Things to do in Kandy

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Kandy
Kandy showing street scenes
Kandy
Kandy which includes heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Kandy featuring street scenes

Kandy Attractions

There's something endearing about smaller cities. Whether you're visiting Kandy for a day or two or you're contemplating staying a bit longer, it won't take you long to fall in love with this destination. In fact, with so many wonderful things to do and awesome sights to take in, you might never want to leave!

Learn what makes Kandy tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {246 fun activities in Kandy fun activities in Kandy}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Kandy

Tours & day trips

See all 226 activities
Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $205 per adult*
Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)Opens in new tab

History & culture

See all 128 activities
From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk Tuk

From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk Tuk

Activity duration is 1 day
Free cancellation available
Price is $73 per adult*
From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk TukOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 45 activities
Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $205 per adult*
Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)Opens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 21 activities
From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk Tuk

From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk Tuk

Activity duration is 1 day
Free cancellation available
Price is $73 per adult*
From Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower & three Temple Tour by Tuk TukOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 5 activities
Exciting evening with Fire Dancing cultural show

Exciting evening with Fire Dancing cultural show

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is $37 per adult*
Exciting evening with Fire Dancing cultural showOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Kandy

Number of things to do
246
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kandy City Tuk Tuk Tour by Lanka Safe Tours: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Kandy

Free Things to Do in Kandy

Taking a break in Kandy on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Commonwealth War Cemetery

- You'll feel like you've traveled back in time while exploring this historic attraction.

Kandy General Hospital

- Widely known among local residents, this site is worth a look.

Malwathu Maha Viharaya

- Get a deeper understanding of the local religion at this place of worship.

Wales Park

- Cultivate your green thumb and enjoy admiring the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Kandy with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Kandy. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are certain to make your vacation unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kandy? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kandy

Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth

4.5/5(51 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Kandy with a stop at Temple of the Tooth. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Temple of the Tooth
Two reasons to come to Kandy: 1, to walk around this lake, and 2, to visit the temple with the sacred tooth relic

Kandy Lake

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Kandy Lake during your travels in Kandy. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Kandy Lake
Botanical garden in Kandy

Royal Botanical Garden

4.5/5(38 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Royal Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Peradeniya. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Royal Botanical Garden
The Kandy Clock Tower is located in the centre of Kandy on the intersections of Sri Dalada Veediya, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike Mawatha and Hiragedara Mawatha. A landmark of the city, the clock tower was built near to the Ismail Building in 1950 by Haji Mohamed Ismail as a monument and in memory of his son Mohamed Zacky Ismail, who lost his life in an accident in Kadugannawa in August, 1947. It was designed by Shirley de Alwis, one of Sri Lanka's leading architects at the time. De Alwis was the local resident architect working with Sir Patrick Abercrombie on design of the University of Peradeniya campus. #mattravel #srilanka #nationalpark #UNESCO #worldheritage #sinhalafestival

Kandy Clock Tower

3.5/5(7 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Kandy with a trip to Kandy Clock Tower. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Kandy Clock Tower
Impressive statue, not much else at the temple though

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha

4/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Kandy when you stop by Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha

Royal Palace of Kandy

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Royal Palace of Kandy is just one of the places to see in Kandy, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Royal Palace of Kandy

Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre

3.5/5(3 reviews)

You can take time to visit Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre during your travels to Kandy. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Dhamma Kuta Vipassana Meditation Centre

National Hospital Kandy

Though National Hospital Kandy might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Deiyannewela while you are here.

National Hospital Kandy

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

4/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a lovely green space in Kandy. Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kandy

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Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Wales Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Richmond Hill
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Hantana

Hantana might not have many top sights, but Ceylon Tea Museum and Wales Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hantana
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kandy

Photo by Yulia K

Peradeniya

Photo by Natalie Schaufelberger

Tennekumbura

Photo by Sarah Hannan

Katugastota

Frequently asked questions

Is Kandy worth visiting?
Known for its nature and culture, finding fun things to do in Kandy is simple. Be sure to add Royal Palace of Kandy to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Kandy?
Start your day with a visit to Royal Palace of Kandy and Kandy Lake. Then, explore different parts of Kandy for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kandy?
Don't leave without exploring Royal Palace of Kandy, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kandy.
Is three days enough to stay in Kandy?
Three days in Kandy is more than enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travelers spend two days on average. Royal Palace of Kandy, National Museum and Kandy Lake are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Central Province.
Is Kandy a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Kandy is a good place to visit on foot. Wander between Royal Palace of Kandy and National Museum. Then take a stroll through Anniwatta, located 1 mile from downtown, and Hantana, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Kandy with kids?
Deciding what to do in Kandy with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Kandy for adults?
Kadugannawa Tea Factory & Sales Center and Kandy Garrison Cemetery are just a couple of the things to do in Kandy. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Kandy?
In Kandy, Kandy Lake is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Kandy.