Surrounded by rolling hills and filled with a strong sense of history, Kandy offers plenty of interesting things to see and do beyond the usual sightseeing spots. Cultural experiences are easy to come by, from sacred sites and traditional performances to everyday moments in the city’s busy streets. Nature also plays a big role, with relaxed walks, scenic views, and green spaces close to the city. Add in local markets, food stalls, and a slower pace of life, and Kandy feels like a place where exploring comes naturally.
1. The Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is Kandy’s most well-known attraction, set right beside the lake in the heart of the city. Home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place that draws both locals and visitors from around the world. Even for those who aren’t visiting for religious reasons, the atmosphere, rituals, and sense of importance make it a meaningful stop while exploring Kandy. A lot of 4-star hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka may offer this as part of a Kandy guided tour.
2. The Kandy Lake
Right in the heart of Kandy, next to the Temple of the Tooth, you’ll find Kandy Lake—locally called Kiri Muhuda, or the Sea of Milk. This man-made lake was created back in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and has a small island in the middle with a few solitary palm trees. Fun fact: the island was originally part of the King’s harem, and later, during the British era, it was turned into an ammunition store. Today, it’s a peaceful spot to stroll around and soak in the city vibes.
3. The Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
Sri Lanka is dotted with royal botanic gardens thanks to the British, but the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, are by far the biggest and most impressive. The gardens actually date back to the Kandyan kings, who once kept them exclusively for royalty, before the British expanded them. Spanning 147 acres, the gardens are home to over 4,000 plant species, from orchids and spices to medicinal herbs and towering palms. There are different sections to explore, and seeing it all could easily take a few hours.
4. The View from the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya
Built in 1972, this striking white Buddha statue stands 88 feet (27 metres) tall, making it one of the tallest on the island. A visit around sunset is especially worth it—you can explore the surrounding temples, hear the evening prayers, and climb up to the top of the statue for sweeping views of Kandy with the mountains as a stunning backdrop before heading back to a hotel like Kandy Myst by Cinnamon for a luxurious rest.
5. The Kandy-Ella Train Ride
One of the main reasons people visit Kandy is to hop on the train to Ella. And this isn’t just any train ride—it’s often called one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, winding through lush hills and endless tea plantations up to the mountain town of Ella. Even though it’s become a bucket-list experience, it’s far from overrated. Whether you do the full trip or just a portion of it, it’s worth every minute. The full journey takes around eight hours, depending on delays, and it’s a good idea to book your seat in advance.
