Kandy Holidays

The sacred city of Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and, with its lush hills and central Kandy Lake, it is also probably the island's most beautiful town. There is plenty to see and do in what was once the country's royal capital and the refreshingly cooler climate is ideal for exploring. Numerous shrines and temples are dotted in and around the town but the focal point is the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is said to be enshrined. The legend goes that the tooth was snatched from Buddha's funeral pyre and smuggled to Sri Lanka by a princess where it is now closely guarded. The room housing the tooth's golden casket is open to devotees and tourists alike during puja (prayer time). Away from the tooth, the Dalada Maligawa complex is quite large, and there is plenty to explore aside from the main shrine. Alut Maligawa (a three-storey shrine which houses dozens of seated Buddhas), the Audience Hall and the World Buddhism Museum are all worth exploring. For even more greenery and scenery, just outside of Kandy's town centre, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – with 150 acres of beautiful trees, plants and flowers – are also well worth a visit.
Enquire now

Kandy holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Werapitiya – Kandy – Anuradhapura

    Sri Lanka for the Soul - A Wellness Journey

    Immerse yourself in the spiritual soul of Sri Lanka, from wellness retreats in the peaceful tea hills to sacred Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura

    10 days, from £4800 to £6200

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Maldives – Horathopola – Sigiriya – Kandy – Gampola – Velassaru

    Temples, Rice Paddies and Paradise on Stilts - Romance in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

    Discover Sri Lanka’s culture and landscapes and the Maldives’ beaches on this two-week romantic getaway

    13 days, from £4850 to £6300

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Anuradhapura – Jaffna – Sigiriya – Kandy – Haputale – Ahungalla

    Temples, Rainforests and Beaches - The Ultimate Tour of Sri Lanka

    Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this grand tour across ancient capitals, misty tea hills and palm-fringed shores

    15 days, from £5950 to £7700

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Colombo – Anuradhapura – Kandy – Tangalle – Ahungalla

    Sri Lanka in Detail - Luxury Villas, Artsy Hotels and Impressive Culture

    Explore Sri Lanka in style, from ancient temples and ruins in the Cultural Triangle to palm-fringed beaches on the south coast

    12 days, from £6200 to £8050

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Wilpattu National Park – Dambulla – Madulkelle – Gal Oya National Park – Ahangama

    Culture, Community & Countryside - Birdwatching in Sri Lanka

    Seek out Sri Lanka’s remarkable birdlife, from endemic species to colourful and characterful birds, across the island’s diverse habitats

    14 days, from £6250 to £8100

Kandy Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Blog

Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka at the Moment?

Blog

A Client View: Returning to Sri Lanka

Blog

The Best Sri Lanka Train Journeys

Two hours north of Kandy by car is the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range. So named by locals as the series of recumbent folds that make up the spiny ridge mirror the knuckles of a clenched fist, these misty, mysterious mountains are prime trekking territory. The rugged terrain in The Knuckles is also home to a variety of wildlife such as buffalos, leopards, jackals and the endemic toque macaques and purple-faced leaf monkeys. With an expert naturalist guide to lead their way across some of the range's 60 square miles, hikers are likely to spot numerous birds while taking in the stunning surroundings and learning about the fascinating flora and fauna.

Original Highlight

Most trips to Kandy will be followed by a train ride up to the tea hills. If this is the case, be sure to sit in the observation carriage and relax as you enjoy the stunning views while the train winds up into the hills.

Related Ideas

Kandy Wilpattu National Park Tangalle Malé Jaffna Indian Ocean Honeymoon Asia Gal Oya National Park Ella Dream Islands Colombo
Contact one of our specialists