9 Best things to do in Kandy, Sri-Lanka, in 1 to 3 days

Introduction

Hey everyone! In this article, we’re sharing the best things to do in Kandy, one of the most culturally significant cities in Sri Lanka. Back in April 2024, we spent two weeks exploring Sri Lanka, including one night in Kandy, which gave us just enough time to experience its key highlights.

Kandy was a natural stop on our route from Sigiriya down to Ella, and we included it mainly for the famous Temple of the Tooth and the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens. But as we quickly discovered, Kandy has more to offer than just those two sights.

If you want more detail, check out our video documenting our journey from Sigiriya to Kandy—you’ll find extra tips and behind-the-scenes moments.

In this article, we’ll walk you through our time in Kandy and the best things to see and do, so if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and thinking about stopping in Kandy, let’s dive right in!

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Getting there

There are several ways to reach Kandy, whether you’re coming from Sigiriya, Negombo Airport, or Colombo—and the best option depends on your time, comfort preference, and budget.

We personally came from Sigiriya and chose to hire a private driver, which was by far the most comfortable option. It cost us 16,000 LKR (~€47), took around 3 hours, and allowed us to make a stop at the Tooth Temple before being dropped off directly at our accommodation in Kandy.

For budget travelers, there are a couple of cheaper alternatives. There’s one direct bus from Sigiriya to Kandy, which leaves early in the morning at 6:30 AM. Otherwise, you can take a tuk-tuk to Dambulla (around 30 minutes) and catch a local bus to Kandy from there. This combo only costs around 1,000 LKR (~€3) per person, but naturally takes a bit more effort.

If you’re coming from Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport (Negombo), you have a few more options. A private transfer is the easiest and most convenient choice, especially after a long flight—it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and costs around 18,000–22,000 LKR (~€53–€65).

Alternatively, you can travel by train from Colombo Fort Station to Kandy. The journey takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, and tickets range from 500 to 2,500 LKR (~€1.50 to €7.50) depending on the class. Trains can sell out, so booking in advance on 12GO is best if possible. Buses from Colombo to Kandy are also available and take about 3.5 hours, with frequent departures throughout the day for 400–600 LKR (~€1.20–€1.80).

Moving Around

The best way to get around Kandy is by tuk-tuk. It’s quick, affordable, and ideal for navigating the city’s traffic and narrow streets. We highly recommend asking your accommodation to organize tuk-tuks for you. That way, you’ll know the price in advance, avoid any haggling, and ensure a fair rate.

Another perk is that tuk-tuk drivers in Kandy are usually happy to wait for you or return to pick you up later—often at the same agreed price, making it easy and stress-free to move around the city. For short distances between places like the Tooth Temple, Kandy Lake, markets, or even the Botanical Garden, tuk-tuks are by far the most convenient option.

If you want an all-in-one solution, you can opt for the Private Guided Tour of the City by Tuk-Tuk

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kandy depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Each season brings its own atmosphere—from sunny festival days to lush gardens after the rain.

• Dry Season (December – April): This is the ideal time to visit Kandy, with warm, sunny days, low humidity, and very little rain. It’s perfect for exploring the Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, and walking around Kandy Lake. Expect temperatures between 25–30°C (77–86°F) and more travelers during this peak season.
• Shoulder Season (May – August): You can expect occasional afternoon showers, but mornings are usually pleasant. This is a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds, greener scenery, and don’t mind light rain. Just bring an umbrella and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
• Rainy Season (September – November): This is the wettest time of year in Kandy, with more frequent showers and high humidity. While the rain may interrupt your plans occasionally, the city and its surrounding hills are incredibly lush and vibrant. It’s also a more peaceful and budget-friendly time to explore.

For the best mix of good weather, clear views, and vibrant cultural life, the months of January to March are perfect for visiting Kandy. We visited at the beginning of April, and while it was quite hot, the weather stayed mostly dry—making it great for sightseeing and temple visits.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

Kandy offers a wide range of accommodations for every type of traveler—from budget-friendly guesthouses to scenic boutique hotels tucked in the hills. Many places offer great views over the city or surrounding greenery, and some even include breakfast with a local touch.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax after a day of sightseeing, we recommend staying slightly outside the city center, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views, while still being just a short tuk-tuk ride from the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake:

• (€):  Remli Villa
• (€€): The Summit
• (€€€): Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa

Here are all your accommodation options in Kandy

What to Eat

Kandy has a great mix of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisine, making it easy to find something for every taste. Here are a few of the best places we tried—and loved—during our stay:

Lunch in Kandy

• The Golden Curry Restaurant – A great spot for those wanting to try authentic Sri Lankan curries in a comfortable setting. The food is flavorful, portions are generous, and the service is quick.
• Soul Food Kandy – A cozy place with a creative menu that blends local and Western flavours. Perfect if you’re craving something a bit lighter or fusion-style.
• Vito Wood Fired Pizza – If you need a break from rice and curry, this place makes some of the best pizza in Kandy, cooked in a proper wood-fired oven. Crispy, thin crust and great toppings.

Dinner at Your Accommodation

One of the best meals we had in Kandy was actually at our guesthouse. Many accommodations in and around Kandy offer home-cooked dinners, prepared fresh with local ingredients. It’s a great way to taste traditional Sri Lankan food in a relaxed setting—and often much more flavorful than at tourist restaurants.

Let your hosts know in advance if you’d like dinner at the accommodation, and they’ll usually be happy to prepare something special just for you. It’s also a great way to support local families and enjoy an authentic meal experience.

If you want a Cooking Class, the Kandy Village Cooking Class is one of the best rated in Sri-Lanka.

Best things to do in Kandy

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most important and revered site in Kandy—and one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.

Located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the temple houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, believed to be preserved in a golden casket inside the temple’s inner sanctum.

Throughout history, the relic has been deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s political power—it was believed that whoever possessed the relic had the divine right to rule the country. For this reason, it was historically guarded by Sinhalese kings, and the temple became not only a religious site but also a symbol of national sovereignty.

Today, the Temple of the Tooth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world. While you cannot see the relic itself, you can witness the daily rituals, admire the temple’s architecture, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere that makes this place so special.

Here are all your accommodation options in Kandy

Stroll Around Kandy Lake

Right in the heart of Kandy, next to the Temple of the Tooth, lies the tranquil Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk. This artificial lake was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Kandy.

Originally much larger, the lake has been reduced in size over the years, but it remains a peaceful and scenic spot for both locals and visitors. As a protected body of water, fishing is prohibited, and the lake is now home to various bird species and a few monitor lizards that you might spot along the shore.

A walk around the lake is one of the most relaxing things to do in Kandy. It offers lovely views of the surrounding hills, temples, and colonial buildings, and provides a perfect break between sightseeing stops. Whether you go in the early morning or around sunset, it’s a great way to soak in the calm atmosphere of this historic hill city.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

Visit Kandy City Centre

Just a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth, the Kandy City Centre (KCC) is a modern ten-storey commercial and retail complex that stands in contrast to the city’s historic charm.

Construction began in 1993 and the centre officially opened in 2008. Today, it’s the go-to place for shopping, dining, or picking up any essentials you might need during your trip.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of local and international brands, electronics stores, supermarkets, cafes, and even a cinema. While it’s not a cultural attraction, it’s a convenient stop—especially if you need a quick lunch, a pharmacy, or just want to cool off in some air conditioning.

If you’re spending a day in the city and need to restock or grab something specific, Kandy City Centre has it all in one place.

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

One of our favorite things to do in Kandy was visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, just a short drive from the city center. These expansive gardens are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including vibrant orchids, towering palm trees, spices, medicinal plants, and beautifully maintained lawns and walkways.

The gardens are massive—you can easily spend a few hours wandering and still feel like there’s more to discover. We got completely lost in the best way and loved every second of it. Along the way, we even had the chance to chat with some local students, which made the experience even more memorable.

Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful break from the city noise, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-visit while in Kandy. Don’t forget to bring water and take your time—it’s one of those places where you’ll want to slow down and soak it all in.

Here are all your accommodation options in Kandy

Climb Ambuluwawa Tower

This was definitely one of our top things to do in Kandy, even though it’s technically located just outside the city, in Gampola—about an hour’s drive away. We visited Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill on our way out of Kandy, and it turned out to be the perfect ending to our stay.

At the top of the hill stands a modern multi-faith tower, known for its unique spiral staircase and incredible 360° views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. The real fun? Climbing to the top! The narrow spiral stairs get tighter and steeper as you go up, adding a little thrill to the experience—especially if you’re afraid of heights. But once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views that make it all worth it.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, fun, and scenic, Ambuluwawa is a must. Just be sure to wear good shoes, and bring your camera—the views are unforgettable!

If you want to visit more in one day, check the Kandy to Ambuluwawa Tuk Tuk Day Tour by Local

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Take a Day Trip to Sigiriya

If you didn’t visit Sigiriya before arriving in Kandy, it’s absolutely worth doing as a day trip. Located about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, Sigiriya is home to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites—the Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the country’s top attractions.

You can leave early in the morning from Kandy, explore Sigiriya Rock and nearby Pidurangala Rock, and still return to Kandy by the evening. It makes for a long but rewarding day, especially if you want to see the cultural heart of Sri Lanka without rearranging your itinerary.

The easiest way to do this is by private car with a driver, which costs around 16,000–18,000 LKR (~€47–€53) for the round trip. Alternatively, you could enjoy a full-day tour on a tuk-tuk which would be a memorable experience. 

If you’re short on time but still want to experience one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, a day trip to Sigiriya from Kandy is totally doable—and absolutely worth it.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Take the Scenic Train from Kandy to Ella

While we personally recommend taking the train to Ella from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya Station) to shorten the ride and enjoy the scenic drive through the tea country, it’s worth noting that the Kandy to Ella train is often described as the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka.

The full journey from Kandy to Ella takes between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the train and delays. It passes through lush tea plantations, misty hills, forests, and charming villages. The views are absolutely stunning, especially if you manage to get a window seat on the right side of the train.

We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and opting for a reserved class, such as second-class reserved or observation car, for a more comfortable experience. You can get your ticket online at 12GO.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

Road trip to Nuwara Eliya

Another great day trip from Kandy is to Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill town often called “Little England” for its colonial architecture, cooler climate, and tea plantations. Located about 2.5 to 3 hours by car, it’s a refreshing escape from the warmer lowlands and offers a very different side of Sri Lanka.

The drive itself is stunning, winding through lush hills, waterfalls, and endless tea fields. Once in Nuwara Eliya, you can visit places like Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Garden, and the Pedro Tea Factory for a taste of the region’s tea culture.

A private car and driver is the most efficient way to make this trip, costing around 18,000 LKR (~€53) for the day. You can also take the train from Kandy to Nanu Oya and grab a short tuk-tuk ride from there, though train schedules may make it tricky for a same-day return. Or even opt for the Kandy To Nuwara Eliya Day Tour By Tuk Tuk Sri Lanka.

Visit Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Perched on a hill just outside the city center, the Bahirawakanda Vihara is home to one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, standing at 26 meters high. This giant white Buddha can be seen from many parts of Kandy and is a peaceful place to visit—especially if you’re looking for great panoramic views over the city.

You can either walk up (about 20–30 minutes from the city center) or take a short tuk-tuk ride. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the surrounding hills.

The temple itself is quiet and serene, and you can even climb up behind the Buddha statue for an even higher viewpoint. Modest dress is required, and a small entrance fee of 300 LKR (~€0.90) is charged at the gate.

It’s a lovely spot to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, and a great way to wrap up your time in Kandy with one last peaceful moment above the city.

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary