Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and tea plantations. Kandy is popular with tourists who want to spend a day or two seeing its colonial buildings and religious sites because it is only three hours from the capital, Colombo. Most guidebooks say that Kandy city is the main thing to see, but there are more interesting things to see in the rainforest area outside of the city.
Things to do in Kandy
It is famous for religious sites and spectacular train rides. This is where Kandy’s role in your Sri Lanka Route comes in, as the gateway to one of the most epic train journeys in the world and host to a myriad of cultural exhibits.
01.Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a stunning Buddhist temple with a golden dome located in the center of Kandy. Plan a visit during the wee hours of the morning to avoid the throng and witness the mythical tooth relic of Buddha (yes, the actual Buddha himself!). There is no effort spent to secure the tooth, which is encased in multiple gilded boxes adorned with gems.
The temple is a must-see in Kandy, not only because of its religious significance as one of Buddhism’s most revered shrines, but also because of its exquisite interior!
Tip: Although the guides at the entrance may insist differently, you can enter the building without one.
02. Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy
Visitors of various ages frequent Kandy’s Royal Botanical Gardens on weekends. The garden’s 4000+ plant and tree species are the reason it’s so well-known. Located just 15 minutes west of Kandy, it’s a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Explore the vast garden on foot, spread out a towel on the grass, and people-watch at one of the many cafes.
There is a 2,000 LKR entrance fee (10 USD) Costly, but well worth it if you plan to stay for at least a couple of hours.
03. Bahiravakanda Viharaya
The Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is Sri Lanka’s largest Buddha statue. This 88-foot-tall statue is tucked into the hilltops above Kandy, beneath the Knuckles mountain range. The top can easily be reached by car or motorbike, and a small climb up the stairs will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
04. Kandy Lake
Take a leisurely stroll around tranquil Kandy Lake, the city’s “heart and soul” for its prime location and obvious beauty. One of the most recognizable images of Kandy is a small island with palm trees in the midst of the lake.
05.Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Udawattakele Forest Reserve, also known as Udawatta Kele, is a historic forest reserve atop a hill crest in Kandy. It covers an area of 104 hectares (257 acres). During the Kandyan empire, Udawattakele was known as “Uda Wasala Watta” in Sinhalese, which translates as “the garden above the royal palace.” The sanctuary is well-known for its diverse avifauna. The reserve also has a wide range of plant species, particularly lianas, shrubs, and tiny trees. There are various massive lianas. Many of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized mammals can be found here. Several snakes and other reptiles may be seen.
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