Top 10 Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Ultimate Travel Guide

Planning Your Kandy Itinerary? Here’s What to Do in Kandy for the Ultimate Experience

Planning your Sri Lanka adventure and searching for the best things to do in Kandy? This Kandy travel guide covers the top 10 must-see attractions, from sacred temples and lush gardens to vibrant markets and scenic viewpoints. 

Whether you’re crafting your perfect Kandy itinerary or just curious about the city’s highlights, our expert picks ensure you experience the very best Kandy has to offer. There’s one for everyone, no matter what kind of tourist you are. Have a read through this guide before making your Kandy itinerary.

Our curated list of the top 10 experiences will ensure you don’t miss a single beat. Sacred temples and lush gardens. Panoramic viewpoints and historical sites. Kandy’s got it all. Get ready to explore Kandy like a local. Why? Because your Kandy itinerary just got a serious upgrade! 

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

If Kandy had a superstar, this temple would be it. Hypothetically speaking. Locals call it “Dalada Maligawa,” meaning “Temple of the Tooth.” And guess what? It really has the tooth of the Buddha inside!

There’s an old story about it. A princess named Hemamala brought it to Sri Lanka. She hid it in her hair! Talk about commitment. She was accompanied by a prince named Dantha. Now, it’s one of the most sacred places in the country. People come from all over the world to visit it.

When you go there, you’ll smell Hadunkuru (incense). You’ll see lots of flowers. There’s a peaceful energy in the air. Try to catch the “pooja”. It’s a special prayer time that happens a few times each day. The drummers are amazing. It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than life. The drum sounds in Sri Lanka can do that to you.

The temple looks beautiful too. It has shiny gold roofs. The wooden pillars have carvings. And the lights are soft. Shoes off before you go in, though! This is serious spiritual territory. Think of this temple as the most important place in Kandy. It feels alive with people praying. It’s a place that means a lot to many people.

It’s a big part of what Kandy is all about. Even if you’re not super religious, it’s one of those places where you automatically lower your voice and walk a little slower. It just feels right.

One of the most revered Kandy tourist attractions, this temple holds the Buddha’s tooth and a deep sense of serenity, this attraction is a must-have on your Kandy itinerary.

And just outside the Temple of the Tooth… you’ll find the infamous Kandy lake. 

The Kandy Lake (Nuwara Wewa)

In 1807, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe built this artificial lake. He wanted a place where the royal family could take baths. In modern times, everyone can enjoy it. Over the years, it was reduced in size. Now it’s a protected site – so no fishing allowed!

The Kandy Lake is a calm spot in the middle of the busy city. Local people have another name for it: “Kiri Muhuda.” That means Milk Sea. It’s a nice name for such a peaceful place. You can walk all the way around the lake. The path is easy to follow. Lots of people like to sit on the benches there. It’s a good spot to relax and watch the world go by. 

Sometimes, you’ll see people feeding the little ducks. And the ducks? They absolutely thrive under the attention (and the food!). You can also buy a packet of ‘pori’ from a nearby vendor. You’ll be able to feed a duck family with it. 

In the middle of the lake, there’s a small island. Or a pavilion, if you will. It’s called the Diyathilaka Mandapaya and was used by the ladies of the court as a… hangout spot. The British later used it to store ammunition. There are many old stories about it. People say there might be secret tunnels under the lake. The lake is surrounded by a wall called Walakulu Bamma, meaning “wall of clouds”. It pans around half the lake. Why only half, you might wonder? It’s because King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe couldn’t complete it before the city was captured by the British. There are triangle-shaped holes in the walls. These were used to light ‘pahan’ or oil lamps in the old days.

Keep your eyes open when you’re by the lake. If you’re lucky, you might see a big water monitor lizard swimming. They look a bit like small crocodiles. But don’t worry, they are usually calm and don’t bother people. Just remember not to touch them.

The best time to walk around Kandy Lake is in the evening. As the sun goes down behind the hills, the sky becomes a literal rainbow. You’ll see shades of orange and pink. It’s a lovely sight. In the distance, you might hear the drums from the Temple of the Tooth. The sounds carry over the water and make the place feel even more special. 

And the best part is, it costs nothing to enjoy this beautiful place. You can come here anytime you want. Just relax by the water. It’s a great way to escape the hustle-bustle of the city. You’ll get to enjoy some quality me-time. 

Kandy Lake is a simple but wonderful part of Kandy. 

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

This is the biggest botanical garden in Kandy. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden covers almost 150 acres. That’s quite a lot of space filled with all sorts of trees, flowers, and open green areas. It’s not far from Kandy city. You can easily get there by a tuk-tuk. These are vehicles with 03 wheels. A tuk-tuk ride is fun and is the easiest way to get around in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Breathe Easy at the Botanical Gardens: A Nature-Lover’s Stop in Your Kandy Itinerary

When you go inside the garden – BAM. This is where the magic is. You’ll see many different types of flowers. Orchids in every colour under the sun. Giant bamboo that makes a creaking sound like an old man’s joints. And the palm trees are so tall – they look like they reach the sky. There are more than 4000 species of plants growing here. So if you’re a nature lover – this is definitely the place to be!

At the heart of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a very special tree. It’s a giant Java Fig tree, locally known as ‘Nuga’. The scientific name is Ficus benjamina. This century-old tree has roots that span out quite wide. They spread out all over the ground. It looks like something you’d see in a movie. Absolutely gorgeous. Many couples even take their wedding pictures under this tree!

You can also walk across a small hanging bridge. It goes over the Mahaweli River. The bridge moves a little when you walk on it, which can be exciting. But if you don’t like heights – it might feel a bit scary! The gardens are a perfect place for a picnic. You can find a nice shady spot under a big tree and enjoy your food. While you’re there, watch out for the monkeys! They sometimes try to steal food from people. They’re pretty good thieves too!

The entire walk around the garden takes about an hour. You can even take a golf cart (or buggy) to get around if you don’t fancy walking. Either way, make sure to sneak in a trip to this garden into your Kandy itinerary – it’s worth it! 

What to Do in Kandy? Escape to the Jungle at Udawatte Kele Sanctuary

Right next to Kandy city is a lil’ hidden gem. Think of it as Kandy’s own little jungle. This is the Udawatte Kele Sanctuary. It’s located just behind the Dalada Maligawa. The name “Udawatta Kele” means “the garden above the royal palace”. 

Why is it named that, you may ask? A long time ago, only the kings and queens of Kandy were allowed to come here. Now, anyone can walk on the same paths they used. With good imagination, you can also imagine what it was like to be royalty, hey?

When you walk into Udawatta Kele, it feels different from the city. It’s shady because of all the big trees. It’s quiet and peaceful. You’ll hear lots of birds singing. If you’re lucky, you might see monkeys playing in the trees. Sneaky little creatures they are – be aware! You might also spot a giant squirrel jumping from branch to branch. They’re much bigger than the squirrels you might see in your garden!

Inside the sanctuary, there are caves that people used long ago. There are also old spots where people used to meditate and find peace. Walk a bit more and you’ll get to the views. You can enjoy nice views of Kandy city.

A must-add to your Kandy itinerary

Udawatta Kele is perfect if you want to get away from the noise and crowds. It’s a calm and green escape. But make sure to wear comfortable shoes! The paths in the forest can sometimes get muddy, especially if it has rained. And in Sri Lanka, you can never predict the rain. Better safe than sorry!

One negative about this kinda forests – leeches. Locals call them ‘kuudallaas’. They are nasty little blood-sucking creatures. If you’re worried about them, a local tip is to bring some salt. Or you can buy little tubs of ‘Siddhalepa’ balm from a grocery store. Apply the balm or salt on your shoes and say, “bye-bye leeches!”.

If you’ve been wanting a little bit of quiet time, this is a great place. ust remember your comfy shoes and maybe a little packet of salt! It’s like stepping into a different world. And just a short walk from the busy city.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

There’s a giant white Buddha watching over you from a hilltop.

Oops, does that sound alarming? Fear not, it’s the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. It sits on a hill. The view from there is amazing. You see the lake. You see the temple. The busy streets look tiny below.

You need to climb up a flight of stairs to get there. Walk up the steps slowly. Take breaks if you need to. Pretend you enjoy the view. Even if you are just catching your breath. This statue is one of the tallest in the country, and 88 feet tall. The statue is in a seated Nirvana pose.

Go there at sunset. Literally everything turns golden. Even The Buddha seems to glow. It’s a very peaceful place. It makes you want to sit and be at peace. To just look at the world below. To have a moment of quiet.

The climb is worth the view. You see all of Kandy city below. The lake shines like a jewel. The temple gleams. Cars look like little toys. There’s always a gentle breeze. The view is calming. It’s a good break from the city.

Bonus: You’ll get some great photos. Your Instagram will thank you. Add this serene giant to your list of things to do in Kandy – the sunset views and peaceful vibes are totally worth the steps. 

The Kandy viewpoint

There’s a spot in Kandy you want to go – purely for the views. This is none another than the Kandy viewpoint. Want a great view? No hard climb needed here. Kandy viewpoint is easy to reach. Take a tuk-tuk up the hill. Or walk if you like. It’s not too far.

From the top, you see all of Kandy. The city looks like a small map below. The lake shines brightly. The Temple of the Tooth stands tall. The hills go on and on. It’s a view-tiful sight (HA! Check out our pun there). Give yourself a pat on the back, because at Kandy viewpoint, you’ve reached a ‘high’ point of your trip (Oops, we did it again!)

This little nook has a history of natural geography. It was used as a lookout point in the old days. No wonder, because you can observe the whole city from there. Of course the kings & Brits used it to their advantage – duh.

There’s a lot of local vendors up there. You can get piping hot cuppas, and local artisans. There’s also a lot of fruit vendors – make sure to try a chilli pineapple. Sometimes, people just sit here. They enjoy the quiet. They watch the clouds go by. It’s a peaceful escape. A chance to just chill and take it all in. You can see so much without moving much. It’s a lazy traveller’s dream view.

The best times to visit

The best time to come is in the late afternoon. The light is soft and warm. Everything looks even more beautiful. The colours of the city pop. It’s a truly golden hour for viewing. Bottom line is – if you want a fantastic view of Kandy without breaking a sweat, head to Kandy viewpoint. It’s easy to get to. The view is incredible. The spicy pineapple is an adventure for your taste buds. And it’s a great spot to just relax. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve really seen Kandy. It’s a ‘top’ spot that won’t leave you feeling ‘down’. (Oops, we did it again! x 2)

Easily one of the best places to visit in Kandy for a postcard-perfect view. No long hike, just pure skyline bliss. 

The Kandy Market Hall

Here’s the opposite vibe of the Kandy viewpoint. This place is noisy, colourful, and smells like spices and fresh fruit. In other words, it’s awesome. Vendors are calling out their prices. Tourists are trying their best to haggle (sometimes hilariously badly). But everyone seems to have a smile on their face. It’s a happy kind of busy.

The building began in 1956 and opened in 1959. But even before the structure was formed, the market was there. So, you’re kinda walking through history while you shop.

Make sure to buy some cinnamon. The Sri Lankan kind (“kurundu”) is famous. Grab a bag of crunchy cashews. Or find a little Buddha statue to take home as a souvenir. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here. Little artisan crafts.

You can buy spices, tea, clothes, leather goods, and even vegetables. It’s a real mix of stuff! It’s open from 7am-9pm. Spices. Tea. Clothes. Leather bags. Even jack fruit. All in one place. Chaos? Yes. Fun? Also yes. You get to walk in between tiny aisles. There are piles of bananas. And chillies. So many chillies. The smell? Pure curry dreams. You might hear the fishmongers shouting “Malu! Malu!”. Malu means fish in Sinhala. 

Even if you’re not buying anything, just being there is an experience. Among the liveliest things to do in Kandy, this market is packed with color, chaos, and charm. It’s a chance to see the local culture up close. To check out the everyday hustle and bustle. And you’re guaranteed to leave with a story to tell. Ten points if you also have a local snack in hand. It’s a good place to spend some time! 

The Ceylon Tea Museum

If you’re a fan of tea – prepare for a ‘brew’tiful experience. 3km away from Kandy is a giant cup of tea history. This is the Ceylon Tea Museum.

This museum is inside an old tea factory. That’s pretty cool, right? The building consists of 04 floors. The ground floor & level 02 are exhibits. Inside, you’ll see old machines. Big, clunky things that were used to make tea long ago. 

There are also stories about the British people who started the tea plantations here. You’ll hear about their lives and how they made Ceylon tea so popular. Level 01 hosts a library and an auditorium. Level 03 has a lot of tea sales outlets. The entire top floor is a tea café. It’s a tea-riffic view from up there! 

Here is a fun activity for you – there’s a telescope mounted on the top floor. Through it you can check out a range of mountains that are nearby. Some such mountains are Hunasgiriya, Knuckles, and Matale ranges. Try to see if you can identify them all.

If you’re visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum, get ready for… a lot of ‘tea’ facts. This place tells the story of how Ceylon tea became famous all over the world. You’ll learn so much about tea here. Like, did you know that Sri Lanka was once called Ceylon? That’s why the tea is called Ceylon tea! According to the official Sri Lanka Tea Board website, tea was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 1867 by James Taylor. He started a tea plantation in Loolecondera Estate.

Take a sip of Ceylon’s freshest brews

But the best part? The tea tasting at the end. After walking around and learning all about tea, you get to try some! You’ll be able to enjoy all different types of tea here. Here’s what you do: You sit down and get a cup of freshly brewed tea. Take a small sip. Close your eyes. Imagine you’re a tea expert. Swirl it around in your mouth. Notice the taste. It’s a very sophisti-tea-cated feeling! 

And oh my goodness, the smell inside the museum is amazing! It’s like walking into a giant bag of your favorite tea. The air is filled with the sweet, earthy scent of drying leaves. It’s so good, you might want to bottle it up and take it home.

Visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. You’ll learn a lot about tea. Learning about tea is very important if you’re visiting Sri Lanka. Tea is our DNA, legit. This tour is an experience that any tea lover will truly love. It’s definitely worth making time for it in your Kandy trip! You’ll leave feeling like a true tea aficiona-tea! 

The Kandyan Cultural Centre

So far, we talked about history. Nature. Viewpoints. And tea. The next stop is – culture. Here’s when the Kandyan Cultural Centre comes into ‘play’.

The Kandyan Cultural Centre is a place for a fun show. You can see drums, dancers, and even firewalkers. Yup, Sri Lankans walk on fire. It’s a real Sri Lankan spectacle. The centre was started to keep these old traditions alive. Modern times can make old arts disappear. This place helps them stay strong. It lets people of Sri Lanka and visitors see these beautiful art forms.

Most evenings, they have local dance performances. It shows off the old music and dances of Sri Lanka. The Kandyan dancers wear bright and ornate outfits. Their moves look like they’re defying gravity. You’ll be thinking, “How do they move like that?”. It’s amazing to watch.

The Kandyan dance isn’t just any dance. It’s got history. Way back in the day, people believed it had healing powers. It started with a big ritual called the Kohomba Kankariya. Think of it as a super ancient musical with drums, chants, and dancers in the wildest costumes – all to chase away bad vibes and sickness. The costumes are bright and bold. The headgear looks like mini chandeliers. And the moves? Jumps, twirls, and flips. Impressive.

The music is just as captivating. Just like tea, these drumbeats are our literal DNA. These drums are even used in healing rituals. You can really feel the rhythm in your body. It gets inside you, and makes you want to move. The rhythms are complex, and the performers skilled. It’s a sound that tells stories of our heritage. You’ll find yourself swaying to the beat before you even realize it.

The ancient dance on dance: A belief of the old

Now, let’s talk about firewalking. Real, sparkling embers. It’s not a trick. No smoke and mirrors here, folks. It’s a genuine display of faith and tradition. You’ll feel the heat from the fire, that’s how you know it’s not a fluke. Performers walk on these hot embers barefoot. 

We dare you to try not to gasp seeing it – it will leave you utterly speechless. A collective gasp usually goes through the audience. It’s one of those “you have to see it to believe it” moments. It’s definitely a hot act!

The performance usually lasts for about an hour. By the end, you’ll find yourself clapping & cheering, just like you would at a rock concert. The energy of the performers is contagious. You’ll definitely get caught up in the excitement! Kids absolutely love this show. 

But it’s not just for kids. Adults are equally enthralled. It’s a fun and educational experience for everyone. This is one of those things that transcends language barriers. You don’t need to speak the language. Nor know the culture. Just being present in that moment is an experience.

So, if you want to see something really Sri Lankan, go to the Kandyan Cultural Centre. You’ll see amazing dances. You’ll hear great music. And of course, you might even see someone walk on fire! It’s a cultural experience you won’t forget. It’s a serious blast of Sri Lankan tradition!

 Day trip to Ambuluwawa Tower

This one’s just outside Kandy but trust us – it’s 100% worth the ride. Ambuluwawa isn’t your typical tourist spot. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally unforgettable. First, picture a hill rising up above the town of Gampola. Then picture a bright white spiral tower standing right at the top. It’s twisting its way into the sky like a giant ice cream cone. That’s Ambuluwawa. Quirky. Iconic. Insta-famous for all the right reasons.

But Ambuluwawa isn’t just about the view or the spiral stairs. There is a biodiversity complex here. It’s part temple, part science centre, part peace project. Sounds random? It is. But it works. It’s got layers (allow us to call it a spiritual onion. Layers. Onion. Get it?) 

There’s a Buddhist stupa. A Hindu kovil. A Christian church. A Muslim mosque. All in the same compound. All coexisting like one big spiritual family picnic. You don’t see that every day. Honestly, this place is more than a photo op. Ambuluwawa is a giant, concrete message of unity. Of peace. Of what Sri Lanka could be, at its best.

The ride up to the tower is an adventure on its own. You wind your way through small villages, forests, and misty bends. The tuk-tuk will rattle. Monkeys watch from trees. The road is a steep climb. And suddenly – the tower appears in the distance, tall and strange against the sky. 

Now comes the fun part – the climb. It starts out easy. Wide stairs. Decent grip. You’re thinking, “Hey, I got this.” But then the spiral starts to narrow. The railings get thinner. The wind picks up. And now your hands are gripping the side like your life depends on it. Your legs are screaming. And you? You’re just focusing on one step at a time. Don’t look down. Definitely don’t look down.

But then – you’re at the top. And all the sweat, the shaky knees, the dramatic internal monologue is worth it. The view is unreal. You’re higher than the birds. Clouds drift past at eye level. You can see forever. And it’s quiet up there. It feels like flying without wings. Like standing on top of the world.

You’ll want to take a million photos, obviously. But also? Just pause. Put the phone down. Let the wind hit your face. Let the silence sink in. Let your brain catch up with your heart. The climb down is relatively better. Take a few breaks in between. Once you reach the bottom, reward yourself. Get some street food. Drink a thambili (king coconut), because that’s the sort of drink you’ll need after that climb.

Ambuluwawa isn’t polished or perfect. But it doesn’t need to be. It’s raw. Real. A little bit wild. And totally unforgettable. So, if you’re in Kandy and want a quick escape that hits you in the soul and the thighs? This is your spot. 

Let’s wrap up our travel guide 

So, there you have it. Ten unforgettable stops, plenty of stories, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re a planner with a detailed Kandy itinerary typed out, or someone who just lands and wings it – you got this now.

A summary of the travel guide

• Start with the big one – the Temple of the Tooth Kandy. It’s not just a temple. It’s a feeling. Peaceful, powerful, and full of history. 
• Then walk by Kandy Lake. Locals call it “Kiri Muhuda.” Watch the sunset and count the ducks. 
• Next up is the Royal Botanical Garden and Udawatta Kele. Just don’t forget your salt (you’ll thank us if leeches try to crash your hike). 
• Watch the world from Bahirawakanda Buddha. Or take it all in from the Kandy Viewpoint. 
• Still got time left? Visit the market. Haggle a little. Laugh a lot. End your day with a dance show. The cultural experiences Kandy offers are loud and proud. The drums, the fire, the flips – Sri Lankan energy at its best. 
• Need more? Take a ride to Ambuluwawa Tower. Your legs will hate you, but your eyes will love you.

With these top 10 things to do in Kandy, you’re all set to explore a city full of history, heart, and hidden gems. Whether you’re chasing temples or tea, this Kandy itinerary has something for every kind of traveller.

This blog was meant as a Kandy travel guide. But it’s really more like a letter of love. Because once you visit, Kandy becomes a part of you. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, Kandy surprises you. So, here’s your sign to add Kandy to your to-do list. It’s a story you’ll want to tell again and again. For more travel inspiration and official guidance, visit the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

If you’re interested in booking a tour or arranging a personalised itinerary, check out SoulTrek Travel. Where do you want to travel next in Sri Lanka?