12 Best Things To Do in Kandy

Wondering what the best things to do in Kandy are? Nestled at the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, this lively hill-country city is one of the country’s most important cultural hubs. Kandy brings together spirituality, history, lush landscapes, and a buzzing urban vibe, all framed by a serene lake and rolling green hills.

Is Kandy Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—yes. We spent a few days here during our month-long journey across Sri Lanka, exploring sacred temples, vibrant markets, and scenic viewpoints nearby. While Kandy felt busy, noisy, and occasionally overwhelming, it also delivered some of the most memorable cultural experiences of our entire trip. From visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and witnessing its evening ceremony to strolling through the botanical gardens and tackling the dramatic climb up Ambuluwawa Tower, every experience left a lasting impression.

That said, Kandy isn’t without its challenges. Tuk-tuk scams are common, traffic is chaotic, and moving around the city can feel stressful at first. But once you find a reliable driver, settle into a comfortable stay, and adapt to the city’s rhythm, Kandy becomes far more enjoyable. That’s when its true charm begins to shine.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in and around Kandy, along with practical tips on planning your visit, choosing where to stay, and navigating the city with less stress.

# Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This is Kandy’s most important landmark and one of the holiest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple houses a sacred tooth believed to belong to Lord Buddha, and the atmosphere inside is deeply moving. Ornate golden shrines, incense-filled halls, and devotees offering flowers create a powerful spiritual setting.

We were advised by a local not to miss the evening ceremony, so we planned our visit for the 6:30 pm session. It was incredibly crowded—once the doors opened, people surged in from every direction. Drums echoed through the halls, traditional music played, and the energy was intense, though a little overwhelming.

When we finally reached the altar queue, the gates closed right in front of us at 7 pm. While disappointing at first, it turned out to be a blessing. The 7:30 pm ceremony was much calmer, and we were among the first to enter when the doors reopened.

# Walk Around Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy streets. Walking along the lake in the late afternoon was one of our favourite ways to unwind. The soft light, locals relaxing on benches, and views of the Temple of the Tooth made it especially beautiful.

The path is flat and easy, dotted with small shrines, old trees, and plenty of birds. Even though Kandy can feel loud and hectic, the lake provides a soothing escape right in the heart of the city.

# Visit the International Buddhist Museum

Located beside the Temple of the Tooth, the International Buddhist Museum pleasantly surprised us. It’s quiet, well laid out, and offers a clear overview of how Buddhism spread across different Asian countries.

We visited before the evening ceremony, which helped us better understand the religious and historical context of what we later experienced inside the temple. The exhibits are colourful, simple, and easy to follow—even if museums aren’t usually your thing.

# Climb to the Big Buddha (Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya)

For peaceful surroundings and panoramic views, the Big Buddha is a must-visit. This towering white statue overlooks the city, and the short but steep walk up is rewarded with sweeping views over Kandy.

We walked up from the city centre, and as soon as we reached the top, the noise faded away. Up close, the statue feels even more impressive, and walking around its base offers stunning views in every direction.

# Explore Kandy’s Local Market

Kandy’s local market is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday life in the city. It’s loud, colourful, and packed with energy—fresh fruit stalls, spice vendors, street food, and small souvenir shops line the narrow walkways.

We enjoyed wandering through the chaos, trying fresh juice, and buying Sri Lankan spices to take home. It’s an authentic, lively stop that fits perfectly between major attractions.

# Watch a Kandyan Dance Show

A Kandyan dance performance is one of the top cultural experiences in Kandy. The hour-long show features traditional drumming, vibrant costumes, and dramatic fire dances inspired by ancient folklore.

We attended one after a long day of sightseeing, and it was a fantastic way to end the evening. The music is powerful, the atmosphere lively, and the performers incredibly skilled.

# Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint

Arthur’s Seat, also known as Kandy Viewpoint, is an easy and quick stop just above Kandy Lake. Only a short walk from the city centre, it’s perfect if you’re already nearby. We walked up one afternoon, and the city views were well worth it.

From the top, you get a lovely panorama of the lake, the city, and the surrounding hills. While it’s not as dramatic as the Big Buddha viewpoint, it’s calm and ideal for a short break.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light—it’s also great for photos without heavy crowds.

# Day Trips from Kandy

Kandy makes an excellent base for exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country, with many incredible places located just outside the city. We spent a full day visiting viewpoints, temples, a tea factory, and the Royal Botanical Gardens, and it ended up being one of our favourite days in the region.

Getting around can be overwhelming due to inconsistent prices and pushy drivers, so hiring a trustworthy tuk-tuk driver made a huge difference. If you’re looking for a reliable option, Kandycity Tuk-tuk helped us save time, stress, and endless negotiations.

Below are the highlights from our day trip route.

# Climb the Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa Tower was the standout experience of our day trip. The drive up is steep but smooth, and once you reach the top, the views are breathtaking. The white spiral tower rises above the valley, and climbing it feels surreal—with narrow steps, strong winds, and endless mountain views.

It gets very windy near the top, so move slowly and stay close to the stone wall. Arriving early is best—we visited mid-morning, and it was already quite busy. Sunrise would be even more peaceful.

# Visit Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya

Our next stop was Lankathilake Temple, one of the most impressive yet underrated temples near Kandy. Built in the 14th century during the Gampola Kingdom, it sits atop Pahangala Rock and blends traditional Sinhalese and South Indian (Dravidian) architecture beautifully.

An elderly caretaker welcomed us and showed us around with warmth, despite the language barrier. Inside, you’ll find ancient murals, stone inscriptions, and a large image house reflecting remarkable craftsmanship. The views from outside over the countryside are simply stunning—it felt like a peaceful retreat away from Kandy’s noise.

# Stop at a Local Tea Factory

A visit to the hill country wouldn’t be complete without learning about tea. We stopped at the New Giragama Tea Factory, a small local operation where we learned about the process from leaf to cup and sampled different varieties, including black, green, white, and golden tea.

Be prepared for some pressure to buy afterward, and prices can be higher than expected—a common experience in Sri Lanka. Still, it’s an interesting stop, especially if you’re continuing on to Nuwara Eliya.

# Wander Through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

The Royal Botanical Gardens were one of our favourite spots near Kandy. The grounds are vast, with towering palm avenues, giant bamboo groves, colourful orchids, and peaceful riverside paths. You could easily spend three hours or more exploring.

We only had about 1.5 hours and felt rushed, so make sure to allow enough time to fully enjoy this beautiful escape from the city.