Best Things to Do in Kandy

Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. The compact city center is built around a scenic lake, with temples, gardens, museums, and a famous cultural dance show. 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, housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Visit at sunset for the daily Thewawa ceremony.

1. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya — 60 hectares of tropical gardens, a 30-minute drive from the city. Highlights include the orchid house, the giant Javan fig tree, and the avenue of royal palms.

1. Kandy Lake — Walk the 3.5 km perimeter at sunrise or sunset. The lake was built in 1807 by the last Kandyan king.

1. Kandyan Cultural Dance Show — Held nightly at the Kandy Cultural Centre. A high-energy performance of traditional dance, drumming, and fire walking.

1. Bahiravokanda Vihara — A giant white Buddha statue overlooking the city. A short tuk-tuk ride from the center.

1. Udawattakele Forest Reserve — A 257-acre forest sanctuary in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning hike. Look for endemic birds and monkeys.

1. Ceylon Tea Museum — A must for tea lovers, housed in a former Victorian-era tea factory. Exhibits on the history of Ceylon tea.

1. Kandy View Point — For panoramic views of the city and lake. Best at sunset.

1. Spice garden visit — Most tours stop at a working spice garden on the way from Colombo or Dambulla. Learn about cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

1. Day trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range — A 1.5-hour drive into spectacular cloud forest. Hike to scenic viewpoints and visit a Kandyan village.

1. Royal Palace of Kandy — The last residence of the Kandyan kings. The original wooden buildings were destroyed, but the impressive stone gateway remains.

1. Gem museum and shopping — Sri Lanka is famous for sapphires and other precious stones. Several reputable gem dealers in Kandy offer museum tours and certified purchases.