We fell for Kandy almost instantly. Yes, it’s a busy, traffic‑heavy Asian city, but it still manages to hold onto its lush greenery and an easy, laid‑back charm. It’s the gateway to Sri Lanka’s hill country, tucked between rolling mountains with the city centre wrapped around a calm, scenic lake.
Kandy isn’t a place overflowing with blockbuster attractions — and that’s part of its appeal. Instead, it offers a gentle mix of temples, viewpoints, botanical gardens, cultural experiences and even a forest hike right in the middle of town.
Let’s dive into the best things to do and see in Kandy.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our goal is to provide valuable and helpful content, and any commissions help us to mantain this site.
Get your Sri Lanka Essentials!
- Find cheap flights to Sri Lanka
- Find hotels or hostels for Kandy
- Find activites and tours for Kandy
- Get an eSIM for Sri Lanka. Use our code ‘TBTravellers to receive 5% OFF any eSIM!
Stroll Around Kandy Lake
Set in the centre of the city, Kandy Lake is a calm escape from the constant buzz of traffic that circles its edge. It sits beside some of Kandy’s biggest landmarks, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, making it an easy starting point for exploring the area.
Created in 1807 by Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, the lake was originally part of his plan to build a grand waterway across the valley. The project sparked protests from local communities, and the king responded with brutal force — a dark chapter in the lake’s history. After the lake was completed, the small island at its centre became the king’s private harem, and later, under British rule, an ammunition store.
Walking the full loop is just over 3km and takes around 45 minutes. The stretch closest to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is especially beautiful, with reflections on the water and views across to the forested hills.
Location: Next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
Admire The Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic
One of Kandy’s most revered landmarks is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a place where a single ancient tooth is believed to hold immense spiritual power. It’s the city’s most visited site — and for many Sri Lankans, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime pilgrimage.
Inside this golden‑roofed complex lies Sri Lanka’s most treasured Buddhist relic: a tooth said to belong to the Buddha, brought to the island in the 4th century. The temple itself was constructed between 1687 and 1707 to honour and protect it, and over the centuries it has become a symbol of faith, heritage and national pride.
The best time to visit the Temple of the Tooth is during Buddha Puja. During this ceremony, the casket, containing the Sacred Tooth Relic, is revealed to its worshippers. Those spiritual practices are held three times a day and are really intriguing to witness.
Like all Buddhist Temples, shoulders and knees need to be covered. You need to remove your shoes and give to the staff at a ‘shoe booth’ before you enter which can then be collected on the way out. Payment for your shpe storage is via a donation box.
We chose to keep our socks on as the concrete flooring outside was so hot but be wary that staff hose down the interior of the temple twice a day and this was taking place when we arrived so we ended up with soggy socks!
Location: Sri Dalada Veediya Opening Hours: 5:30AM – 8:00PM Entrance Fee: LKR 2,000 or LKR 1,500 from SAARC countries plus a donation for shoe storage
Climb The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Perched high on Bahirawa Kanda hill, the towering Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue watches over Kandy like a calm guardian. Its bright white silhouette stands out against the city’s green hills, and at 27 metres tall, it’s one of the largest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka — visible from almost anywhere in town.
Completed in 1972, the statue has become one of Kandy’s most iconic viewpoints. From the top, you’re treated to sweeping panoramas of the city, the lake, and the rolling mountains beyond and sunset is an especially beautiful time to visit.
Before stepping into the temple grounds, remember the usual etiquette: shoes and hats off as a sign of respect. The offical closing time is listed as 6:00PM but we were still here at this time with more visitors coming through.
Just a heads‑up: after you’ve paid your entrance fee and start walking toward the stairs that lead to the top lookout, a few locals may stop you and say you need to pay again to go up. You don’t — it’s not an official fee. Simply say “no thank you” to the donation request and continue up the stairs.
Location: Bahirawa Kandy Road Opening Hours: 6:00AM – 6:00PM Entrance Fee: LKR 300 plus a donation for shoe storage
Moutain Bike or Walk Through Udawattakale Forest Park
Udawattakele Royal Forest Park is Kandy’s natural hideaway — a thick, leafy reserve perched just behind the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Once the private forest of Kandyan royalty, it’s now a peaceful escape filled with towering trees, shaded trails and plenty of wildlife.
Trails range from gentle meanders to steeper climbs (nothing too strenuous though), and every now and then you catch glimpses of Kandy’s rooftops through the dense canopy. The trails are very wide and well maintained and there are a few lovely lakes along the route plus a really cool cave to check out.
We decided to hire mountain bikes at the entrance — only LKR 500 for two hours — and it turned out to be the perfect way to explore. The bikes were in great condition, the paths are clearly marked, and the ride is easy for anyone with a basic level of fitness.
Location: Forest Department Office, Sangamitta Mawatha Opening Hours: 6:00AM – 6:00PM Entrance Fee: LKR 930 plus LKR 500 for bike hire
Explore The Kandy Municipal Central Market
Originally established as a small trading hub, the Kandy Municipal Central Market has grown into one of the city’s busiest commercial centres. Formally built in 1875, it has supported generations of farmers, artisans and traders, becoming an essential part of daily life in Kandy and a great place for visitors to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture.
Near the bus station, the market opens into a lively maze of stalls selling spices, vegetables, pastries and everyday essentials. Step inside and your senses are immediately hit with the energy of the ground floor — vendors calling out with offers, the smell of fresh fruit and spices in the air, and rows of fish, dried fish, meat and colourful produce packed tightly together. It’s chaotic, vibrant and wonderfully local.
Be sure to head upstairs where you’ll find incense in every fragrance, stacks of textiles, handmade crafts and even traditional medicines. This is also where the market’s artistic side shines, with beautifully carved wooden sculptures, handmade jewellery and bright batik fabrics that make thoughtful, authentic souvenirs. If you can name it, chances are someone in this market is selling it.
Best time to visit from is from 7:00AM to 10:00AM for the freshest fruit, vegetables and vibrant local atmosphere.
It’s also full of fun little surprises. Lindsay even ducked into a tiny barbershop tucked between the stalls and walked out with a fresh haircut for LKR 500 — easily one of the best bargains of the day!
Location: 144 Central Market Street Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 9:00PM however fresh produce vendors may start winding down around 6:00PM Entrance Fee: Free
Catch A Sunset From Kandy View Point
This hillside viewpoint offers one of the loveliest perspectives over Kandy, especially as the sun begins to dip behind the mountains. From here you can see the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue in the distance and Kandy Lake spread out below — a perfect mix of city and nature.
It ended up being our favourite view in Kandy. At golden hour, the whole city softens into warm light and looks far more beautiful from above than it ever does at street level. Just note that the viewpoint itself is a simple roadside platform. It’s great for snapping photos and soaking in the panorama, but not the kind of place where you’d linger for long or settle in to relax.
Location: Rajapihilla Mawatha Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: Free
Take a Selfie With The Kandy Clock Tower
Built in the early 20th century, the Kandy Clock Tower anchors the city’s busiest crossroads, serving as both a central meeting point and a reminder of Kandy’s colonial past. It rises above the swirl of traffic and tuk‑tuks, keeping quiet watch over the streets and facing toward Kandy Lake. With clock faces on all four sides, it’s impossible to pass through the junction without catching the time — a small but familiar detail woven into the rhythm of daily life.
The tower was constructed in honour of George E. de Silva, an influential figure in Sri Lanka’s independence movement, and today it stands as a subtle tribute to his legacy. Over the decades, it has witnessed Kandy’s transformation from a colonial administrative hub into the vibrant, modern city we see now, its presence unchanged even as the world around it continues to evolve.
Location: Intersection of Sri Dalada Veediya, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Mawatha, and Hiragedara Mawatha Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: Free
Uncover Tea Traditions At The Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum sits inside the old Hantana Tea Factory, built in 1925 in one of the first regions to successfully shift from coffee to tea. After being abandoned for years, the building was restored and now showcases Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, with exhibits on pioneers like James Taylor and Thomas Lipton.
Across four floors, you’ll find original machinery, archival photographs and displays on early tea production. The upper levels focus on tasting and buying Sri Lankan tea, while the top floor offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills — complete with a complimentary cup of tea. One of the highlights is the “Little Giant Tea Roller,” an iconic machine used to twist dried leaves into spirals.
Location: Hantana Road Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00PM and Saturday – Sunday 8:00AM – 5:00PM Entrance Fee: LKR 1,000
We hope this guide inspires your trip to Kandy, a city overflowing with culture, history and stunning hill‑country views. From peaceful gardens to lively markets and iconic landmarks, Kandy offers something special for every traveller. Enjoy soaking up the rhythm of this beautiful city as you continue your Sri Lankan adventure!
Pingback: ✅Guide to Kandy’s Central Market in Sri Lanka - twobudgettravellers.com
Pingback: ✅Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth In Kandy: A Practical Guide - twobudgettravellers.com
Pingback: ✅Where to Stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Budget Friendly Guide - twobudgettravellers.com