Discover Kandy: The Sacred Hill Capital of Sri Lanka
Surrounded by mist-covered mountain ranges and lush green tea estates, Kandy is the undisputed cultural and spiritual capital of Sri Lanka. Serving as the last royal kingdom of the Sinhalese kings before falling to the British in 1815, Kandy has fiercely preserved its rich traditions, architecture, and religious significance. Today, this bustling yet picturesque city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital stop on any Sri Lankan holiday.
At You First Tours, we believe that understanding a country’s culture is the key to truly experiencing it. Our bespoke Kandy tours are designed to immerse you in the vibrant history, spiritual tranquility, and natural beauty of this majestic highland city.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
No visit to Kandy is complete without paying homage to its most revered landmark: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located on the tranquil shores of Kandy Lake, this magnificent golden-roofed temple houses the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha.
For Buddhists around the world, this is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites on earth. Visitors can explore the exquisitely carved wooden pavilions, the vibrant shrine rooms smelling heavily of lotus flowers and incense, and the fascinating museums detailing the journey of the tooth from India to Sri Lanka. If you visit during the morning or evening Thevava (offerings), you will witness the captivating traditional drumming and chanting that echo through the temple walls.
The Grandeur of the Esala Perahera
If you are fortunate enough to visit Kandy during July or August, you will witness one of the most spectacular religious and cultural festivals in Asia: the Kandy Esala Perahera. This ten-day grand procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic. The streets of Kandy come alive with hundreds of elegantly caparisoned elephants, acrobatic fire-breathers, traditional Kandyan dancers, and drummers in a mesmerizing display of faith and celebration.
Top Attractions In and Around Kandy
Beyond the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy offers a wealth of diverse attractions for nature lovers and history buffs alike:
1. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Just a short drive from the city center lies the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, arguably the finest of its kind in Asia. Originally created as a pleasure garden for Kandyan royalty, this 147-acre expanse is home to over 4,000 species of plants. The highlights include a stunning orchid house, a massive giant Javan fig tree, and the iconic avenue of Royal Palms. It is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a romantic picnic.
2. Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)
Built in 1807 by the last Sinhalese King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, this artificial lake forms the heart of the city. A leisurely walk around the lake at sunset provides beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills and the Temple of the Tooth. Keep an eye out for monitor lizards, pelicans, and turtles!
3. Traditional Kandyan Cultural Show
Every evening, various cultural centers in the city host vibrant performances showcasing traditional Kandyan dance. You will witness acrobatic leaps, rhythmic drum beats, mesmerizing mask dances, and the thrilling finale—fire walking.
4. The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Visible from almost anywhere in the city, this massive 88-foot-tall white Buddha statue sits atop the Bahirawakanda hill. Climbing the steps to the statue rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kandy city and the lake below.
5. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Located just behind the Temple of the Tooth, this historic forest reserve was once the forbidden pleasure garden of the kings. Today, it is a peaceful haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, offering shaded hiking trails teeming with macaques, exotic birds, and giant bamboo.
Best Time to Visit Kandy
Thanks to its elevated position, Kandy enjoys a cooler and more comfortable climate than the coastal regions. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to April. However, if you want to experience the Esala Perahera, you should plan your trip for July or August. While it may experience occasional rain, Kandy’s beauty is year-round.
Book Your Kandy Tour with You First Tours
Kandy is the perfect gateway connecting the Cultural Triangle to the higher Hill Country (like Nuwara Eliya and Ella). Navigating the city’s busy streets and planning temple visits require local expertise.
When you travel with You First Tours, our professional chauffeur guides ensure you skip the stress and focus entirely on the magic of the city. Contact us today to include Kandy in your tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary!
