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Things to see in Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka's last royal capital, set around a lake in the green central hills. It is the island's cultural heart, home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and a handy base for Sigiriya, Dambulla and the tea country.

Country
Sri Lanka
Best time
Dec–Apr
Places
6

Places to visit

City tourKandy City & Cultural TourFull day

A day exploring Kandy's main sights, usually including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Many tours also include a Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening.

LandmarkSigiriya Rock Fortress3–4 hours

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is a 5th-century royal citadel built on top of a massive rock rising about 200 m from the plains. The climb passes ancient frescoes and the giant Lion's Paw gateway.

TempleDambulla Cave Temple1–2 hours

A UNESCO-listed complex of five cave shrines carved into a rock outcrop, filled with Buddha statues and painted ceilings dating back over two thousand years. It is one of the best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka.

ExperienceKitulgala White-Water Rafting2–3 hours

Kitulgala on the Kelani River is Sri Lanka's best-known rafting spot, with rainforest scenery and beginner-friendly rapids. The area is also known as a filming location for the classic film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

CruiseMadu River Safari1–2 hours

A boat ride through the mangrove-lined Madu Ganga near Bentota, a wetland dotted with small islands, including one with an old Buddhist temple and another where cinnamon is peeled by hand.

NatureTurtle Hatchery30–60 minutes

Conservation hatcheries on the south-west coast collect sea turtle eggs to protect them from poachers and release the hatchlings into the sea. Visitors can see baby turtles and learn about the species nesting on Sri Lanka's beaches.

Tours that visit Kandy

Highlights of Sri LankaKandy 2N, Bentota 2N, Colombo 1N · 5 nights

From ₹36,205 per person

Honeymoon in Sri LankaColombo 1N, Kandy 2N, Bentota 2N · 5 nights

From ₹40,730 per person

Mesmerizing Sri LankaKandy 2N, Nuwara Eliya 1N, Bentota 2N, Colombo 1N · 6 nights

From ₹44,076 per person

Sri Lanka at a GlanceKandy 2N, Bentota 1N, Colombo 1N · 4 nights

From ₹31,680 per person

Stunning Sri lankaKandy 2N, Nuwara Eliya 2N, Bentota 2N, Colombo 1N · 7 nights

From ₹50,766 per person

The Best of Sri LankaKandy 2N, Nuwara Eliya 2N, Bentota 2N, Galle 2N, Colombo 1N · 9 nights

From ₹67,589 per person

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