Kandy
The last royal capital
The last royal capital of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A good base between the Cultural Triangle and the tea country.
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About Kandy
Kandy sits in the hills about 115 km from Colombo, around a lake built by the last Kandyan king. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is the most important Buddhist shrine in the country; the evening puja with drummers is the best time to visit. Nearby are the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, the Udawattakele forest reserve and plenty of tea and spice gardens. In July or August the Esala Perahera brings ten nights of processions with dancers and decorated elephants.
Did you know?
Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and held out against European rule until 1815. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location & Getting There
How to Get There
By road
About 3 hours from Colombo or the airport by road.
By train
About 2.5–3 hours by train from Colombo Fort. Kandy is also the start of the scenic hill country line to Ella. Note: after Cyclone Ditwah, trains do not reach Kandy until repairs finish (expected early 2027).
With us
Your driver-guide picks you up from the airport or your hotel, so you can add Kandy to any private tour.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: December to April
- Recommended duration: 2-4 days
- Dress code at the Temple of the Tooth: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off. White clothing is common.
- If you plan to visit during Esala Perahera (July/August), book hotels months ahead.
- Kandy is pleasant year-round; October and November are usually the wettest months.
Tours that include Kandy
Hill Country Tour
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Ella in 6 days
Complete Sri Lanka Tour
Culture, tea country, safari and beaches in 10 days
Cultural Triangle Tour
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Dambulla in 5 days
Ready to Visit Kandy?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest a route that includes Kandy, with a price per day.