Kandy

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Top 10 attractions in Kandy

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Kandy Lake
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Kandy Lake

5.9
4.7/5
181 reviews
Kandy Lakeis located in the heart of Kandy, a mountain city in central Sri Lanka, and is an iconic artificial lake. The lake area is surrounded by mountains, and its waters reflect the surrounding green hills and urban architecture, creating a tranquil and beautiful mountain city landscape. The lakeshore is lush with trees and shaded, offering a fresh, natural atmosphere for those strolling along it. The lake surface is wide and calm, often reflecting the sky, the mountains, and the white walls of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, presenting a layered view. Birds such as egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers are often seen around the lake, and monitor lizards can be spotted crawling slowly along the shore, showcasing the diversity of the local wetland ecosystem. The lake, trees, and wildlife together create a vibrant natural environment.Kandy · 921m from downtown
Sri Dalada Maligawa
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sri Dalada Maligawa

5.6
4.5/5
606 reviews
The Temple of the Tooth Relic was built in the 15th century and is famous for enshrining the tooth relic of Sakyamuni, the national treasure of Sri Lanka. The monastery has upper and lower floors, the hall is a hall, surrounded by a moat and guarded by a corner tower, which reflects the typical style of Sinhalese national architecture. There is also a World Buddhism Museum in the temple, which shows the spread and development of Buddhism in the world for tourists.Kandy · 903m from downtown
Sacred City of Kandy

Sacred City of Kandy

5.5
5.0/5
3 reviews
Sacred City of Kandyis situated in a mountain basin in central Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains, and enjoys a cooler, more pleasant climate than the coastal plains. The ancient city unfolds along the lake, where clear, calm waters and lush, shaded surroundings create a beautiful backdrop for the historic buildings along the shore. Its streets, historic buildings, and religious sites combine to create the ancient city's unique atmosphere. The ancient city's lakeside trail is perfect for walking and sightseeing, offering views of the surrounding mountains, the lake, and the buildings along the shore. Streets within the city connect temples, historic sites, and local residential areas, allowing visitors to explore the ancient city on foot and experience local daily life at the shops and eateries along the way.Kandy · 901m from downtown
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

4.7
4.5/5
178 reviews
The Royal Botanical Garden is 5.5 kilometers away from the city of Kandy and covers an area of more than 60 hectares. It is surrounded by the Mahaveli River on three sides. It is also one of the famous tropical botanical gardens and was once the royal garden of the King of Kandy. Introduction to the Park There are a considerable number of plant species and scientific and technological materials in the fields of bioengineering, ecology, conservation and classification. The botanical garden has more than 4,000 species of tropical and subtropical rare plants, and is famous for orchids and giant tropical trees. There is an orchid museum dedicated to cultivating orchids. The botanical garden also has a spice garden with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and other spice plants. The tropical sun at the equator and the Mediterranean climate of the Kandy region allow for lush vegetation, flowers, and spring all year round.Kandy · 4.8 km from downtown
Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex

Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex

4
5.0/5
1 reviews
Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, home to many ancient Buddhist temples and ruins. There are many other impressive historical sites, such asSigiriya Lion Rock, a massive rock fortress that is listed as a World Heritage Site. In addition, there are numerous ancient temples, palaces, and stupas that showcase the splendor of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.Gampola · 17.2 km from Kandy
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

5.7
4.5/5
256 reviews
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in the town of Pinnawala, between Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka, and was established by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. The park was initially established to care for orphaned calves that had lost their mothers in the wild, were separated from their herds, had fallen into traps, or were severely injured. After years of development, it has now become a conservation base that integrates elephant rescue, daily care, and breeding. The park focuses on the daily care and protection of elephants, while also opening some areas to visitors, allowing people to observe the elephants' daily activities up close and learn about the related conservation efforts. The park is divided into eastern and western sections by a road, with the eastern side serving as the main area for the elephants' daily life. Visitors can observe the herds feeding from designated areas behind fences, learning about the elephants' dietary habits and social behavior.Pinnawala · 27 km from Kandy
Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls

3.3
5.0/5
1 reviews
Ramboda · 27.4 km from Kandy
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

3.3
4.6/5
33 reviews
In the Sinhala language, the name of the reserve means "the garden above the palace". Legend has it that a Sinhalese emperor once fled to this place and was once a royal forbidden place. There is a Brahman practice cave in the reserve. Historically, Buddhist monks have lived in seclusion here. It is an important Buddhist hidden meditation practice place. There are huge vines and shrubs growing in the rich flora and fauna reserve. There are more than 80 kinds of birds, and a large number of mammals thrive here. There are active porcupines, deer, etc., as well as golden-throated woodpeckers and Sri Lankan parrots. And special birds such as the gray ground thrush have undoubtedly become the popular science education base for children in Sri Lanka.Kandy · 1.3 km from downtown
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

3.1
Nuwara Eliya District · 24.6 km from Kandy
Kandy Viewpoint

Kandy Viewpoint

3.1
Kandy Viewpoint is located in the southwest corner of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, and is sometimes referred to by locals as "Arthur's Seat." The viewpoint is situated on high ground along Rajapihilla Mawatha. From here, the calm waters of Kandy Lake, the golden roof of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the silhouette of the old royal palace, and the surrounding rolling hills are all clearly visible. On a clear day, the layout of the entire city of Kandy unfolds before your eyes, giving you an intuitive understanding of this hill city. The viewpoint features a railed platform where you can enjoy the scenery with peace of mind. Next to the platform is an old banyan tree, and under the tree is a unique Buddha statue—the Buddha is seated on a cobra, which is quite interesting. Many people like to come here in the evening to watch the sunset slowly sink behind the distant mountains, with the clouds in the sky gradually turning warm colors. After nightfall, the city lights turn on one by one, creating another quiet and bright scene.Kandy · 693m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Kandy

Featured Cultural experiences in Kandy

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Kandy Highlights Audio Tour: Royal and Colonial Heritage
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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Colombo National Museum + Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque + Beira Lake day tour in Sri Lanka
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FromMYR 702.88
Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings
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4.8/5
· 77 reviews
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97.4% of travelers recommend
FromMYR 163.33
In-depth guide of National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 2 hours
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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1-day tour in Colombo, Sri Lanka: National Museum + Independence Square + Galle Face Green
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
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FromMYR 335.51
In-depth guide of Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 2 hours
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FromMYR 103.03
1-day tour to Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green in Sri Lanka
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FromMYR 399.23

Featured Food & drink in Kandy

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Sri Lanka Cooking Class with Granny
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4.9/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 210 mins
English
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21 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 102.08
Sri Lankan Village Cooking Class in Kandy with Hotel Transfers
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4.9/5
· 38 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
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38 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 118.41
Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Kandy with Local Family
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromMYR 142.91
Kandy Village Cooking Class
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
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FromMYR 102.08
Sajee's place cooking class sigiriya
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
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5% off
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FromMYR 139.82MYR 147.18
COLOMBO PRIVATE guideCITY TOUR WITH street food( All inclusive )
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4.3/5
· 46 reviews
Duration: 270 mins
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FromMYR 138.83
Ella Sri Lanka : Mom's Kitchen Cooking class
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4.9/5
· 109 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
47 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromMYR 97.01MYR 102.12

Featured Outdoor experiences in Kandy

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Day tour to Minneriya National Park,Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy
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4.9/5
· 83 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
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29 consecutive positive reviews
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Kandy to Sigiriya Day Tour and Dambulla cave temple with private vehicle
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4.9/5
· 78 reviews
Duration: 9–12 hrs
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45 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 387.90
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 35 reviews
Duration: 24 hrs
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35 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 387.90
Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya National Park Private Tour In
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4.2/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMYR 408.31
kandy waterfalls day tour
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5.0/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
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FromMYR 317.06
Trinidad Highlights Tour from Port of Spain
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4.7/5
· 47 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
93.6% of travelers recommend
FromMYR 326.65
Sri Lanka - Udawalawe National Park 1-Day Tour Private VIP Charter (SUV)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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FromMYR 451.42
Bentota: 15-Minute Jet Ski Adventure on the Bentota River
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Duration: 15 mins
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FromMYR 233.04MYR 245.31

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What travelers say about Kandy

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Tania Akter (Sumi)March 4, 2025
5.0
Kandy Lake, nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a serene and picturesque destination perfect for a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by lush greenery and historic sites, the lake offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The peaceful atmosphere, diverse birdlife, and charming lakeside benches make it an ideal spot to relax. While the walk around the lake is pleasant, occasional traffic noise can be a minor drawback. Overall, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

Kandy Lake

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PrabhashiFebruary 13, 2025
5.0
“The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a sacred Buddhist site with beautiful architecture and deep cultural significance. It houses the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth and offers a peaceful, spiritual experience. The evening prayer ceremony is a highlight. A must-visit for those interested in history and culture.”

Sri Dalada Maligawa

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Crystal2650December 27, 2019
5.0
The holy city of Kandy, also known as Mahanuwara, is located in the capital of Sri Lanka's Central Province. It is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and one of Sri Lanka's cultural triangles. Kandy is surrounded by mountains and rivers and has beautiful scenery. UNESCO has listed Kandy as a cultural heritage and included it in the World Heritage List. The Millennium Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake, and the Kandy National Museum are worth visiting...

Sacred City of Kandy

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OAugust 1, 2025
5.0
康提皇家植物园(Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens)是斯里兰卡最具代表性的植物园之一,也是亚洲历史最悠久、规模最大的植物园之一。它位于斯里兰卡中部省份的康提市,毗邻马哈威利河(Mahaweli River),占地面积约60公顷。

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

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E30***10February 14, 2021
5.0
we can not go there by car so we have to take a tuk tuk after ride 1km we are couple of them climb top of the tower it was amazing experience

Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex

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Laura VicensMarch 2, 2025
4.0
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique chance to see rescued elephants up close. Watching them bath in the river was a highlight. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best views from nearby cafés. Such a memorable experience!

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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珏丸美September 4, 2019
5.0
On the way from Kandy, Sri Lanka to Nuwa, there is a waterfall called Ramboda Falls. Next to it is a hotel called Ramboda Falls Hotel, where you can enjoy a buffet while watching the waterfall. We came here with great expectations. On the way to the hotel, we were attacked by a group of monkeys. The driver Ranjith picked up Xixi, let her sit on his shoulders, and ran into the hotel while scolding the monkeys. The hotel is built along the cliff, and you need to take the elevator down 4 floors to reach the restaurant. The restaurant is directly opposite the waterfall, and the environment is really nothing to say. It costs 1,500 rupees per person, and children are free, which is worth the price. There are not many varieties of food, but the food is very solid. The curry beef tastes good. I ate two bowls with rice. My wife likes their potato soup and drank several bowls.

Ramboda Falls

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泰宁根吴承恩May 8, 2020
5.0
The reserve is a place that is worth visiting. There are large tracts of tropical forests and many animals can be seen in the reserve, which is also impressive. The scenery is also very beautiful.

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kandy?

Don't miss these attractions in Kandy: Kandy Lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa, and Sacred City of Kandy. If you like Cultural experiences, try Kandy Highlights Audio Tour: Royal and Colonial Heritage. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Sri Lanka Cooking Class with Granny.

You can give Sri Lanka Cooking Class with Granny and Sri Lankan Village Cooking Class in Kandy with Hotel Transfers a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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