Kandy, Sri Lanka's second largest city, is one of the most popular spots to visit when backpacking through Sri Lanka.
Backpackers often stop here on their way towards the hill country areas of Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
If you’ve got 2 or three days to spare, then a stop to Kandy is worth it.
So keep reading to check out our epic guide on 15 brilliant places to visit in Kandy this year.
First things first ...
If you have started your backpacking journey through Sri Lanka from Colombo, you can reach Kandy in around 2-2.5 hours (traffic dependent).
You’ve got a couple of different options available to you, each of which I discuss below.
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This will depend on the amount of time you’ve got to backpack Sri Lanka.
In general, if you’ve only got a limited amount of time, then I would reduce the amount of time you spend in Kandy.
Bradley and I stayed 2 nights, which we thought was sufficient for all the Kandy attractions that we will discuss below.
You could possibly do all the things to do in Kandy in one day, but it would be a long day.
Instead, it’s nicer to break it up into two and take it easy.
Also, some of the accommodation in Kandy is BEYOND amazing, so you might want to stay just to experience an infinity pool for a day longer.
P.S. if you’re super short on time on your trip to Sri Lanka, then you can always opt for a day trip to Kandy from Colombo.
You’ll get to see all the best sites and even visit a tea factory (always fun in Sri Lanka!).
You can check prices and availability here.
After MUCH research and deliberation, Bradley and I wanted to stay somewhere slightly outside the Kandy centre (10-15 minute drive), as we had just finished some hotel reviews and had a lot of work to catch up on.
So we needed 4 things:
In the end, we also got a pool which was a bonus!
We stayed in Nelinsa Kandy which cost just 1800 LKR each and with tonnes of excellent reviews, you know we aren’t lying when we say it was good!
They also serve dinner on your balcony which is delicious and well priced (you can check out prices and availability here on Booking.com).
For more inspiration on where to stay in Kandy, you can check out my guide on the best Kandy hotels.
Well now that we’ve sorted out how you’re getting there, let’s check out (what we believe to be) 15 of the best places to visit and things to do in Kandy.
This is one of the most well-known Kandy attractions; it’s a beautiful temple located in the middle of the city which is said to house Buddha's tooth.
Also known as the sacred tooth relic.
The tooth is kept behind a glass and you can see it if you wish.
It’s a 17th-century temple and it’s certainly a very unique place to visit in Sri Lanka, and a real chance to get more insight into the Buddhist religion.
I recommend visiting in the morning before the crowds gather, and be aware of local holidays which will also make it super busy.
This is another UNESCO world heritage sight that’s located in Sri Lanka.
You’ll soon discover that there are lots, especially in the cultural capital area of Anuradhapura.
Price: $10/Person
Book: Check GetYourGuide
Opening Times: 5.30 am to 8 pm
This is without doubt my favourite place to visit in Kandy as it really is pure beauty.
In fact, I consider this not only one of the most beautiful places in Kandy, but Sri Lanka as a whole.
The gardens are very well maintained and depending on when you visit, there will be lots of beautiful flowers.
I wanted to see blooming rose gardens, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the season.
However, as you walk around with your map in hand there are lots of amazing plants and flowers to see.
It’s a calming area and a perfect place to spend a day in the sun.
It cost Bradley and me $15 for the both of us.
However, I had read online it would cost $15 each, so I think when you visit in Monsoon-like Brad and I did, it’s cheaper.
Within the park itself, there is a lovely restaurant that sits on the main field and it’s cheap to dine with a lovely view.
They take cards as payment too which is useful; so you can grab yourself a cup of tea and plan out your route around the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The perfect spot for lunch!
You could spend up to three hours here, depending on what you want to do.
There is a well-priced souvenir shop on the way out, and I bought my Sri Lanka shot glass here (for those who are new readers, I’ve been collecting shot glasses from every country I’ve been too, which means I have a lot!).
It was the cheapest I saw in all of Sri Lanka, coming in at just 200 LKR.
Price: $15/Person
Book: You buy directly from the entrance
Opening Times: 8 am to 5.30 pm
Kandy Lake is one of the most iconic areas of the city, and if you want an evening stroll when the heat isn’t too strong, then this is one of the best things to do in Kandy at night.
The lake itself is quite manic with traffic during rush hour, so if you want less beeping, then head early in the morning.
There are some bench areas for you to stop and take in the surroundings.
There is also a little island in the middle with palm trees, but I am not sure if you can actually visit it.
But I think if you visit either early morning, or late evening, then you’ll be surprised at just how peaceful this area of Kandy can actually be.
Plus, it’s free!
Read Also: 50 Amazing Things To Do In Sri Lanka
This is a historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy and is the perfect spot for those seeking walking/hiking and adventure.
This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kandy and it’s totally worth a full day trip.
If you’re into birdwatching, you can arrange a guide for around 500 LKR which is super cheap.
This is a good spot to pack a picnic, even grab a couple of beers and go for a relaxing walk in the sunshine.
You will be given a detailed map at the entrance (as part of the cost) which will show you where each path leads and even without a guide you can find your way passing through, ‘Marble Seat’, ‘The Lover’s Walk’, Ironwood forest and Buddhist monasteries.
Price: 500 LKR/Person
Book: You buy directly from the entrance.
Opening Times: 7 am to 6 pm
I adore a view from above, and if you want the chance to see Kandy with a 360 panoramic view, then this is your best shot.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue is the biggest Buddha statue in all of Sri Lanka.
It requires some steps, but you can drive up with a tuk-tuk too.
The beautiful Buddha is also fascinating to see; just remember it's a steep walk, so if you are going during the heat then bring water and put on sunscreen!
It’s actually nestled in the shadow of the Knuckles Mountain Range (which you can visit in Kandy too!), so on a clear day, the views are epic.
This is also a great place to get some cool drone shots.
Read Also: The best places to visit in Arugam Bay
If you like history, or you want to learn more about the Kandian era, then this is a good place to stop.
The museum is in the former royal palace and displays artefacts, weapons and much more from this period in time.
It's located next to the Temple Of The Tooth, so it’s a good spot to visit afterwards.
Also, you can combine this with a visit to the Royal Palace of Kandy which is located North of the Temple of the tooth.
Price: 600 LKR/Person
Book: You buy directly from the entrance.
Opening Times: Official website
After you're done experiencing the most popular things to do in Kandy, I recommend moving on to 2 great places to visit near Kandy: Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
To access these two hill country icons, it's often best to take the train which, in itself, is one of the best things to do in Kandy!
The Kandy to Ella train ride is regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, and I am sure you've seen the pictures splashed all over Instagram.
It passes through tea fields, lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls.
It takes 4 hours to Nuwara Eliya and 7 hours to Ella.
It's cheap if you go for the cheapest class, and I've heard this is best because then you get the best views.
Plus you'll get to mingle with the locals and that is always fun!
Unfortunately, Bradley and I didn't get to go on the world famous train ride, as we had our own tuk-tuk for 4 weeks.
Whilst part of me does wish I did it, we pretty much did the same route and we got to physically stop at all the tea fields and drink tea, and stop at the waterfalls and take pictures.
So I don't think I missed out too much.
Price: $5-15/Person
Book: Buy your tickets here.
Sigiriya is actually around a 2.5 hour drive from Kandy, so it’s totally possible to take a day trip here and visit the amazing Sigiriya Rock!
If you’re short on time in Sri Lanka, then this is a great way to see one of the best sights in the country.
Plus, on your way back, you could stop off at Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple to knock off another item on that Sri Lanka bucket list.
You’ll need to start your day early, but you’ll definitely be able to see both sights in one day from Kandy!
Read also: Complete guide to visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock
Sri Lanka holds a long and poignant history from the Second World War, and you can find 6 commonwealth war cemeteries all over the country. However, the Kandy War Cemetery is perhaps the most popular one.
Located just a mile from the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, this military cemetery is the resting place for soldiers of the British Empire who sacrificed their lives during the war. 203 of them are buried here, including 107 British, 35 East Africans, and 26 Sri Lankan soldiers. Their positions varied from army, airforce, to navy.
I think this is an excellent place to visit to immerse in the nation’s history, while paying tribute to these courageous soldiers. The cemetery itself is maintained by officers, and is open from 7am to 4pm daily.
Opening Times: 7am - 4pm
Avid tea drinkers should visit the Ceylon Tea Museum when in Kandy, no exception. It’s only 3 kilometres from the city and extremely easy to reach.
This museum is a tribute to the authentic Ceylon Tea. Also known as Sri Lankan tea, it’s a popular type of black tea which bears hints of citrus and spice.
Built in 1925, I imagine that most people would be fascinated by the extent of its historical exhibits. From traditional tea-making equipment and machinery, to a comprehensive library and tea cafe on its fourth floor.
Not to mention the breathtaking view from the top floor. Sip on some fragrant, authentic tea as you watch over the landscape of Kandy. The backdrop of Hunnasgiriya and the Matale range make it all the more beautiful!
Price: LKR 400 (Children)/ 800 (Adult)
Opening Times: 8:30am - 3:45pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Fancy a morning stroll, or a relaxing walk in the afternoon just before dinner? I highly recommend a visit to the Wales Park, also known as the Royal Palace Park.
This beautiful park is perched on a hill in the city centre, giving you a sweeping panorama of Kandy lake and the city. It is well beloved by tourists and locals alike, especially for its peaceful ambience that offers respite from the bustles of the city.
Having stood here for hundreds of years, the park is popular among couples! Meanwhile, an old Japanese gun adorns the entrance, which was captured in Burma and presented to the city by Lord Mountbatten.
You can find this historic park right next to the Temple of the Tooth.
Price: LKR 100
Opening Times: 8am - 5pm
For cricket fans, or lovers of sports in general, no visit to Kandy is complete without seeing the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This international cricket stadium opened in 2009 and was built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. In fact, it is the world’s 104th Test venue.
The atmosphere is pretty superb and you can find amenities you would expect from any sports stadium. To experience the full majesty of its huge grounds, I recommend watching a match here!
There are also plans to rename the stadium after Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka’s legendary cricket star, although this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Opening Times: 8am - 6pm
Kandy exudes some of Sri Lanka’s most alluring charms. Why not head over to the iconic Kandy View Point for a panoramic overview of the city?
From up here, you can watch over the mesmerizing Kandy Lake and even see the Temple of the Tooth. The seemingly endless meadows and mountains make it an especially romantic spot during sunset.
You can hike up the 1 km to the view point, or hire a tuk-tuk for a quicker alternative. This is definitely one of the most popular places to visit in Kandy.
Feel free to visit any time of the day, but the view at night of flashing city lights is quite unforgettable. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
If you’re spending a few days in Kandy and have time to spare, I think a trip to the Hulu River Waterfall is called for. It’s just 30 km from the city, but the mystical beauty of its waterfall will make you feel transported to a whole new world.
Locals call it Huluganga Falls, which they often consider as an essential part of their heritage. This 75-meter waterfall cascades down in a majesty that is truly ethereal, for the lack of a better word!
This place is also popular because of the luscious scenery that surrounds the falls; a magnificent landscape in its own.
There’s something about the grandeur of waterfalls that is so therapeutic, and I think a visit to Huluganga Falls will ease away any stress. If you can, I would recommend coming here during the rainy season.
When planning our Kandy itinerary, we found a few other things to see and do that may be of interest. These include:
October to November is the “monsoon” season for Kandy, and it’s actually the time Bradley and I visited. We didn’t have much choice in the matter, but it only rained one day after 2 pm, so it really wasn’t too bad.
Typically, the best time to visit is between December to April as the weather is dry and pleasant. But either way, you can make it work with some strategic day activity planning.
In case you're wondering what cameras we used to take our travel photos and videos from our time in Sri Lanka, here goes:
For a better idea of what we took, check out our epic Sri Lanka packing list.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my post on eight brilliant places to visit in Kandy, and if you’ve got any questions or more ideas to be added to the list, then just let me know below ...
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