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Iconic Landmarks

Iconic Landmarks

The Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy's Prime Attractions

These prominent locations offer deep insights into Kandy's heritage and natural splendor.

Plan your visits to experience the best of these unique destinations.

Visiting Sites

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is central to Kandy.
  • Kandy Lake offers serene walks and scenic views.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens showcase diverse plant species.
  • These sites are well-maintained and open daily.

Detailed Landmark Guide

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

  • Hours: Generally 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • Pooja (ceremonies) around 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 6:30 PM.
  • Entry Fee: Approximately LKR 3,000-4,000 (US$10-15) for foreigners.
  • Guided Options: Official guides are available at the entrance.
  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove shoes and hats.
  • Less crowded times: Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM).

Kandy Lake & Royal Botanical Gardens

  • Kandy Lake Hours: Always open for walks. Entry Fee: Free.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
  • Botanical Gardens Entry Fee: Approximately LKR 3,000-4,000 (US$10-15) for foreigners.
  • Less crowded times for Gardens: Weekdays, especially mornings.

Kandy Lake is perfect for cooler temperatures and photography during early morning or late afternoon. Boat rides are also available.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • National Museum of Kandy: Displays artifacts from the Kandyan era.
  • World Buddhist Museum: Exhibits on Buddhism worldwide, by country.
  • Ceylon Tea Museum: Insights into tea history and production.
  • Kandyan Cultural Centre: Daily cultural shows of traditional dance and drumming.

Historical Sites

  • Royal Palace of Kandy:

    Portions of the former royal palace complex near the Temple of the Tooth. National Museum is also here.

  • Historical Districts:

    Around Kandy Lake, displaying colonial and distinct Kandyan architectural styles.

  • Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara:

    Cave temple with well-preserved Kandyan-era frescoes.

  • Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka, Embekka:

    Ancient temples demonstrating distinct Kandyan architecture and intricate carvings, a short drive from Kandy.

  • Commonwealth War Cemetery:

    A memorial for Allied soldiers from WWII, just outside Kandy.

Natural Attractions

Kandy's Hill Country setting presents beautiful natural landscapes.

Gardens, Views & Wildlife

  • Royal Botanical Gardens

    Extensive gardens with diverse flora, offer a tranquil escape for leisurely walks.

  • Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

    Historical forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, known for birdlife and monkeys.

  • Arthur's Seat

    Popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Kandy city and the lake, especially at sunset.

  • Hanthana Mountain Range

    Presents viewpoints and hiking opportunities, away from city bustle.

  • Water Features

    Kandy is landlocked; Kandy Lake is the central water feature for walks and boating. Mahaweli River flows nearby.

  • Geological Features

    Defined by surrounding hills and valleys, central highlands form Kandy's cool climate and unique landscapes.

Hidden Gems

Discover quieter, unique experiences beyond popular tourist spots.

Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

Large white Buddha statue on a hill, offering fantastic panoramic views of the city, lake, and distant mountains. Less crowded than Arthur's Seat.

Buddhist Publication Society

A quiet place near the lake dedicated to publishing Buddhist literature, for those interested in learning.

Local Favorites & Emerging Destinations

Explore beyond typical tourist routes for unique perspectives and authentic experiences.

  • Local markets away from tourist areas: Glimpse everyday Kandy life, local goods.
  • Knuckles Mountain Range area: For serious trekking, offers remote, challenging trails.
  • Unique photo opportunities: Views from Bahirawakanda, colonial architecture, sunsets over Kandy Lake.

Affiliate Partner for Attractions

Discover Kandy's attractions and activities through our trusted affiliate partner.

Book tickets and tours for a seamless exploration of the city and its surroundings.

Explore Top Attractions

Find and book tickets for Kandy's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Activities Available

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entry.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens access.
  • Kandyan Cultural Show tickets.

Guided Tours & Experiences

Book guided tours to gain historical and cultural insights.

Benefits of Booking

  • Skip-the-line access for popular sites.
  • Convenient transfers to and from attractions.
  • Informative commentary from local guides.

Seamless Planning

Manage your sightseeing itinerary effortlessly with pre-booked experiences.

Why Book with GetYourGuide

  • Trusted provider with verified reviews.
  • Easy mobile booking and tickets.
  • Flexible cancellation policies for many tours.
  • Competitive pricing.

Partner Highlight

Our affiliate partner helps you access Kandy's best, making your travel experience smoother.

Visit GetYourGuide

  • Explore available tickets and tours.
  • Click to GetYourGuide.com for bookings.
  • Plan your Kandy adventures in advance.

Additional Attractions to Discover

Cultural Depth

  • National Museum of Kandy for Kandyan era artifacts.
  • World Buddhist Museum for global Buddhist traditions.
  • Ceylon Tea Museum on Hantana Tea Estate.

Historical Insights

  • Royal Palace of Kandy remnants.
  • Ancient temples like Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka, Embekka.
  • Commonwealth War Cemetery for quiet reflection.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your visits to Kandy's attractions.

Photography

Capture the beauty of Kandy. Be respectful in religious sites; check rules for inner chambers.

Comfort

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and sun protection for outdoor explorations.

Local Interaction

Engage with locals and guides for insights into Kandy's rich history and culture.

Further Exploration

Royal Botanical Gardens

Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore. Local guides are available at the entrance.

Book a tour to Peradeniya

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit during a Pooja time for a more spiritual experience. Photography allowed in most areas, not inner chamber.

Explore Temple tours

Kandyan Cultural Show

Check show timings and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Get show tickets

Ceylon Tea Museum

Gain insights into tea production from leaf to cup with a tasting session.

Visit the Tea Museum

Hidden Gems

Explore lesser-known temples like Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara for ancient frescoes away from crowds.

Discover hidden tours

Accessibility Information

Most main attractions in Kandy involve walking and stairs.

Navigating Sites

  • Limited wheelchair access at some older sites.
  • Uneven surfaces and steps are common.
  • Public restroom facilities may vary in quality.

Children and Seniors

Planning for All Ages

  • Royal Botanical Gardens are family-friendly.
  • Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
  • Tuk-tuks or taxis are useful for short distances between sites.
  • Adjust itinerary based on energy levels.

Local Insights

They share historical context and cultural significance not found in guidebooks.

Planning Your Day

Efficient planning helps maximize your Kandy sightseeing.

Suggested Itineraries

Combine nearby attractions for a logical flow.

Morning Activities

  • Early visit to Temple of the Tooth to avoid crowds.
  • Stroll around Kandy Lake after the temple.
  • Head to Royal Botanical Gardens, a short drive away.

Afternoon & Evening

Wind down your day with cultural experiences or scenic views.

Evening Suggestions

  • Visit Arthur's Seat or Bahirawakanda for sunset views.
  • Attend a Kandyan Cultural Show.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Transportation Tips

Tuk-tuks and local buses are common for city and nearby travel.

Getting Around

  • Agree on fares before starting your tuk-tuk journey.
  • Local buses are budget-friendly for longer distances.
  • Consider hiring a driver for day trips to outer temples.

The central location of the main attractions allows for pleasant walks.

Weather & Best Times

Kandy's climate varies; plan accordingly.

Climate Considerations

  • Dry season (Dec-Apr) for pleasant weather, but more crowds.
  • Monsoon seasons (May-July, Oct-Nov) bring rain, fewer tourists.

Morning visits to temples and gardens offer cooler temperatures.

Local Interactions

Engaging with locals enriches your travel experience.

Cultural Respect

  • Be polite and greet with 'Ayubowan'.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.

Local people are generally friendly and helpful.

Day Trip Ideas

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Observe elephants bathing and feeding in a managed environment.

Kitulgala

Head here for white-water rafting and other adventure sports (2-3 hours drive).

Knuckles Mountain Range

For serious trekkers, remote hiking trails with a local guide.

Attraction Safety

Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Secure personal belongings.