16 Best Things to Do in Kandy (A Local’s Guide)

If I come across one more blog post that tells me to walk around the city lake as one of the top things to do in Kandy, I’ll lose it, I swear. The lake is all right, but you’ll pass it several times a day anyways since it’s located right in the heart of the city, next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sri Dalada Maligawa, as it’s referred to by the locals, is the main attraction in Kandy. So much so that buses with tourists arrive to Kandy with a sole purpose to visit the temple.

I’ll admit I did the same mistake. On my first two trips to Kandy, the temple and the aforementioned lake were the only places I visited. Not surprisingly, I didn’t fall head over heels in love with Kandy. The temple, although grand and beautiful, is a crowded place with a commercial rather than spiritual feel to it. 

I am not saying this to discourage you from visiting it. Just like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Red Square in Moscow, you have to visit Sri Dalada Maligawa at least once, no matter how many tourists are in line to the ticket booth. Just don’t stop there, there are plenty more things to do in Kandy.

16 Best Things to Do in Kandy

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

First things first! Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in English, is the whole reason why people travel to Kandy. It is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka and probably the most important Buddhist temple on the island. Largely because of its great significance for buddhists the city of Kandy was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You cannot actually see the tooth itself as it is hidden inside a golden casket that contains six more caskets of smaller sizes inside. But you can explore the temple and watch the pooja (a ceremony that inlucludes chanting and offerings) that happens 3 times a day: at 5.30 AM, 9.30 AM and 6.30 PM. During pooja ceremony the temple is significantly more crowded. It is up to you to visit during those hours to witness it first hand or to skip it but enjoy a less crowded space.

Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa means you get to explore the entire temple complex, including other smaller temples and museums which are often a lot more peaceful.

Tip: wear something long to cover your legs (men should also wear long trousers, not shorts). Your shoulders should be covered too. Remove the shoes before entering the premises.

Cost: depending on your country 1500-2000 Rs.

Hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range

When it comes to hiking and exploring mountains in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya and Ella come to mind first. Not many travelers realize that Kandy can serve as a comfortable base if you want to see the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range. 

The name of the range, assigned by the first British explorers, comes from its resemblance to the knuckles of a clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in Kandy. Locals call it Dumbara Kanduvetiya which means Misty Mountain Range.

Exploring Knuckles on your own is not a great idea. Unlike national parks and forests in developed countries, the parks in Sri Lanka are not always tourist-friendly. There are no signs pointing you in the right direction, no clear paths, and no-one for miles and miles around to ask for help from.

If you are traveling with a tourist agency, ask them to find a guide who can take you around. Alternatively, the hotel where you are staying might recommend a guide, too. The hike can be as long as you want it to be. I chose a one day hike, but it is possible to do a multi-day hike and stay overnight in the mountains. 

My guide Sudesh was the brother of my husband’s best friend because that’s how you do it in Sri Lanka. There’s always a cousin of your grandfather’s neighbor or an auntie of your classmate’s mother who can help to solve a problem. The guide usually picks you up from the hotel early in the morning, hikes the whole day with you, and takes you back to the hotel. If your guide is as awesome as Sudesh, he’ll also find a good place for breakfast and lunch in a nearby village. 

Cost: depends on the guide, but approximately Rs 8500 – 10 000 for a day of trekking

Hike in Hanthana Mountain Range

Another great place for hiking if you are in Kandy is Hanthana Mountain Range that consists of seven peaks with the highest peak, Uura Kanda, reaching 3800 ft. The drive to the base of Hanthana is shorter than to Knuckles and took us only thirty minutes. 

Given that there are seven peaks and multiple routes, the guide should help you choose a suitable option. We went for a relatively easy three-hour hike that took us through gorgeous sun-lit tea plantations, onto a summit with magnificent views and back through the jungle where we had to jump over a snake sleeping on the narrow path we took. Another reason you require a guide! 

Cost: depends on the guide, but approximately Rs 8500 – 10 000 for a day of trekking

Visit Lankathilaka Temple

Lankathilaka Temple, as well as the two temples I mention below, are located outside of the city of Kandy, not too far from one another. In comparison with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, they give a better understanding of what Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka feel like. There are few tourists and the entrance to each of the temples is only 300 Rs, as opposed to 1500 Rs at Sri Dalada Maligawa. 

Out of the three, Lankathilaka was my personal favorite. This ancient temple built in the XIV century by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, is located in Udunuwara, about thirty-minutes-drive from Kandy city.

The temple was built upon an uneven rock surface, named Panhalgala. Along with Embekke Temple, Lankathilaka is considered one of the most architecturally advanced buildings of Gampola Kingdom era.

Cost: Rs 300

Visit Embekke Temple

The most unusual Buddhist temple I have come across in Sri Lanka, Embekke Devalaya boasts woodcarving on its pillars, doors, beams, and rafters. While most of Sri Lankan temples are built of stone or brick, Embekke with its ornate wooden pillars reminded me of my home, Russia, where the tradition of wood carving dates centuries back.

Embekke was built in the XIV century by King Vikramabahu III during Gampola Era and features three sections: Sanctum of Garagha, Dancing Hall, and the Drummers’ Hall. The latter is where you find the pillars. 

Cost: Rs 300

Visit Gadaladeniya Temple

Gadaladeniya Temple is located a short drive away from Lankathilaka Temple and was built around the same time, in 1344, by King Bhuvanekabahu IV. It is believed that the temple used to be named Dharma Kirthi Viharaya after the founding monk and was designed by an architect from India which is why the design is distinctly South Indian.

All three temples (Lankathilaka, Embekke, and Gadaladeniya) are located away from Kandy city, but not too far from each other. It’s best to hire a tuk-tuk for three-four hours to cover all three temples in one go. 

Cost: Rs 300

Visit Bahirawakanda Temple

If you don’t want to go outside of the city, there’s another, less crowded temple in Kandy – Bahirawakanda Viharaya. You’ll see the large Buddha statue set on top of a hill from almost anywhere in Kandy city center. The Buddha statue is 88 feet tall and is one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. This temple is relatively new, built in 1970’s.

You can get on top of the hill on foot if you are in good physical shape. The road up is not long, but rather steep and left me breathless by the end. Luckily, there’s a small booth selling king coconuts right in front of the temple. You can also take a tuk-tuk up, a much easier and less sweaty option. 

Cost: Rs 200

Explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

One of the most popular things to do in Kandy, Royal Botanical Gardens are located about five kilometers away from Kandy, in the city of Peradeniya. You can easily get here by tuk-tuk in fifteen minutes. They say, close to two million people visit the garden yearly. 

The gardens spread through 147 acres near Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka. They were formally established in 1843, but it is believed that their origin dates back to XIV century. Some of the most popular sites in the gardens include a collection of orchids, a palm avenue, a forty-meter high bamboo tree, and a suspension bridge across Mahaweli River.

Cost: 1100 Rs 

Walk around the University of Peradeniya 

University of Peradeniya is located close to the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you are taking a train from Colombo to Kandy, you can get down one stop before Kandy, at Peradeniya, to explore the premises of the University, wander at the Botanical Gardens, and have lunch at Hela Bojun (more on this amazing spot below).

The University has several grounds located not far from each other. To see the most beautiful sites, look for the department of arts. Once you arrive, just roam around — the premises are incredibly beautiful. Make sure to stop by a giant of a tree growing next to the milk bar — yes, that’s a thing, I was surprised too. Then find the Sarachchandra open-air theatre, the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It was built in the architectural style of ancient Greek theaters and named after a Sri Lankan playwright. 

Cost: free

Climb to the Top of Ambuluwawa Tower

Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower was one of my favorite things to do in Kandy (ok, not quite in Kandy, but not too far from the city). It takes about one and a half hours to get to Gampola, where it is situated. But on the bright side, Gampola is on the way to Nuwara Eliya. So you can stop by Ambuluwawa on your way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya if you are traveling by car. 

Located at over three thousand feet above sea level, Ambuluwawa mountain hosts a biodiversity complex with a large white spiraling tower resembling a Buddhist stupa on its peak.

Once you arrive at the ticket booth, you can pay a small fee for the car to continue driving to almost the very top of the mountain. If you are in good physical shape, I think it’s best to leave the car at the gate and walk up on foot, because the gorgeous views you get from the tower have to be deserved. You can climb up the tower which gets narrower and narrower the closer you get to the top, until at some point you have to walk up the staircase sideways with strong winds blowing you off your feet. This climb is definitely not for the faint of heart. 

Cost: Rs 300 + Rs 100 (for the car to pass)

Explore Sri Lankan Folklore at Saradiel Village

This weird, fun and little known attraction near Kandy is mostly visited by local school kids. Saradiel is Sri Lankan Robyn Hood who lived in Uthuwana in the XVIII century, stole from the rich and redistributed the goods among the poor. How cool is that? Sri Lanka had its own Robyn Hood! 

Ten years ago a village was constructed near Uthuwankanda rock, where Saradiel used to hide from authorities, to help visualize the life of Ceylon in XVIII century. The premises are surprisingly large spanning across six acres. 

There’s an English-speaking tour guide who explains the customs and traditions of the XVIII century Sri Lanka. They say it’s possible to climb Uthuwankanda rock, but you’ll need a guide to take you there.

This is not one of the things I’d do on my first visit to Kandy if you only have a few days. But if you have already been to all the major attractions in the area, this can be a fun way to pass time. 

Cost: Rs 500 

Admire Nelligala International Buddhist Center

I cannot believe how few people know of this incredibly gorgeous place! One of the most beautiful temples I have seen in Sri Lanka, Nelligala is built on a rocky mountain and features seven large golden Buddha statues on the top. The place is calm and quiet, with very few people around and the most amazing views of the hill country. 

Cost: free

Try Traditonal Sri Lankan Food at Hela Bojun

Hela Bojun is the place I always recommend in Kandy if you want to try authentic local food. This local chain of food courts offers traditional dishes at extremely low cost. The chain is a project of the Department of Agriculture started with the goal of promoting local produce and empowering women in rural areas. 

Each woman who sells her food at this open court is provided with necessary training, and the rent of space is low. The food is fresh, cooked from scratch every morning, and delicious. The crowd is mostly locals which is always a good sign.

Have a Smoothy Bowl at Secret Alley Cafe

Secret Alley is aptly named because it is indeed located in a tiny alley, away from the hustle and bustle of Kandy. When I first came across this cafe in 2018, it was the first spot with hipster vibes in the whole city. Bright colors, murals on the walls, coconuts shells used as plates. It was so pretty and so unlike anything you could find outside Colombo those days. In the past 6 years their popularity increased and the menu expanded. They serve breakfast and brunch all day. Think: fresh tropical smoothie bowls, avo toast, and pancakes. The coffee is great, too!

Stay at Helga’s Folly

You might be thinking that a hotel doesn’t belong on the list of the best things to do in Kandy, but trust me! Helga’s Folly is not your regular hotel, it’s an experience in and of itself. You can easily spend a fun day in Kandy without ever leaving the premises. The walls are covered with paintings and murals; antiques, candles, and sculptures are at every corner. Helga’s Folly doesn’t provide much rest for eyes, but what an incredible, imaginative, creative space it is!

I have to say, though, it’s not for everyone. If you love quirky, you’ll enjoy it immensely. But you do have to lower your cleanliness standards. The many knick-knacks collect dust easily. The bathrooms are outdated. I stayed here for one night and it was just the right amount of time to explore the place.

Take the Kandy – Ella Train

One more thing to do in Kandy – or rather when you are leaving the town – is to take the train to Ella (via Nuwara Eliya). The stretch between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is considered one of the prettiest train rides in the world! Lush green hills and tea plantations as far as the eye can see!

It feels truly magical, especially if you can open the window (not an option in the first class, by the way) or when you stand in between the compartments. The doors are never closed during the ride so you get an unobstructed view! Only I beg you not to put your life at risk and hang out of the open doors while the train is going full speed (a favorite pasttime of many tourists as you’ll see).

Where to Stay in Kandy

Luxurious Option: The Elephant Stables

One of the most beautiful hotels in and around Kandy with gorgeous views of the hills, The Elephant Stables is situated in a secluded location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the same time, the main Kandy attractions are only two miles away, or a 10-minute ride by tuk-tuk. 

The hotel served as the home for several elephants in the past — hence the name. Today, its architecture is a delicate balance between colonial-era furniture and sculptures and modern fittings. I haven’t stayed here personally yet, but it’s on the top of my must-try in Kandy list. 

Quirky and Moderately-Priced Option: Helga’s Folly

Find more details on Helga’s Folly (inluding pictures) above!

Budget Option: Kandy City View

If all you need during your stay in Kandy is a simple hotel with a bed and a shower, Kandy City View is a good choice. Located within a 20-minute walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the hotel is affordable, clean, and provides amazing city views.

For more beautiful and unique hotels in Sri Lanka check out this post with all of my favorites!

Want to Learn More About Sri Lanka? I Got You! 

Here are some of my other guides on Sri Lanka that will help you to plan your trip:

50 Important Tips for Traveling in Sri Lanka

The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lankan Food: 50 Must Try Dishes

Street Food in Sri Lanka: 25 Must-Try Dishes

17 Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya (a Local’s Guide)

The Absolute Best Things to Do in Sigiriya in Two Days

40 Seriously Cool Things to Do in Colombo

The 18 Best Restaurants in Colombo

Colombo City Guides (a shopping guide, a guide to the best restaurants, Pettah market guide)

My Favorite Hotels in Sri Lanka

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