1 km
from city center 1 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in the world. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. The temple houses the sacred tooth of Buddha nestled in a golden chamber within the premises of the royal palace complex. Evening is the best time to visit when the temple is lit up.

1 km
from city center 2 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda, is an artificial lake bordering the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relics. The pathway around the lake stretches for 2.1 miles and is perfect for walking before or after visiting the temple. It provides a panoramic view of the hills and the town. Boating is also popular here.

5 km
from city center 3 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, is one of the island's most renowned gardens, located just outside Kandy. Established in 1371, it spans 147 acres and is home to a diverse collection of over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants. The garden features beautifully landscaped lawns, tree-lined avenues, and scenic walking paths along the Mahaweli River.

1 km
from city center 4 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is an important bio-reserve on a hillside beside the Dalada Maligawa and spans 257 acres. Tourists can visit three Buddhist monasteries here while trekking through the forest’s dense and diverse vegetation. The toque macaques, barking deer, and slender loris are only some of the animals visitors can come across, while around 80 species of birds make this a birdwatcher’s paradise.

1 km
from city center 5 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya or Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha is a Theravada Buddhist temple atop a hill in Kandy. True to its name “Big Buddha” is known for being a powerful and giant Buddha statue that overlooks the princely state of Kandy. It shows Buddha taking the Dhyana Mudra position, which was how he attained enlightenment.

0 km
from city center 6 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Located in the city centre, Kandy view point is regarded as the highest point in the city from where one can appreciate Kandy lake as if just below their feet and also the Dalada Maligawa Temple. The viewpoint is easily accessible and provides a serene setting, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the city is bathed in soft light.

0 km
from city center 7 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Kandy’s legacy and heritage remains incomplete without getting a glimpse of the Royal Palace of Kandy, situated in the north to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Before British Colonialism overtook the Kandyan Kingdom, this was the last royal structure built in the heart of Kandy city by Vikramabahu III in the 14th century.

0 km
from city center 8 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Ceylon Tea Museum was structured in 1925 as the former Hantana Tea factory. Later in 1998, this tea factory was converted into the famous Ceylon Tea Museum. It showcases the history and heritage of the world-famous and finest Ceylon tea, exhibits the glory of legendary tea pioneers like James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, and also has on display vintage tea-manufacturing instruments.

3 km
from city center 9 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Commonwealth War Cemetery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a solemn site dedicated to the soldiers of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives during World War II. Located near the town center, the cemetery is well-maintained and contains the graves of soldiers from various nations, including the UK, India, and other Commonwealth countries.

75 km
from city center 10 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is only a bus ride away from Kandy, with direct buses taking only an hour to make the journey. The Sigiriya Rock is 650 metres high, and visitors can climb two of the rocks at this fortress. Lion’s Rock is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the gorgeous view atop the Rock is well worth visiting.

1 km
from city center 11 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The International Buddhist Museum or World Buddhist Museum is the first of its kind in the world and is in the cultural and administrative capital of Sri Lanka Kandy. It is nestled in the complex that once served as the King’s residence along with the National Museum and Temple of the Tooth, hence its structure exhibits royalty, grandeur and elegance at its best.

10 km
from city center 12 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Lankatilaka Temple, dating back to the 14th century, is an iconic Buddhist temple from the Gampola period in Sri Lanka. Located near the Gadaladeniya Vihara in Kandy, it is renowned for its exceptional architecture and historical significance. The temple showcases intricate stonework and murals that reflect the cultural and religious essence of Sri Lanka during the Gampola reign.

0 km
from city center 13 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Kandy National Museum, located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a key cultural institution showcasing the region’s rich history and heritage. Housed in a former royal palace, the museum exhibits a collection of artifacts, including royal regalia, ancient weaponry, paintings, and religious artifacts.

63 km
from city center 14 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Dambulla Cave Temple also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Matale District. It is the best-preserved and most extensive cave temple complex in the country, comprising five main caves, each possessing numerous statues of Lord Buddha and some figures of kings and statues of Lord Vishnu.

0 km
from city center 15 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Wales Park, also known as The Royal Palace Park, offers majestic views of Kandy Lake and the city. Tourists can walk through the walking trails and the woodlands and check out the Japanese field gun on show. Lord Mountbatten had presented this field gun to the city of Kandy, and it is on display under a pavilion guarded by statues of lions and separated from the main walkway by a moat.

57 km
from city center 16 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated at an altitude 2,100–2,300 metres and located in Central Sri Lanka. It is a government protected area which is surrounded by massive cloudy forests and never-ending grasslands. Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination to visit the famed ‘World’s End Cliff’, a long, steep plunge of 880m where the plateau comes to a dramatic stop.

27 km
from city center 17 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was launched to provide shelter and nourishment to abandoned, injured and maimed elephants. The ideology behind this project revolves around the care of abandoned baby elephants, who cannot survive without their mothers. The animals are really friendly and if tourists jump into the water with them they spray them with water from the trunk.

0 km
from city center 18 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The 7-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella takes tourists through the most scenic route Sri Lanka has to offer. The open doors and windows of the old-fashioned train mean travellers can literally experience the wind in their hair as they take in the green rolling hills, tea farms, waterfalls and hilltop villages. The train stops at hilltop towns like Haputale and Nuwara Eliya, and tourists can explore the tea plantations there.

0 km
from city center 19 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Founded by King Vikramabahu III between 1357-1374 AD, Embekka Devalaya is an ancient temple dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the local deity Devatha Bandara of Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Udunuwara in Kandy district of Sri Lanka and encompass three sections: Sanctum of Garagha, Dance Hall, and Drummer’s Hall.

1 km
from city center 20 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena, located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is one of the most prominent Buddhist monasteries in the country and an important center for Buddhist learning. Established over 400 years ago, it is part of the historic Asgiri Chapter, which played a significant role in preserving and promoting Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

1 km
from city center 21 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Raja Tusker Museum is dedicated to the stuffed remains of an elephant called Raja, one of the most important animals in the history of Sri Lanka. It is located within the royal complex on the site of Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Raja belonged to the temple, served at the annual Esala Perahera festival, and carried the casket of the Sacred Tooth for nearly half a century.

4 km
from city center 22 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Galamaduwa Raja Maha Viharaya is an old temple located in the Kalapura Village in Kandy district in Sri Lanka, which is a good place to visit for history enthusiasts; especially those that like to explore uncrowded places. Built under the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (the last king of Kandy), this temple is known for its stunning roof artwork and architecture that amalgamates Piyo rocks and seems vividly similar to a Hindu Kovil.

1 km
from city center 23 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Galadeniya Vihara, also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple in Pilimathalawa, Kandy located on the border of Udunuwara and Yatinuwara. Erected in around 1344 under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, the temple’s architecture incorporates the ancient Dravidian style with Sinhalese Polonnaruwa and Indo-Chinese patterns.

28 km
from city center 24 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Dedicated to caring for, protecting and treating elephants, the Millenium Elephant Foundation was established in 1999 and is family-run. Visitors can go on bareback elephant rides or instead go on walks with the elephants, watching in awe as these majestic animals amble along. They can also help elephants bathe in the river, take an elephant shower, or visit an elephant dung factory. The foundation is funded by visitors and volunteers.

25 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Kandy Esala Perahera, famously known as The Festival of the Tooth, is celebrated across Sri Lanka and brings in a unique crowd of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The festival lights up the town for a ten-day celebration in July or August. Kandy Perahara procession is a procession where one can experience and witness the displays of traditional customs.

1 km
from city center 26 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Housed in the historic KAA building in Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandyan Art Association is a perfect place to shop for authentic art and craft of Kandy. It is an ideal spot for serious art collectors and tourists interested in buying gifts and souvenirs. A one-hour cultural show is held at 05:30 PM daily, where Kandy’s culture and heritage are celebrated through dance and music.

5 km
from city center 27 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Ranweli Spice Garden located near Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden also provides a pick-up service available from Kandy to the Ranweli Spice Garden. They organize guided tours for visitors where the English-speaking guide explains the essentials of flavor generation and its history.

1 km
from city center 28 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Kandy Garrison Cemetery, located near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth is a historical site with graves dating back to the British colonial period. The last burial took place in 1951, and today, the cemetery is a peaceful place surrounded by trees and offering views of the nearby lake. Caretaker Charles Carmichael guides visitors through the site, sharing stories about the lives of those buried there.

5 km
from city center 29 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Arunalu Spice Garden is one of the most popular spice gardens in Matale, Sri Lanka. Visitors have to pay a small entry fee to embark on an aromatic journey among the plantations and learn more about their cultivation. Relaxing massage packages are also available at the Arunalu Spice Garden for those who want to indulge in a calming experience.

24 km
from city center 30 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Luckyland Spice Garden, located in Hingula, grows, cultivates and commercially sells spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and cardamom. The special Sri Lankan curry powder produced with the organically grown spices is a good buy. Visitors can also see ornamental plants such as cocoa, saffron and sandalwood at the Luckyland Spice Garden.

0 km
from city center 31 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Knuckles Mountain range is an unusual terrestrial landform located in Matale and Kandy, in Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name was given by the British, and the locals call this range 'Dumbara Kanduvetiya', which means mist-laden mountains. Knuckles Mountain Range is called so because of its uncanny resemblance to the fingers of a clenched fist.

33 km
from city center 32 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Sirilak Spice and Herbal Botanical Garden located in Matale houses various spice plants. In addition to witnessing these plants, visitors also learn more about their medicinal benefits through guided tours. There are shops inside the garden selling organic herbs and spices as well.

0 km
from city center 33 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Huluganaga falls is located in a rustic town of the same name. It is approximately an hour to an hour and a half journey to reach. The rocks surrounding the waterfall and the river keep the waters from getting muddy, even during the monsoons. As the place experiences sudden and rapid surges in the water levels, it is strictly prohibited to enter the water.

10 km
from city center 34 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

The Pallekele cricket stadium, capable of hosting 35,000 spectators, is half an hour’s drive to the east of Kandy city centre. It was built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup and hosts both test and one-day international matches. Visitors could catch an international match or watch the local Kandurata cricket team play. It is open from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

10 km
from city center 35 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Sri Lanka and its tea plantations go hand in hand. In the central province of Sri Lanka stands Giragama Tea Plantation, a quaint village known for tea cultivation. Giragama was one of the first few plantations near Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka.

9 km
from city center 36 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, located in the mountains near Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a prominent Buddhist temple known for its stunning location and breathtaking panoramic views. Established to promote Buddhist teachings and practices, the center features a large statue of the Buddha, as well as meditation areas and serene surroundings ideal for spiritual reflection.

32 km
from city center 37 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

You can explore the Royal Spice Garden in Matale to understand how the herbs and spices are grown and processed. Ayurvedic medicines for conditions such as diabetes are available at the Garden’s sales counter. Visitors must be cautious while purchasing using their debit/credit cards as card cloning fraud is a common worry in and around the place.

4 km
from city center 38 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Known as the spice island, Sri Lanka has three famous spice gardens – Ranweli spice gardens in Kandy and Arunalu spice gardens in Matale and the New Ranweli Spice gardens in Kandy. The renowned spice gardens of Kandy and their exuberant quality lies in the fact that they are produced through organic farming and have received a fair trade certification.

5 km
from city center 39 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Mountains have the power to uplift your spirits; a reason why mountains are the most sought after destinations for all kinds of tourists. One such spot in the heart of the island country, Sri Lanka is Hanthana mountain range. The spectacular view that you get of the entire Kandy city from Hanthana mountain range will keep you awestruck for your entire journey.

37 km
from city center 40 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Located along the connecting railway lines between Colombo and Badulla, Galboda Falls is can be reached only via train as there is no properly developed road system. Board a train from Kandy to visit Galboda Ella, which is a 20 to 25-minute walk from the station. Since the place experiences a sudden and rapid increase in water level, it is highly prohibited to enter the water.

73 km
from city center 41 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Maduru Oya National Park is home to diverse wildlife and fascinating Buddhist ruins. With a population numbering more than a hundred, Asian elephants are the best feature of this national park. The wildlife at the park includes leopards, pangolins, mugger crocodiles, and birds such as cormorants and storks.

21 km
from city center 42 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Saree Ella Waterfall, located in the central region of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful and serene waterfall nestled near the town of Udugama in the Galle District. The waterfall is named after the flowing water resembling a saree, with its cascading waters gently flowing over a rock face, creating a picturesque scene. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers, with a short hike leading visitors through lush greenery and dense forest.

0 km
from city center 43 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Situated a short drive away from Kandy, Kadiyanalena Falls is approximately a 2-hour journey from Kandy. Housing five cascades, the Kadiyanlena falls has clean natural pools at each one of them. According to locals, the first pool at the bottom is close to 100 feet deep and forbidden to use. The other four pools, lesser than 10 feet deep are relatively safer.

3 km
from city center 44 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Built in 1771 AD under the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasinha, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is an old Buddhist rock temple located in the Kandy district in Sri Lanka. Kandyan Era Frescoes, ancient mural paintings designed in the Kingdom of Kandy, are also one of the main highlights of this temple.

25 km
from city center 45 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Asupini Ella located in Aranayake, Mawanella is 25 km from Kandy. Surrounded by thickets of greenery, this attraction provides a scenic view. As the road leading to the falls is in poor condition, it can be challenging to access Asupini Ella Falls at times.

14 km
from city center 46 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Hunnas Falls is tucked away in a small village that is located approximately 15 km from Kandy. Considered to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kandy, Hunas Falls is also a popular honeymoon destination. The waterfall vicinity also houses multiple hotels that are easily accessible from Kandy.

49 km
from city center 47 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Located in Hasalaka, Rathna Ella is the 14th highest waterfall (111 meters) in the country. A popular trekking destination, visitors would have to undertake a 3-km trek along the water channel bracketed by lush green forests to reach the falls.

31 km
from city center 48 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Located 30 km away from Kandy, the Sudugala Falls is located on the Samanalagama Road in the Nawalapitiya area close to the Heightenford railway platform. Also known as Heightenford Falls and Galpoththa Ella Falls, the waterfall ends in a 2-feet deep wide shallow pool.

18 km
from city center 49 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Located in Gomara, Jodu Ella Waterfall is approximately 18 km from Kandy. Also known as ‘Bambarella Knuckles falls’, this twin-falls have identical lengths of 45 meters and cascade simultaneously from both ends of the mountain into the Mahaweli River via Hulu Ganga River. A kilometer’s trek is needed to reach the falls.

8 km
from city center 50 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, located in the Kegalle District of Sri Lanka, is an ancient and significant Buddhist temple with historical and cultural importance. Situated on a hill, the temple offers a peaceful environment and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple is known for its beautiful Buddha statues, including a massive reclining Buddha, as well as its rich collection of murals and carvings depicting Buddhist teachings.

23 km
from city center 51 out of 51
Things To Do in Kandy

Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple, located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka, is a significant Buddhist site with historical and religious importance. The temple, which dates back over 2,000 years, is situated on a rocky hill and consists of a series of cave temples adorned with ancient frescoes and Buddhist statues. It is particularly known for its association with the first written documentation of the Tripitaka.