Kandy: Sri Lanka's Cultural Capital
Where history and culture await you in the hills
The road to Kandy takes you high up the cool hills of Sri Lanka, leading you right into the last royal kingdom of Sri Lanka. Known as the cultural capital and home to the most sacred place in the country – the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha – Kandy is the epitome of culture meeting urbanisation. With a perfect balance of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and modern conveniences, this hilltop city possesses an undeniably unique, quaint and historical charm. While it can afford you almost all the necessities you need, the town itself is quite small yet active, surrounded by narrow, winding roads and a calm and tranquil lake at its centre. A place where tradition and modernity coexist, Kandy offers the rare opportunity to experience the past while enjoying the comforts of today, inviting you to slow down and embrace its quiet elegance.
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Kandy
Points of Interest
- Temple of the Tooth: Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, the Dalada Maligawa, houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Entry requires a ticket priced at around LKR 1500-2000 per adult.
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: a beautiful garden containing rare orchids, palm trees and other flora, it is perfect for a peaceful stroll. Entry requires a ticket priced at around USD 10 per person.
- Kandy Lake Round: A serene stroll around the heart of Kandy, offering scenic beauty and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Hanthana Hike: A rewarding trek through misty hills and tea estates, unveiling panoramic views and unspoiled nature.
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of injured and abandoned elephants, it offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close in a natural setting. Entry requires a ticket priced at around USD 16 per adult (less if you are from a SAARC nation)
FAQs
What is Kandy famous for?
Kandy is famous for its rich history, culture, and religious significance. It was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and is home to the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Is Kandy worth visiting?
As Sri Lanka’s most important hill country city, Kandy is definitely worth a visit. You can experience most of what it has to offer within one or two days.
Is 1 day enough in Kandy?
Yes, you can cover most of Kandy’s key attractions in a day, including the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. If you start early, you may even have time for a morning hike to Hanthana.
What is Esala Perahera?
Esala Perahera is a religious and cultural procession that takes place in Kandy annually every July or August. breathtaking spectacle of culture and an explosion of colours, where dazzling processions, fire dancers, and majestic elephants bring Kandy to life.
Is Kandy a party place?
As Kandy is primarily a cultural and religious city, it is not particularly known for its nightlife or party scene.
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