Where to stay
Hotels in Kandy
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Sinhala and Tamil and English
Local currency
LKR
(LKR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Near Kandy Lake
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Appreciated, not mandatory.
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
70 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Kottu Roti
Lamprais
Hoppers
Pol Sambol
When to visit Kandy
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: February
Busiest: Dec-Mar
-
Jan85
Pleasant, less rain.
-
Feb90
Dry, sunny, ideal.
-
Mar80
Warm, increasing humidity.
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Apr65
Monsoon starts, humid.
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May55
Wet, heavy rain.
-
Jun50
Rainy, humid.
-
Jul70
Inter-monsoon, festival.
-
Aug75
Warmer, less rain.
-
Sept55
Monsoon returns, wet.
-
Oct50
Heavy rain, humid.
-
Nov55
Rainy, cooler.
-
Dec80
Drier, pleasant.
Things to do in Kandy
6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 6 of 6 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
City Center 2 hrs
Visit Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site, housing a relic of the Buddha's tooth.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Peradeniya 3 hrs
Explore stunning diverse plant collections in these expansive, historic gardens.
Udawattekele Forest Reserve
City Center 2.5 hrs
Hike through this historic forest sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Visit a Tea Factory/Museum
Hanthana 2 hrs
Learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy a fresh brew in the hill country.
Best in the evening
1 place
Kandy Cultural Show
City Center 1.5 hrs
Experience vibrant traditional Kandyan dance, music, and fire walking performances.
Any time of day
1 place
Kandy Lake Walk
City Center 1 hr
Enjoy a serene stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, a central city feature.
Kandy itineraries
With the family
3 Days in Kandy — Family with Kids
Discover Kandy's cultural heart, lush nature, and majestic elephants with your little adventurers.
This 3-day Kandy itinerary is crafted for families with kids, blending cultural immersion with exciting wildlife encounters and serene natural beauty. Explore ancient temples, marvel at elephants, and wander through botanical gardens, creating unforgettable memories in Sri Lanka's hill capital.
3 Days
13 Stops
See the full plan
Food and drink
2 Days in Kandy — Food & Wine
A culinary journey through the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country.
This 2-day itinerary is a feast for the senses, designed for food lovers eager to explore the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Kandy. From bustling markets and aromatic spice gardens to hands-on cooking classes and exquisite tea tastings, you'll savor the essence of Sri Lankan gastronomy. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience through food.
2 Days
8 Stops
See the full plan
Culture and history
3 Days in Kandy — Culture & History
Uncover the ancient heart and spiritual soul of Sri Lanka's hill capital.
This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into Kandy's rich cultural heritage and profound history, offering a journey through sacred sites, colonial legacies, and traditional arts. Perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and those eager to experience the authentic essence of Sri Lankan culture.
3 Days
12 Stops
See the full plan
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Kandy — First-Timer Highlights
Discover the sacred heart, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka's hill capital.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights and sounds of Kandy. From ancient temples and serene lakes to sprawling botanical gardens and rich tea heritage, you'll delve into the city's unique charm and cultural significance, offering a comprehensive introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
3 Days
12 Stops
See the full plan
For couples
2 Days in Kandy — Romance
Discover the enchanting heart of Sri Lanka with your beloved.
Embark on a captivating 2-day romantic journey through Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital. This itinerary is crafted for couples seeking intimate moments amidst lush landscapes, ancient traditions, and serene beauty. From tranquil temple visits to strolls through botanical gardens and scenic tea estates, you'll create unforgettable memories together.
2 Days
10 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book
Tours and activities in Kandy
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Day Tour to Dambulla, Sigiriya and Safari from Kandy (Group Tour)
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Private Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Kandy with Hotel Transfers
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Kandy Village Cooking Class
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Private Car With certified Guide for Multi Day Tours
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Sri Lanka tours package in 9 Days (Amazing Sri Lanka)
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Day tour to Minneriya National Park,Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic Entrance Ticket
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Kandy
Straight-line distance from the centre of Kandy.
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Getaways from Kandy
Places people from Kandy travel to, from our own travel research.
