Kandy
History
Mountain Walks
Bird Watch
Location Highlights
- Wet zone forests and mountainous landscape
- Last royal capital of the Sinhalese kingdom
- Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) – sacred Buddhist temple houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
- Cultural dance show
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – explore with guided walk
- Trek Pekoe Trail Stage 1 – Hanthana to Galaha
Known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the heart of the hill country, Kandy is a historic city bustling with life, surrounded by lush green hills. Once the stronghold of the last Sinhalese kingdom, it remains a vibrant centre for culture, art, and spirituality — home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the picturesque Kandy Lake.
It also serves as an ideal stopover when travelling from Sigiriya or Negombo towards the cooler, higher mountains of Sri Lanka’s hill country, offering a perfect balance between cultural discovery and scenic beauty. Acting as a natural transit point between the north and south, Kandy connects Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland with its misty mountain regions.
The Temple of the Tooth &
Kandy Town
The sacred shrine housing the relic is the Sri Dalada Maligawa, meaning “Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.” It stands within the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which dates back to the late 16th century.
The relic is believed to be the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka from Kalinga, India, by a prince and princess in the 4th century AD (around 371 AD).
Since its arrival, the possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic has been closely tied to political legitimacy in Sri Lanka. Protecting and enshrining it within the capital — first Anuradhapura, then Polonnaruwa, and finally Kandy — was considered a sacred duty of the monarch, symbolising the divine right to rule.
The temple complex showcases traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship, with beautifully carved wooden pillars, intricate Kandyan paintings and murals, and delicate gilded roof details. As you wander through the gardens and courtyards, you’ll come across various shrines and pavilions that together form one of the island’s most sacred and architecturally significant sites. Visiting in the morning or evening offers the chance to witness the daily pooja (ritual ceremony) accompanied by traditional Sri Lankan drumming, a deeply spiritual and memorable experience.
The old town center surrounding the complex is dotted with colonial-era buildings, Hindu temples, churches, and mosques, and overlooks the picturesque Kandy Lake. With its restaurants, shops, schools, and offices, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, especially in the morning or evening, where you can experience history and everyday local life unfolding side by side.
Walks & Nature,
Culture
Kandy offers several great walks for those who love nature. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, once the king’s royal garden, is now a tranquil forest reserve located just behind the Temple of the Tooth — perfect for a peaceful stroll among tall trees, monkeys, and birds, right in the heart of the city. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, one of the finest in Asia, showcases over 4,000 plant species, graceful palm-lined avenues, and vibrant orchid houses. For something more adventurous, explore Pekoe Trail Stage 1, which winds through misty tea plantations with sweeping views of the Hanthana Mountain Range, offering opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Another great way to experience Kandy is through a local cooking class, where a friendly home cook takes you to the market to select fresh vegetables before welcoming you into her home to learn the art of Sri Lankan cooking.
Our Favorite Accommodation in Kandy
The Trees Kandy
This is a new, modern hotel perched on a mountainside overlooking Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the city below. The property features sleek, contemporary architecture with a spacious lobby, a stylish café area, and fairly large, comfortable modern rooms — each with a balcony offering stunning views. The highlight is the rooftop bar, restaurant, and infinity pool, where guests can relax while taking in the panoramic scenery of Kandy.
Service is warm and attentive, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, while the restaurant serves excellent Sri Lankan and international dishes in a bright, airy alfresco rooftop setting. Kandy town center is just a five-minute walk downhill, though the return climb uphill takes a little longer.
Kings Pavilion Kandy
Stepping into the grounds of Kings Pavilion feels like entering a botanical garden or a pocket of rainforest, with a refreshingly cooler temperature than the surrounding city. You can truly hear the quietness of the place — a calm, soothing escape from Kandy’s bustle. The hotel features elegantly furnished, spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the mountains, and offers intimate, attentive service. The pool set at the edge of the garden perfectly frames the lush greenery and mountain views, making it one of Kandy’s most serene stays.
Offering a range of experiences, guests can choose from hands-on cooking sessions with the hotel’s chef to enjoying a private traditional cultural dance performance, creating a stay that blends comfort, culture, and nature in perfect harmony.
The Elephant Stables
The Elephant Stables is a colorful colonial-era residence with a fascinating history. Once belonging to a Kandyan nobleman who kept elephants on the property, it has now been transformed into a charming boutique hotel that beautifully blends heritage with modern comfort.
Set on a ridge overlooking Kandy, the property offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The central section of the house is over 300 years old, filled with character and history, while the spacious living areas and vibrant interiors create a warm, homely atmosphere. Guests especially love the pool and dining area perched on the ridge, where you can relax with panoramic views and a gentle breeze drifting through the hills.
Villa Rosa Kandy
Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Mahaweli River — Sri Lanka’s longest — and the rolling hills beyond, Villa Rosa is a beautiful boutique villa that blends charm, tranquillity, and stunning scenery. As you walk along the entrance corridor toward the main lobby, the space opens up to a breathtaking panoramic view, instantly delighting you.
The villa combines traditional architecture with modern simplicity, featuring high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and open verandas that capture the cool mountain breeze. An infinity pool set at the edge of the ridge offers spectacular views, while alfresco dining on the terrace makes the most of the natural surroundings. Our favourite rooms are in the main building, facing the cliffs and river valley, where you can wake up to peaceful views of misty hills each morning.
The property is personally managed by Mr. Wolker, the warm and welcoming owner–manager, who often greets guests on arrival and offers a personal tour of the property, including the kitchen. His attentive and connected team goes out of their way to make sure every guest feels truly looked after and at home.
