Kandy

If you want to truly understand the heart and soul of Sri Lanka, Kandy is where your journey must take you. Sri Lanka's magnificent second city sits surrounded by misty hills and a shimmering lake and carries a cultural richness and historical weight that is felt at every corner. As the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kingdom — holding out against colonial rule for centuries before finally falling to the British in 1818 — Kandy has a pride and an identity that is completely its own. The sacred Temple of the Tooth draws pilgrims and visitors from every corner of the globe, and the legendary Esala Perahera festival is one of the most spectacular and unforgettable cultural events you will ever witness anywhere in the world.

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FAQ’s about Kandy

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Where is Kandy located and how do I get there?

Kandy is Sri Lanka's second largest city and cultural capital, located in the heart of the Central Province at an elevation of approximately 500 metres above sea level, around 115 km from Colombo. The most scenic and enjoyable way to travel is by train from Colombo Fort station — a breathtaking journey of around 2.5 to 3 hours winding through lush green hills, rubber plantations, and spectacular mountain scenery that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful short rail journeys in Asia. By private car or hired vehicle via the Colombo Kandy expressway the journey takes approximately 2 hours making Kandy one of the most accessible and popular destinations on the island.

What is the Temple of the Tooth and why is it so important?

The Temple of the Tooth — known in Sinhala as Sri Dalada Maligawa — is the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and one of the holiest sites in the entire Buddhist world. It is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which according to ancient legend was brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century AD hidden in the hair of a princess. The relic is housed in a golden casket within the magnificent temple complex on the shores of Kandy Lake and draws thousands of devoted Buddhist pilgrims from across Sri Lanka and around the world every single day. Visiting the temple during the morning or evening puja — the daily offering ceremony — when the air fills with the sound of drums, flutes, and chanting is a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.

What is the Esala Perahera and when does it take place?

The Esala Perahera is Sri Lanka's most spectacular and celebrated cultural festival and one of the greatest pageants in the entire world. Held annually in Kandy over ten magnificent nights in July or August, the festival honours the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha with a breathtaking procession of elaborately decorated elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire performers, drummers, and thousands of devoted participants that winds through the ancient streets of the city in a blaze of colour, light, and sound. The grand culmination on the final night — the Randoli Perahera — is the most spectacular of all with over 100 elephants taking part in a procession of extraordinary scale and grandeur. Witnessing the Esala Perahera is widely regarded as one of the greatest cultural experiences in Asia and is an absolute once in a lifetime event.

What are the other must see attractions in Kandy?

Beyond the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy is packed with wonderful attractions and experiences. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya — one of the finest tropical botanical gardens in the world — are a must visit with their magnificent collection of orchids, giant bamboo, and spectacular avenue of royal palms. The serene Kandy Lake at the heart of the city is perfect for a peaceful early morning stroll. The Kandy Cultural Centre hosts nightly performances of traditional Kandyan dance and fire walking that are both thrilling and deeply captivating. The bustling Kandy Market, the hilltop Bahirawakanda Buddha statue overlooking the city, and the fascinating Gem Museum are all well worth exploring during your stay.

What is the best time to visit Kandy?

Kandy can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to its pleasant hill country climate which is generally cooler and more comfortable than the coastal lowlands. The best time to visit is from January to April and again from June to September when rainfall is minimal and the weather is at its most beautiful. Without question the most extraordinary time to visit Kandy is during the Esala Perahera festival in July or August — one of the greatest cultural spectacles on earth that draws visitors from every corner of the globe. Booking accommodation well in advance is absolutely essential if you plan to visit during the festival period as the city fills up very quickly.

Is Kandy a good base for exploring the surrounding region?

Kandy is one of the best bases on the entire island for exploring the surrounding region and makes an excellent hub for multi day excursions. The famous hill country train journey to Ella departs from Kandy station and passes through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are just minutes from the city centre. The ancient cave temples of Dambulla and the rock fortress of Sigiriya are both within comfortable day trip distance. The scenic tea country of Nuwara Eliya and the pilgrimage mountain of Adam's Peak are also easily accessible from Kandy making it the perfect central base for a rich and varied exploration of Sri Lanka's magnificent hill country and cultural heartland.