Places to visit in Kandy

The hill capital of the last Sinhala kings and home of the Temple of the Tooth.

Main town KandyPlaces in this guide 6

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Places to see

Hills

Knuckles Mountain Range

Panvila

Misty forested peaks and village trails, part of the Central Highlands World Heritage Site.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Spiritual

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Gangawata Korale

The temple in Kandy that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

Best time: Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug

Nature

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Gangawata Korale

Botanical gardens near Kandy with orchid houses, giant bamboo and royal palm avenues.

Best time: Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug

Heritage

Embekka Devalaya

Udunuwara

A temple famous for its finely carved wooden pillars.

Best time: Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug

Heritage

Gadaladeniya Temple

Yatinuwara

A 14th-century stone temple on a rock outcrop near Kandy.

Best time: Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug

Heritage

Lankatilaka Vihara

Udunuwara

A 14th-century temple on a rock with views across the hills near Kandy.

Best time: Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug

Food to try in Kandy

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Crafts and products

Kandyan brassware, Dumbara mats.

Festivals

Kandy Esala Perahera, Kandy: Usually Jul–Aug. Ten nights of processions with the Sacred Tooth Relic casket, caparisoned elephants, fire dancers and drummers.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.