Kandy — Sri Lanka's
Sacred Hill Capital
& Last Royal Kingdom
Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most venerated shrines — Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural soul, set among mist-covered mountains, a shimmering lake, and the fragrant tea highlands just 3 hours from Colombo.
Kandy — Sri Lanka's Sacred Cultural Capital & Last Royal Kingdom
Kandy is Sri Lanka's most beloved city — the cultural, spiritual, and emotional capital of the island, set amid the mist-covered hills of the central highlands at an elevation of 465 metres. As the seat of the last independent monarchy of Sri Lanka, the Kandyan Kingdom (1469–1815), Kandy resisted European colonial conquest for over three centuries longer than the rest of the island — a fact that allowed its unique artistic, architectural, and spiritual traditions to develop in isolation and reach extraordinary heights of sophistication.
At the city's heart is the Sri Dalada Maligawa — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world. The temple enshrines what is believed to be the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century AD. For over 1,600 years this relic has been the most sacred object in Sri Lanka. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the temple complex draws thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and international visitors every single day.
Beyond the temple, Kandy offers an exceptional concentration of cultural experiences within a compact, walkable city: a shimmering artificial lake built by the last Kandyan king, a giant hilltop Buddha statue with panoramic views, Sri Lanka's finest gem workshops, traditional Kandyan dance performances, and easy access to the tea highlands, elephant orphanage, and spice gardens that surround the city.
🦷 The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — Sri Lanka's Most Sacred Site
The Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is the most venerated Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and one of the holiest sites in all of Theravada Buddhism. The tooth relic — believed to be the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha — is enshrined in a golden casket within the inner sanctum of the temple, nested inside seven progressively smaller caskets.
The relic is displayed during three daily puja (worship) ceremonies at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM. Attending a puja ceremony, with the sound of Kandyan drums filling the air and clouds of incense rising around hundreds of white-clad pilgrims, is an unforgettable experience that transcends tourism entirely.
What to See & Do in Kandy on a Day Tour
🐘 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Located 45 minutes from Kandy in the small town of Kegalle, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is home to one of the world's largest herds of captive elephants. Watch the twice-daily river bath as 80+ elephants wade into the Maha Oya River — one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sights. Established in 1975 by the Wildlife Department to care for orphaned and injured elephants.
🙏 Bahiravakanda Giant Buddha
A magnificent 27-metre (88-foot) seated white Buddha on the hilltop above Kandy — one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. The climb to the base offers sweeping 360° views over the entire city, Kandy Lake, and the surrounding hills. The statue is visible from much of the city below and is particularly striking when illuminated at night.
🍵 Ceylon Tea Factory Visit
A working tea factory at Pilimathalawa, 15 minutes from Kandy, gives you the full journey from freshly plucked green leaf to finished tea — withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and grading — explained by a knowledgeable guide. Ends with a complimentary tasting of premium single-estate Ceylon tea.
🌊 Kandy Lake & City Walk
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda — Sea of Milk) was built in 1807 by the last Kandyan king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, as a royal pleasure garden. The 1.5 km lakeside promenade is a perfect hour-long walk offering views of the Temple of the Tooth, the cloud-forest hills, and traditional Kandyan architecture along the Dalada Veediya.
🌿 Mawanella Spice Gardens
En route to Kandy from Colombo, the small town of Mawanella is surrounded by fragrant spice gardens growing cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, and vanilla. A free guided walk through the plantation explains how each spice is cultivated, harvested, and used in Sri Lankan cooking and Ayurvedic medicine.
💎 Kandy Gem Museum & Workshops
Sri Lanka is the world's top producer of blue sapphires and one of the most important sources of rubies, cat's eyes, and moonstones. Kandy's certified gem museums and workshops explain the mining, cutting, and setting process, display exceptional specimens, and offer certified purchase options with no pressure to buy.
🎪 The Esala Perahera — Kandy's Grand Annual Festival
The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in the world — a spectacular nocturnal procession held annually in Kandy during July or August (dates based on the lunar calendar). For ten nights the streets fill with over 100 elaborately decorated elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers beating ancient rhythms, fire performers, whip crackers, and standard bearers — all accompanying a replica of the Sacred Tooth Relic casket on its once-yearly journey around the city.
The final night — the Randoli Perahera — is the most spectacular, when the procession reaches its climax and the streets are packed with hundreds of thousands of spectators. The festival has been held continuously for over 1,700 years, making it one of the oldest living cultural traditions in human history. If your visit to Sri Lanka coincides with the Perahera, attending it should be your absolute top priority.
The Perahera typically runs for 10 days in late July or early August. Accommodation in Kandy books out months in advance — if you plan to attend, book your hotel and a viewing spot well ahead. DS Travels can advise on 2025 and 2026 dates on request.
Kandy Entry Fees, Opening Hours & Getting There
What Every Visitor Should Know Before Going to Kandy
The 6:30 PM puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Sri Lanka. As dusk falls over Kandy Lake, the sound of Kandyan drums fills the temple complex, hundreds of white-clad pilgrims file silently past the golden casket, and the smell of incense hangs in the warm air. It costs no extra beyond the entry ticket. Arrive 20 minutes early and find a good position near the inner sanctum door. This is the experience that distinguishes a real Kandy visit from simply ticking a box.
Pinnawala's most iconic moment is the twice-daily river bath when the entire herd walks down to the Maha Oya River — at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The DS Travels Kandy day tour is timed to arrive at Pinnawala at 9:45 AM to catch the morning bath. Standing on the river bank as 80+ elephants of all ages splash and play in the water around you is a genuinely extraordinary experience.
Ceylon tea is significantly cheaper bought directly at the factory shop than at supermarkets or tourist outlets in Colombo. The Pilimathalawa factory stocks single-estate teas from the surrounding hills — whole-leaf, BOP, and flavoured varieties — and the staff will help you select based on your taste preferences. Vacuum-sealed 200g packets travel perfectly and make excellent gifts. Budget around Rs 500–1,500 per pack for premium teas.
Sri Lanka is genuinely one of the world's best places to buy sapphires, rubies, and moonstones — but gem fraud targeting tourists is a real issue. Only purchase from NGJA (National Gem and Jewellery Authority) certified dealers, which all reputable Kandy gem museums are. Certificates of authenticity should be provided with every purchase. Your DS Travels driver can direct you to trusted establishments.
The train journey from Colombo Fort to Kandy is genuinely one of the most beautiful rail routes in Asia — particularly the final section as the train winds up through jungle-clad hills and tea plantations into the Kandyan highlands. If you have flexibility, consider taking the morning train to Kandy (departs Colombo Fort ~7:00 AM, arrives ~10:00 AM) and returning by DS Travels car in the afternoon. Book Observation Class seats in advance online at eticket.railway.gov.lk for the best views.
Kandy Sri Lanka — Common Questions Answered
❓ What is Kandy famous for?
Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO World Heritage), being Sri Lanka's last royal capital, the annual Esala Perahera elephant festival, Kandy Lake, the Bahiravakanda Buddha statue, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and its position as the gateway to Sri Lanka's tea highlands.
❓ How far is Kandy from Colombo?
Kandy is 115 km from Colombo — about 3 hours by car or 2.5–3 hours by scenic train. DS Travels offers a Kandy day tour from Colombo with 6:30 AM hotel pickup.
❓ Is there an entry fee for the Temple of the Tooth?
Yes — Rs 1,500–2,000 per person (~USD 5–7), paid at the ticket counter. Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed. Puja ceremonies at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM are included in the entry fee.
❓ What is the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy?
The Esala Perahera is a spectacular 10-night procession of 100+ decorated elephants, dancers, and drummers held annually in July or August. One of Asia's greatest festivals — 1,700 years old and still going strong.
❓ What can I see near Kandy on a day tour?
The DS Travels Kandy day tour includes: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Mawanella spice gardens, Temple of the Tooth, Bahiravakanda Buddha, gem factory, and tea factory — all in a single day from Colombo for $99 per person.
Explore Sri Lanka from Kandy
How to Get to Kandy from Colombo
Book a Kandy Day Tour from Colombo or Negombo
DS Travels' Kandy day tour departs from your Colombo or Negombo hotel at 6:30 AM and includes Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Mawanella spice gardens, the Temple of the Tooth, Bahiravakanda Buddha, a Kandy gem workshop, and a Ceylon tea factory — all in one expertly timed day for just $99 per person. Reserve now, pay later.
Kandy, Pinnawala Elephants & Tea Country Day Tour
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, spice gardens, Temple of the Tooth, Bahiravakanda Buddha, gem workshop, tea factory — all in one day.
Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour
The most popular Sri Lanka day tour — Lion Rock fortress and five UNESCO cave sanctuaries in a single day.
