Kandy
Central · Kandy
Kandy is a Sri Lankan travel destination known for heritage, city, religious, culture.
heritage
Kandy
Quick facts
Ideal stay
1 to 3 nights
Stay length
1-4 nights (2 recommended)
Timezone
Asia/Colombo
Elevation
505 m
Tourism region
Hill Country (Kandy Region)
Budget level
Budget to midrange
Recommended pace
Relaxed
Popularity
6/10
Crowd level
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Coordinates
7.293121, 80.635036
Data status
Generated starter requires verification
Linked attractions
19
Connectivity
Internet quality
Good
Mobile coverage
Excellent
Airports
Nearest airport
Sigiriya Airport (GIU)
Distance from airport
~95 km
Recommended arrival airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Recommended departure airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
History
Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, holding out against Portuguese and Dutch assaults until it fell to the British in 1815. Home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the spectacular Esala Perahera procession, the lakeside city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of the island.
Climate
cool hill country
Best time to visit
Best months
Avoid
Good for
Interest scores
Culture
9/10
Photography
8/10
Relaxation
6/10
Nature
5/10
Food
5/10
Hidden gem
5/10
Adventure
4/10
Wildlife
3/10
Shopping
3/10
Nightlife
2/10
Beach
1/10
Known for
Nearby places
Map view
Kandy location
See Kandy and nearby attraction pins on the map.
Explore Kandy in depth
Experiences
Experiences in Kandy
Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems in Kandy
Food & Dining
Food & Dining in Kandy
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Kandy
Getting Around
Getting Around in Kandy
When to Visit
When to Visit in Kandy
Budget
Budget in Kandy
Safety
Safety in Kandy
Travel Tips
Travel Tips in Kandy
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Itineraries in Kandy
Nearby destinations
Itineraries featuring Kandy
7 days
Classic Sri Lanka in 7 Days
The classic loop: ancient rocks, the hill country train, a leopard safari, and a beach finish. It moves quickly but hits every icon Sri Lanka is famous for.
10 days
Sri Lanka Highlights in 10 Days
Everything in the 7-day classic, plus real time in tea country and two full beach days — the pace most travelers wish they had booked.
14 days
Complete Sri Lanka in 14 Days
Two weeks buys the whole story: all three ancient capitals, the full hill country by rail, a proper safari, and days — not hours — on the coast.
Traveler reviews
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