8 Awesome Places To Visit In Kandy, Sri Lanka
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Kandy is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka because of its central location in the country and numerous historical and cultural monuments. This blog will help you to make plans in Kandy during your holiday in Sri Lanka.
Table of Contents
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN KANDY
Kandy has a rich history, being the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings prior to colonisation. This section will guide you through the best places to visit in Kandy during your tour.
Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa – better known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – is definitely at the top of the list of places to visit in Kandy. The Temple houses a tooth of the Buddha himself, and is considered one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka.
The compound contains many other important places to visit in Kandy, such as the Royal Palace of Kandy and the International Buddhist Museum.
Schedule: Open every day, 5:30 am to 8 pm.
Price: Locals and children can enter for free. For adults from SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar the entry fee is LKR 1500. For adults of all other nationalities, the fee is LKR 2000.
Royal Palace of Kandy
The Royal Palace of Kandy is filled with art and sculptures depicting various stages throughout Sri Lanka’s history. For those who enjoy learning about history and culture, this is an essential stop to understand the history of Sri Lanka – a worthy addition to the list of places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Opens daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Price: Included with Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entry fee.
National Museum of Kandy
The National Museum of Kandy is home to a wide range of artefacts from various stages of Sri Lankan history. The exhibits take you through the various stages of Sri Lanka’s history, from the prehistoric era to the Independence of Sri Lanka in 1948 and beyond.
The unique architecture and intriguing exhibits make it one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Price: Foreigners have to pay 600 LKR for adults and 400 LKR for children.
International Buddhist Museum
The International Buddhist Museum showcases the story of Buddhism through the ages. Maintained by the Sri Dalada Maligawa authorities, it is among one of the most interesting places to visit in Kandy. See historical artefacts from around the world and hear of how this religion has spread throughout Asia.
If you are interested in spirituality and religion, this is one of the places to visit in Kandy that you shouldn’t miss.
Schedule: Open every day, from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Price: Included with Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entry fee.
Kandy War Cemetery
The Kandy War Cemetery is the resting place of hundreds of servicemen from around the world who lost their lives during World War II. For those interested in Sri Lanka’s history and culture, this is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
Price: Free
Kandy Lake
Located just next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake offers visitors a scenic place to walk and enjoy views of the city. It is a popular place for residents to take morning walks and jogs, and is widely regarded as one of the most essential places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.
Price: Free
Ceylon Tea Museum
Located near the scenic Hanthana range, the Ceylon Tea Museum showcases the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. The Museum has a tasting room where guests can get a taste of the finest teas the country produces.
The unique mix of history, business and heritage makes this museum one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. It is open from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Price: The entrance fee for foreigners is 1000 LKR for adults and 500 LKR for children.
PLACES TO VISIT FROM KANDY
Kandy is located towards the centre of Sri Lanka, and is well-connected to several other major cities. After seeing all the incredible places to visit in Kandy, here are the places around Kandy for you to explore during your visit to Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital, Colombo, is a must-visit for anyone coming to Sri Lanka. From spectacular architecture to stunning beaches, Colombo is an incredible city to visit on your tour of Sri Lanka.
Distance from Kandy: 123 km
Top Attractions: Gangaramaya Temple, Mount Lavinia Beach, Galle Face Green, Old Dutch Hospital.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the site of an ancient city, with spectacular sculptures carved from the rock itself. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic tourist spots, with many other smaller archaeological sites all around.
Distance from Kandy: 90 km
Top Attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Vihara.
Dambulla
The cave temples of Dambulla are an incredible sight, filled with intricate artwork and stunning sculptures cut straight out of the rock surrounding it. These temples are considered as a holy site, and the area is an active monastery.
Distance from Kandy: 75 km
Top Attractions: Dambulla Cave Temples
Nuwara Eliya
The centre of the Sri Lankan tea trade, Nuwara Eliya is widely considered as Sri Lanka’s most beautiful city. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s rolling hills.
Distance from Kandy: 75 km
Top Attractions: Dambulla Cave Temples
Negombo
There are few better cities for seafood lovers than Negombo. The city is known for its stunning beaches and old Dutch buildings.
Distance from Kandy: 95 km
Top Attractions: Negombo Lagoon, Negombo Beach, Morawala Beach
Kitulgala
For those seeking adventure, Kitulgala is where you want to be. This small town on the banks of the Kelani river is a hotspot for rafting, rock climbing and trekking.
Distance from Kandy: 60 km
Top Attractions: Rafting, Rock Climbing, Trekking
Also Read : All You Need To Know About Whale Watching In Sri Lanka
Top Places To Stay In Kandy
Choosing the right accommodations can have a major impact on your stay. As Kandy is not . Here are a few hotel recommendations at various price points.
Castle Hill Bungalow
Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
Price Per Night: INR 7000 Onwards
Hotel Cassendra
Accommodation Type: Deluxe Hotel
Price Per Night: INR 3900 Onwards
The Hills By Blue Fox
Accommodation Type: Economy Hotel
Price Per Night: INR 2500 Onwards
Best Time To Visit Kandy
The best time to visit Kandy is between December to April. This time of the year is cooler than the rest of the year, with a low chance of rainfall.
See The Best Places To Visit In Kandy With Flying Squirrel Holidays
One of the most famous Kandy attractions is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. This sacred temple houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, making it one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. Pilgrims from all over the globe visit this temple to pay homage to the relic, and visitors can witness the temple’s stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The temple’s significance, combined with its beautiful surroundings, makes it a must-see when exploring Kandy attractions. The temple complex is beautifully adorned with intricate carvings, golden roofs, and peaceful gardens, adding to its sacred appeal.
Another prominent attraction in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens, located in Peradeniya, just a short distance from the city center. This sprawling garden is renowned for its impressive collection of tropical plants, orchids, and towering trees. It is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The Royal Botanical Gardens also feature an intricate layout with a large number of walking paths, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery. The gardens’ picturesque beauty and variety of plant species make it one of the top Kandy attractions for nature lovers and photographers.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding Kandy, Kandy Lake is another iconic attraction. Situated right next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this artificial lake provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks or boat rides. The lake is surrounded by lush hills and is an ideal location to unwind while taking in the scenic views. The area around Kandy Lake is also home to various birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Whether you want to relax or capture beautiful photographs, Kandy Lake is one of the most picturesque attractions in the city, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
For a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding hills, head to Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, an area of pristine rainforest located just above Kandy. This sanctuary offers scenic trails through dense jungle, leading to stunning viewpoints overlooking Kandy. It’s a peaceful escape into nature where you can enjoy the lush landscapes and observe a variety of flora and fauna. As one of the top Kandy attractions for those who enjoy hiking and wildlife, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s cultural landmarks.
In conclusion, Kandy is brimming with a wide range of attractions that showcase its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. From the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to the serene Kandy Lake, each attraction tells a unique story and provides a memorable experience. Whether you’re exploring Kandy’s spiritual sites, and natural parks, or engaging with the local arts, the city offers something for every traveler to enjoy. Be sure to include these Kandy attractions in your itinerary for an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka
There are many incredible places to visit in Kandy. However, Kandy is just one city among the many other places to see in Sri Lanka. At Flying Squirrel Holidays, our team of travel experts can help you create an incredible adventure in Sri Lanka, from stunning tea gardens to thrilling whale watching experiences. Explore Sri Lanka hassle-free with Flying Squirrel Holidays.
FAQs
Is Kandy worth visiting?
Kandy is a city with many important cultural and historical sites. It is an important place to understand the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
Why is Kandy famous?
Kandy is known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is also known for being the city where many scenes from the movie Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom were filmed.
Is 1 day enough for Kandy?
One day is enough to explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. To visit all of the places to visit in Kandy, it is best to keep at least 3 days and 2 nights.
