Kandy
Sri Lanka's last royal kingdom, enveloped by mist-draped peaks, sacred relics, and royal botanic sanctuaries.
About Kandy
Set around a serene decorative lake amidst the lush green hills of the Central Highlands, Kandy is the cultural beating heart of Sri Lanka and the proud home base of Sangeeth Lanka Travels. As the last independent capital of the Sinhala monarchy before British cession in 1815, Kandy has preserved its royal dignity, classical crafts, sacred traditions, and vibrant street life. It is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism's most venerated sites on Earth.
Important Attractions & Highlights
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The golden-roofed sanctuary housing the sacred canine relic of the Lord Buddha, alive with drumming pujas at dawn, noon, and evening.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Spanning 147 acres bordered by the Mahaweli River, famed for its royal palm avenue, giant Javan fig tree, and orchid house with over 300 varieties.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A monumental 88-foot seated white Buddha watching over the entire valley, offering sweeping panoramic sunset views.
Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary
A historic royal forest reserve directly behind the palace complex, rich in birdlife, giant lianas, and Buddhist hermitages.
Recommended Things to Do in Kandy
- Attend the mesmerizing evening puja drumming ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth
- Walk the quiet tree-lined circumference of Kandy Lake at sunrise
- Experience a traditional Kandyan dance, fire-walking, and cultural performance
- Tour a local artisan gem and Ceylon blue sapphire lapidary
- Sample authentic Kandyan curries and hoppers in local hillside eateries
- Board the scenic hill country railway departing towards Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Local Travel Tips for Kandy
- •Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples; remove hats and shoes at the entrance.
- •The annual Kandy Esala Perahera takes place in July or August — hotel bookings must be secured months ahead.
- •Kandy's hills can be pleasantly cool in the evenings; carry a light jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy
Why should Kandy be part of my Sri Lanka itinerary?
Kandy connects the Cultural Triangle with the Central Highlands. It is Sri Lanka's cultural capital and the ideal launching pad for scenic trains, Knuckles hiking, and heritage experiences.
What is the best way to get around Kandy?
A private chauffeur-driven vehicle is the most comfortable and reliable way to navigate Kandy's steep hills and surrounding attractions without stressful bargaining.
Visit Kandy with Sangeeth Lanka
Include Kandy in your custom private driver itinerary. We arrange comfortable transport, local guides, and entrance tickets.
Tours Featuring Kandy
Classic Ceylon: Cultural Triangle & Misty Hill Country
Ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, experience sacred Buddhist rituals in royal Kandy, ride the world-renowned blue train to Ella, and relax amidst misty tea estates.
The Grand Ceylon Odyssey: 14-Day Island Round Journey
An all-inclusive, leisurely paced two-week private chauffeured immersion across Sri Lanka's 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, tea mountains, wildlife safaris, and tropical beaches.
Kandy Cultural Immersion: Private Full-Day Tour
The ultimate insider day tour of Kandy hosted by your local Kandy specialists: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Bahirawakanda Giant Buddha, local tea museum, and Temple of the Tooth Relic.