A visit to

Kandy

About the place

Kandy is Sri Lanka's second-largest city and the cultural capital of the island, nestled amidst misty hills in the central highlands at an elevation of approximately 500 metres above sea level. As the last royal capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy carries a deep spiritual and historical significance that sets it apart from the country's coastal cities....

How to reach Kandy

Check out the best and the easiest ways to reach here.

By Air

Kandy does not have its own airport. The nearest international gateway is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, Colombo, approximately 120 kilometres away. From the airport, travellers can reach Kandy by private taxi in around 2.5 to 3 hours via the A1 highway or the Colombo–Kandy Expressway. Helicopter transfers are also available for those seeking a premium, time-saving option.

By Train

The train is the most popular and atmospheric way to reach Kandy. Direct trains depart from Colombo Fort Railway Station several times daily, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The rail line passes through rolling green hills, rubber plantations, and small villages, making it a scenic ride in its own right. Kandy is also connected onward by the iconic Kandy–Ella highland rail line, which continues through Peradeniya, Hatton (for Adam's Peak), Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Haputale, and Ella, widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking train journeys in all of Asia. Train tickets, especially observation-car seats on the Ella route, are in high demand and should be booked well in advance through the Sri Lanka Railways website.

By Road

Kandy is easily accessible from Colombo by the A1 Kandy Road or via the E01/E03 Expressway, with travel time ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Regular air-conditioned intercity buses and private coaches depart from the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand throughout the day. Private car hires and taxis are widely available from Colombo, Galle, and Negombo, and offer the flexibility of stopping at attractions like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Kandy

Kandy is most famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which is believed to house the sacred tooth of the Buddha and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world. The city is also celebrated for the spectacular Esala Perahera, a grand annual procession of elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, and fire performers held in July or August. Kandy is further known for its scenic lake, Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, traditional Kandyan dance performances, and its position as the gateway to Sri Lanka's tea country.

Absolutely, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding destinations and a highlight of almost every Sri Lanka itinerary. Its combination of sacred temples, highland scenery, colonial-era gardens, vibrant culture, and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere makes it uniquely compelling. Unlike purely coastal destinations, Kandy offers a deeply immersive cultural and spiritual experience that reveals a very different, more ancient side of Sri Lanka.

The best time to visit Kandy is between January and April, when the city enjoys cooler, drier weather ideal for sightseeing, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 29°C. The months of July and August are particularly vibrant due to the Esala Perahera festival, though accommodation fills up quickly during this period. Kandy receives rain from both monsoons, so the wettest months tend to be May–June and October–November.

2 to 3 days are sufficient to cover Kandy's major attractions comfortably. Day one is best dedicated to the Temple of the Tooth, the Kandy Lake, and a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show. Day two works well for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a visit to a local tea factory, and exploring the city market. A third day allows for a day trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or the scenic Hanthana Mountain Range.

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to visit Sri Lanka, including Kandy. Indian passport holders can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via the Sri Lanka ETA official portal before departure. The standard ETA is a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. It is advisable to apply at least 3 to 5 days in advance, carry a printed copy of the approval, and have a confirmed return ticket and hotel booking ready for immigration purposes.

The Kandy to Ella train journey is widely celebrated as one of the most beautiful rail experiences in the world. Departing from Kandy Railway Station, the train winds through emerald tea estates, cascading waterfalls, misty mountain passes, and colonial-era viaducts for approximately 6 to 7 hours. Key highlights along the route include the sweeping views near Nuwara Eliya, the dramatic Demodara Nine Arches Bridge just before Ella, and the cool highland air as the train climbs to nearly 1,900 metres elevation. First-class observation car seats offer panoramic open-window views and are highly recommended- book well in advnce as they sell out quickly.

Yes, Kandy pairs seamlessly with other Sri Lankan destinations in a single itinerary. Colombo is just 2.5 to 3 hours away and is typically the first stop on most itineraries. Bentota, a beachside resort town on the west coast, is approximately 3.5 hours from Kandy by road and makes for a relaxing beach extension after the hill country. Galle, the UNESCO-listed colonial fort city, is around 4 to 5 hours from Kandy and is best combined via a scenic coastal drive. A popular 8–10 day route covers Colombo → Kandy → Ella → Galle → Bentota in a seamless loop.

  • Kandy Town Centre: Best for first-time visitors; walkable to the temple, lake, and markets
  • Kandy Hills / Upper Hillside: Ideal for boutique guesthouses and hotels with panoramic valley views
  • Peradeniya: Quieter area near the Botanical Gardens, suited to nature lovers
  • Bahirawakanda / Ampitiya Road: Popular with travellers seeking peaceful, scenic guesthouses away from city noise
  • Digana: A rural suburb near the Victoria Reservoir, perfect for eco-stays and hillside retreats.

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): The most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: A magnificent 147-acre garden with over 4,000 plant species
  • Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake): A serene artificial lake at the heart of the city built by the last Kandyan king
  • Udawattakele Forest Reserve: A lush jungle sanctuary within the city limits, ideal for birdwatching
  • Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue: A towering 27-metre white Buddha overlooking the city
  • Lankathilaka Vihara: A majestic 14th-century cliff-top temple on the outskirts of Kandy

  • Attend an evening Kandyan cultural dance performance, showcasing traditional fire, whip, and mask dances
  • Walk the perimeter of Kandy Lake at sunrise or sunset for tranquil views
  • Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, about 40 km away, to see rescued elephants up close
  • Explore a working tea factory and estate in the surrounding highlands
  • Browse the Kandy City Market for spices, gems, batik textiles, and local street food
  • Attend a puja (offering ceremony) at the Temple of the Tooth in the early morning or evening

  • Kandy City Centre Mall: The city's main modern shopping complex for fashion, electronics, and dining
  • Kandy Market (Central Market): A bustling covered market for spices, produce, and everyday goods
  • Lakeside Antique Shops: Clustered around Kandy Lake, offering Ceylon gemstones, antiques, and handicrafts
  • Pedlar Street / Dalada Veediya: The main commercial strip lined with batik shops, gem stores, and souvenir stalls
  • The Cultural Triangle Craft Shops: Near the Temple of the Tooth, selling traditional Kandyan crafts and wood carvings.