Kandy

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant hill-country city surrounded by rolling tea plantations and misty mountains. At its heart lies the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most revered sites. The city is alive with traditions, music, and dance, especially during the grand Esala Perahera festival. Kandy Lake offers a peaceful retreat, while the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya showcase thousands of plant species. With its unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, Kandy provides travelers an authentic cultural experience and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations. 

Highlights

  • Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important Buddhist shrine

  • Beautiful Kandy Lake and surrounding hill views

  • Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya with diverse flora

  • Vibrant Esala Perahera cultural festival each year

Best Time to Visit

December to April for dry, sunny weather and July–August to witness the Esala Perahera festival.

Weather

  • Average Temperature: 20°C – 28°C

  • Climate: Warm days, cooler nights in hill country

  • Rainfall: Frequent between May and October

Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The single most iconic religious site in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of Buddha (the tooth), making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Buddhism.The temple complex is ornate and is central to Kandy’s identity.
Cultural Festivals & Traditions
Kandy is famed for the Esala Perahera, a ten-day dance, music, torchlight and elephant parade celebrating the tooth relic, typically held in July/August.The city also has vibrant traditions, crafts, religious processions, local performing arts, etc.
Tea, Hills & Scenic Nature
Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, Kandy offers lush green landscapes, cool climate relative to the lowlands, walks in nature (e.g. Udawattakele Forest Reserve), viewpoints, etc.The setting in the central highlands gives it mist, cooler air, scenic valleys.
Historical & Royal Heritage
The last capital of the ancient Sinhala kings, many buildings, ruins and royal institutions remain: old palaces, colonial buildings, royal audience halls, stone monuments. The architecture reflects this history.
Shopping, Crafts & Local Cuisine
Kandy is a hub for Sri Lankan crafts: batiks, carvings, gemstones, woodwork, and more. Markets (central market), Emporium, craft villages, and many local food options. The food is a blend of the hill country, with unique flavours; tea shops are everywhere.
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