Kandy is nestled between green hills in the heart of Sri Lanka. The city smells of incense and jasmine, and everywhere you hear the sound of tuk-tuks and temple bells. But what should you actually see and do here? From the sacred Temple of the Tooth to the peaceful shores of Kandy Lake: this city combines spirituality with tropical nature. In this article you’ll read about things to do in Kandy and how to explore the city in the best way – on foot, by bike or just at your own pace.
- Temple of the Tooth: Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage site
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: 60 hectares of tropical flora, including giant bamboo forests
- Kandy Lake: An artificial lake from 1807, surrounded by walking paths
- Local markets: Taste fresh fruit, tea and spices at Kandy Market Hall
- City tour: Discover hidden temples and neighborhoods where tourists rarely go
Why Kandy is more than just temples
Kandy was the capital of Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom for centuries. You still notice this today: the architecture is regal, the traditions are alive, and the residents are proud of their heritage. The Temple of the Tooth houses a tooth relic of Buddha – according to legend, whoever possesses the tooth is the rightful ruler of the island.
But there’s more than religion. The city sits at 500 meters altitude, surrounded by tea plantations and rainforests. The climate is therefore more pleasant than on the coast. You’ll also find the island’s best tea here, local artists performing traditional dances, and a wood carving craft that has been passed down for generations.
Things to do in Kandy: the main attractions
You can see Kandy in two days, but a week remains interesting too. Here are the highlights that make the difference between a quick stop and a real introduction to the city:
- Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Come early in the morning, around 5:30 AM, for the first puja ceremony. You’ll see monks in saffron robes, smell incense, and hear the sound of drums and conch shells. The queues are shorter and the atmosphere is more intimate than later in the day.
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: These gardens are located 6 kilometers outside Kandy and are more than 200 years old. Walk through the famous palm avenue, where more than 100 species of palms grow. In August and September the orchids bloom – then you see thousands of colors at once.
- Kandy Lake: This lake was created by the last king of Kandy. Take an hour-long walk around the water, especially at sunset. You’ll see bats emerging from the trees and local families picnicking on the grass.
- Kandy Market Hall: The market is open Monday to Saturday. Come between 7 and 9 AM for the best selection: piles of mangosteen, rambutan, passion fruit and papaya. On the first floor you’ll find spice vendors who explain exactly which spices you need for which dish.
The surroundings of Kandy: tea plantations and nature parks
Many visitors stay in the center, but the surroundings are just as interesting. A half-hour drive takes you to the tea plantations of Loolecondera Estate, where Ceylon’s first tea plant was planted in 1867. You can take tours and taste fresh tea – much better than what you find in the supermarket.
For nature lovers there’s the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a protected rainforest in the middle of the city. It’s quiet, green and cool. You walk among lianas, bamboo and giant trees, and with a bit of luck you’ll see monkeys, snakes and tropical birds. The entrance is right next to the Temple of the Tooth, but few tourists know about it.
Practical information for your visit to Kandy
A few things you should know before you leave:
- Best time to visit: Kandy has two monsoon periods. The driest months are January to April and July to September. In December there’s the Esala Perahera festival – a 10-day celebration with elephants, dancers and thousands of visitors. Book in advance though, as hotels fill up.
- Dress code: Wear covered shoulders and knees in temples. Bring a light scarf or sarong that you can wrap around yourself. The sun is strong, so a hat and sunscreen are essential. Sturdy sandals or walking shoes are more practical than flip-flops, especially if you’re going to the tea plantations.
- What to bring: A reusable water bottle (tap water isn’t drinkable, but there are many refill stations), mosquito spray for the evening, and cash – many small shops and market vendors don’t accept cards.
- Transport: Tuk-tuks are everywhere and cheap. Always negotiate the price before you get in – €2 to €5 for a ride through the city is normal. You can also rent a scooter for about €10 per day, but the traffic is chaotic.
Exploring Kandy the local way
Most travelers see Kandy from a tuk-tuk or tour bus. But the city is better discovered at a slower pace. Walking is an option, but it’s hilly and hot. That’s why more and more visitors choose a bike tour – you get further than on foot, but you stay close enough to the city to see details you’d otherwise miss.
With our bike tour through Kandy you see the city through the eyes of a local guide. You ride through neighborhoods where no tourists go, stop at a family business that has been packaging tea since 1920, and taste fresh fruit at a market where only locals shop. The route passes Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth, but also goes to places you’d never find yourself: a wood carving workshop, an herb garden, an old colonial building that’s now a school.
The tour lasts about three hours and is suitable for anyone who can cycle comfortably. The groups are small – maximum 12 people – so you can ask questions and go at your own pace. You get a well-maintained bike, a helmet, and a guide who grew up in Kandy and knows the city like the back of his hand. Book your spot via this page and start your day in the best way.
Food and drink: what to try in Kandy
The cuisine in Kandy is spicy, full of spices, and often vegetarian. Try a rice and curry at a local restaurant – you’ll get a plate of rice with 5 to 8 small bowls of curry (vegetables, lentils, sometimes fish or chicken). It costs about €2 and fills you up all afternoon.
For breakfast there are hoppers: thin rice pancakes with an egg in the middle. Eat them with sambal and coconut chutney. And don’t forget the tea: Kandy is in the heart of tea country, so order a pot of Ceylon tea – black, without milk, with a slice of lemon.
For those who want something sweet: try kiri pani (coconut milk in a coconut shell, frozen into ice cream) or watalappan (a pudding of coconut milk, jaggery and spices). You’ll find these desserts at the market and from street vendors.
Frequently asked questions about Kandy
How many days do you need for Kandy?
Two to three days is ideal. On day one you see the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the market. On day two you go to the Botanical Gardens and take a city tour. Day three you can use for the tea plantations or the rainforest. If you have more time, day trips to Sigiriya or Dambulla are also possible.
How much does a tour of Kandy cost?
A bike tour costs about €95 per person and lasts three hours. This includes bike, helmet, guide, and sometimes a drink along the way. Tuk-tuk tours are cheaper (€15 to €30), but you see fewer details and don’t get into the smaller streets.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but we recommend that children be at least 12 years old and able to cycle comfortably. The route isn’t technically difficult, but traffic in Kandy can be busy. Children under 12 are better off riding in a tuk-tuk or joining a private tour where the pace can be adjusted.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, especially during high season (December to April). Groups are small and spots fill up quickly. Book at least a week in advance via our website. Last-minute bookings are sometimes still possible, but you’ll have less choice in timing.
What’s the best time of day for a tour?
Morning is most pleasant – between 8 and 11 AM it’s not too hot yet, and the city is at its most beautiful. The markets are also open and you’ll see the daily life of locals. Avoid the afternoon (12 to 3 PM), as it’s hot and many shops are closed for lunch.
Ready to discover Kandy?
Kandy is a city you won’t soon forget. The scent of incense, the sound of temple bells, the taste of fresh tea – these small things together form a greater whole. Whether you have one day or a whole week, the city has enough to offer for everyone.
Want to see Kandy the way locals know it? Then book your tour with our local guides and discover places that aren’t in the guidebook. Groups are small, bikes are good, and the stories are real. Reserve your spot and get ready for a day you’ll remember for a long time.