lanka, holding out against the Portuguese and Dutch until the British took it in 1815. That late fall is why the city still looks like itself: the royal complex, the lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic survive largely intact. UNESCO listed the city in 1988. At 500m elevation it is noticeably cooler than the coast, and it is the natural hinge between the Cultural Triangle and the hill country.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The temple houses a tooth of the Buddha, and possession of the relic was historically treated as the right to rule the island - which is why it sits inside the old palace complex rather than on a hilltop somewhere. It remains an active place of worship, not a monument.
Time your visit to a puja (ceremony), held around 5.30am, 9.30am and 6.30pm, when the inner chamber is opened and drummers play. Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes come off at the entrance - bring socks, the stone gets hot.
Beyond the temple
Kandy Lake, dug by the last king in 1807, makes an easy hour-long circuit. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, 6 km west, hold one of Asia's best orchid collections and a much-photographed avenue of royal palms. The Bahirawakanda Buddha statue gives the best overview of the city.
Evening Kandyan dance shows - drumming, masked dance and a fire-walking finale - run daily at several halls near the lake and last about an hour.
The Esala Perahera
For ten nights in July or August (dates follow the lunar calendar) Kandy stages the Esala Perahera, a procession of caparisoned elephants, torch bearers, whip crackers and Kandyan dancers escorting a replica of the relic casket. It is one of Asia's great religious spectacles and accommodation books out months ahead - tell us early if your trip overlaps and we will plan around it.
Highlights of Kandy
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during evening puja
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Kandy Lake and the surviving royal palace complex
- Kandyan dance and drumming performance
- Esala Perahera procession (July/August)
Tours that visit Kandy
Cultural Heritage Explorer - 4 Days
Experience the ancient wonders and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka on this compact 4-day tour covering Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Kandy.
Cultural & Hill Country Adventure - 7 Days
Discover the perfect blend of ancient culture and scenic hill country landscapes on this comprehensive 7-day journey through Sri Lanka.
Complete Sri Lanka Explorer - 10 Days
Experience the best of Sri Lanka from ancient cities to wildlife safaris and hill country adventures on this comprehensive 10-day tour.
Kandy - frequently asked questions
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which holds a tooth of the Buddha and is one of Buddhism's most important shrines. Kandy was also the last independent royal capital of Sri Lanka and is a UNESCO World Heritage city.
By road it is roughly 100-115 km and 3-3.5 hours depending on traffic. A private transfer is the most common choice because the train requires transferring in Colombo Fort. We run fixed-price airport-to-Kandy transfers with no surcharge for night arrivals.
Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes are removed at the entrance. White clothing is customary but not required. Sarongs can be hired at the gate if needed.
One full day covers the temple, lake and botanical gardens. Two days lets you add the Knuckles range, a tea factory or a cooking class without rushing.