Central Province · Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s last royal capital, set around a tranquil lake in a ring of green hills. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, world-class gardens and the start of the island’s most scenic train ride.
Best time
January – April
Ideal stay
2 – 3 nights
From Colombo
3 – 4 hrs by road
Known for
Temple, lake & culture
Why go
Why Australians love Kandy
Kandy is where Sri Lanka’s culture comes alive. Pilgrims in white file into the Temple of the Tooth at dusk, drummers echo across the lake, and the hills around town are dotted with spice gardens, tea estates and forest walks.
At around 500 metres above sea level, it’s noticeably cooler than the coast, and it’s the natural gateway to the hill country, Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle.
1988
Sacred City of Kandy UNESCO listed
500 m
Above sea level, cooler than the coast
6–7 hrs
Scenic train ride to Ella
Top experiences
Top things to do in Kandy
Temples, gardens, viewpoints and culture: these are the Kandy experiences we recommend most to Australian travellers.
Temple of the Tooth
See the evening puja at Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple, home of the Buddha’s tooth relic.
Walk Kandy Lake
Stroll the lakeside loop at sunrise for monitor lizards, fruit bats and temple views.
Peradeniya Gardens
Wander royal palm avenues, orchid houses and giant fig trees at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Arthur's Seat lookout
Catch the classic postcard view over the lake, temple and city at golden hour.
Kandyan dance show
Drums, costumes and fire-walking at a nightly cultural performance near the lake.
Hill-country train
Start one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, climbing through tea estates to Ella.
Kandy travel guides
Stories from Kandy
Temple tips, train advice and where to stay, from our Kandy travel guides written by Australians for Australians.
Kandy to Ella Train: Complete Guide for Australian Travellers
Everything Australians need to know about the Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka: classes, booking tickets, the best side to sit, what to pack and safety tips.
Temple of the Tooth Kandy: A Visitor Guide for Australians
Visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy: history, puja ceremony times, dress code, what to see and practical tips for Australian travellers.
Where to Stay in Kandy: Best Areas and Hotels for Australians
Where to stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka: lakeside hotels, hilltop retreats and riverside resorts compared for Australian travellers, with booking tips.
Things to Do in Kandy: 10 Best Experiences for Australian Travellers
The best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka: the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, cultural shows and hill-country trains, with tips for Australians.
Best time to visit
When to visit Kandy
Kandy sits in the central hills and catches both monsoons lightly. It’s a year-round destination, but here’s how the seasons compare.
Jan – Apr · Peak
Drier and sunny
Generally the most settled weather, ideal for sightseeing and hill-country train trips. Book ahead.
May – Sep · Festival season
Mixed, with showers
Showers come and go, and the spectacular Esala Perahera usually lights up July or August.
Oct – Dec · Wetter
Greener and quieter
The northeast monsoon brings more rain, but also lush scenery and fewer crowds.
Where to stay
Best areas to stay in Kandy
Kandy’s hills and traffic mean your base really matters. Here are the main options.
Best for first-timers
Lakeside & city centre
Walk to the Temple of the Tooth, restaurants and the lake loop.
Best for views
Hills above the lake
Quiet boutique hotels with sweeping valley views, a short tuk-tuk ride from town.
Best for families
Riverside resorts
Pools, gardens and space along the Mahaweli River on the edge of town.
Getting there & around
Getting to Kandy
- Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo, usually via one stop from Australian cities.
- A private transfer to Kandy takes around 3–4 hours depending on traffic.
- Scenic trains run from Colombo to Kandy, and onwards into the hill country.
- Get around town by tuk-tuk or with a driver; the centre around the lake is walkable.
Sample itinerary
2 days in Kandy
Day 1
Lake & temple
Morning lake walk, Arthur’s Seat lookout, then the evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth.
Day 2
Gardens & culture
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a tea estate visit and a Kandyan dance show.
Day 3
Into the hills
Board the scenic train towards Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
FAQs
Kandy travel questions, answered
Two days covers the main sights. Add a third for a tea estate visit, a hike or a day trip.
Yes. It’s home to the Temple of the Tooth, beautiful scenery and cooler weather, and it’s the gateway to the hill country.
January to April is usually the most settled. July or August brings the Esala Perahera festival.
Light clothes, plus something covering shoulders and knees for temples. Bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Most travellers take the famous hill-country train, which takes around 6–7 hours. A private car is faster.
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