Kandy

Travel Guide

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

Discover colonial-era relics and Sri Lanka’s most revered religious site at this romantic city nestled amid the undulating landscapes of the Hill Country.

Famous for its illustrious Buddhist temple, lively arts scene and lingering aura of colonialism, Kandy is one of central Sri Lanka’s most rewarding destinations. Kandy sits amid the cool climate of the Hill Country, a picturesque region of mountains and valleys clad in lush tea plantations. Once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, the nation’s second-largest city was colonized by the British in 1815. Today join pilgrims and tourists in Kandy looking for an escape from the sweltering coastal towns.

The UNESCO-protected city center stands on the northern shore of Kandy Lake with an attractive collection of temples and palaces. Visit the venerated Temple of the Tooth, which guards a tooth of the Lord Buddha. See exhibits about Buddhist practices throughout the world at the World Buddhism Museum. Admire the 19th-century St. Paul’s Church and spot colonial tombs at Kandy Garrison Cemetery. Learn about the Sinhalese kingdom and British rule at the National Museum, housed in the Royal Palace.

Explore handicraft shops and browse artisan markets while wandering the streets of the commercial district. Walk uphill to see the imposing Bahirawa Buddha Statue. Nearby is Asigiriya Stadium, where fans come to cheer on Sri Lanka’s Lions, the national cricket team.

Stroll along Kandy Lake’s shores or join a boat cruise at Kandy Lake Jetty. Mingle with monks and devotees at Malwathu Maha Viharaya temple. Relax in pretty Wales Park and enjoy superb city views at Kandy View Point.

Hike through thick forests, breathe in crisp mountain air and spot myriad birdlife at Udawattakelle Sanctuary. Catch a bus or rickshaw to Peradenuya, home to the Royal Botanical Garden. See orchid houses, orderly gardens and spice plantations, among other features.

Reach Kandy by taking a scenic train journey from either ColomboOpens in a new window or EllaOpens in a new window. Stay overnight at hotels tucked away in the city’s surrounding hills. Come in summer and join in the flamboyant events of Kandy Esala Perahera, a 10-day pageant that celebrates the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha.

Where to stay 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
Radisson Hotel Kandy

Radisson Hotel Kandy

4 out of 5
No. 31, Saranankara, Mawatha, Kandy, Central Province
$84 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$100 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Malwathu Maha Viharaya and Kandy Lake ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (469 reviews)
"Food options very good included vegetarian and vegan. Bed was large and supportive. Slept well and very quiet."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Radisson Hotel Kandy
Grand Serendib Hotel

Grand Serendib Hotel

4 out of 5
Mahamaya Mawatha, 12, Kandy, Central Province
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$75 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
$90 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
"A nice hotel, but we were allocated a room on the lowest level with a view of a construction site. The rooftop bar and restaurant are nicely positioned and good music at night. Food was t that great and the cocktails had minimal alcohol. A good hotel for one night in Kandy"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Grand Serendib Hotel
The Golden Crown Hotel

The Golden Crown Hotel

5 out of 5
No. 322, Udugama Ampitiya, Kandy
$97 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$114 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Malwathu Maha Viharaya and Kandy ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (124 reviews)
"Clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

The Golden Crown Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View 360

View 360

3.5 out of 5
5/16A, Uplands, Kandy
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Kanday Monasteries and ...
7.8/10 Good! (84 reviews)
Good for a short stay
"It was good for our needs. Stayed one night to visit the main sites, we walked into town (mostly downhill) and tuk tuk back. Pool had great views and Sri Lankan breakfast was good."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

View 360
Margossa Residence Kandy

Margossa Residence Kandy

2.5 out of 5
No 251/A Wattarantenna Passage, Kandy, CP
Stay at this villa in Kandy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Asgiri Maha Viharaya and Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha ...
Margossa Residence Kandy
Jaide Regency

Jaide Regency

Kandy
Stay at this vacation home in Kandy. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre and Kandy Lake ...
Jaide Regency
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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