Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. Plan at least two nights here to fully appreciate it.
1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — The most important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka.
2. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya — 60 hectares of tropical gardens, a 30-minute drive from the city.
3. Kandy Lake — Walk the 3.5 km perimeter at sunrise or sunset.
4. Kandyan Cultural Dance Show — Held nightly at the Kandy Cultural Centre.
5. Bahiravokanda Vihara — A giant white Buddha overlooking the city.
6. Udawattakele Forest Reserve — A 257-acre forest sanctuary in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning hike.
7. Ceylon Tea Museum — A must for tea lovers, in a former Victorian-era tea factory.
8. Kandy View Point — For panoramic views of the city and lake.
9. Spice garden visit — Most tours stop at a working spice garden on the way from Colombo or Dambulla.
10. Day trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range — A 1.5-hour drive into spectacular cloud forest.
11. Royal Palace of Kandy — The last residence of the Kandyan kings.
12. Gem museum and shopping — Sri Lanka is famous for sapphires and other precious stones.
