Kandy · Central Province
Kandy
The last royal capital, set around a lake.
Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and held out against foreign rule until 1815. Wrapped around a lake and green hills, it still feels like the island's cultural heart.
Inside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, drums announce daily rituals as worshippers offer lotus flowers. In the evening, Kandyan dancers perform with fire, drums and dazzling costumes.
Don't miss in Kandy
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Kandyan dance performance
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- The Esala Perahera festival (July/August)
Places & Sites to Visit in Kandy
Temple of the Tooth
Drums thunder, incense curls and worshippers carry lotus flowers to the island's most sacred shrine, beside a tranquil lake.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Nearby excursion · about 6 km from Kandy
Royal botanical gardens near Kandy, famed for orchids and giant trees.
Kandy Lake
The lake built by the last king of Kandy, in the heart of the city.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A large white Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Kandy.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
A forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth.
Embekke Devalaya
Nearby excursion · about 15 km from Kandy
A temple famous for its carved wooden pillars.
Lankatilaka Vihara
Nearby excursion · about 15 km from Kandy
A 14th-century hilltop temple.
Gadaladeniya Temple
Nearby excursion · about 13 km from Kandy
A 14th-century stone temple near Lankatilaka.
Activities & Experiences in Kandy
Kandyan Dance
Feel the drums in your chest as dancers in silver headdresses leap, spin and finish with fire.
Home Cooking Class
Scrape fresh coconut, temper spices and cook a full Sri Lankan spread with a local family.
Kandy Lake Walk
An easy walk around the lake at the start or end of the day.
Kandy Esala Perahera
The great procession of elephants and dancers, held in July or August (seasonal).
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