Top 05 Things to Do in Kandy for First-Time Travellers
Kandy, Sri Lanka’s charming, cooler hill capital, one that’s not to be missed. A bustling city by day and a peaceful town by night, there are plenty of places to visit in Kandy that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, with family and friends. We’ve picked five of our favourite spots/activities that we think are excellent starting points for first-timers to experience the rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty of Kandy.
1. Temple of the Tooth Relic
When it comes to historical places in Kandy, none other tops the list than the Sri Dalada Maligawa – the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Located right in the centre of Kandy Town and adjacent to the stunning Kandy Lake, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the sacred left canine of the Lord Buddha. It is a significant place of worship for Buddhists, but is also visited by thousands of non-devotees for its architectural beauty, designed in typical Kandyan style and adorned with opulently intricate gold, silver, bronze, and ivory carvings
While you’re in the area, the Kandy Royal Palace (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), located right next to the temple, is worth a visit, too. There are guided tours within the palace complex and gardens, which give visitors a comprehensive insight into the heritage and history of the city and its ancient monarchies.
The much-visited Kandy View Point is 5 minutes away from the temple, and is a great spot to get Insta-worthy captures of the calming Kandy Lake and its captivating surroundings.
2. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya is a 20-minute drive from Kandy Town. The 147-acre property has over 4,000 plant species that include spices, palms, medicinal shrubs, and a much-acclaimed orchid collection. There is plenty of pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history attached to the place. Today, people visit for the beauty, tranquillity, and knowledge that the garden offers through its plethora of luscious flora. The National Herbarium of Sri Lanka is attached to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
If you’re willing to spend an extra 10 minutes on the road, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Kandy is only a slight detour on the way from Kandy Town to the Royal Botanic Gardens. With 196 Commonwealth burials from WWII, and a sole commemoration from WWI, the serene property is handsomely curated, and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
3. Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary
Hidden away in plain sight, and a 10-minute drive from Kandy Town, is Udawattekala Forest. The 257 acres of canopy, sub-canopy, and underground shrub was declared a sanctuary in 1938 to preserve and protect its trove of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is the primary ‘lungs’ of Kandy city which is enclosed by several hill ranges, and its catchment areas are the main water source for Kandy Lake. Highlights include the forest pond, Senkanda Cave, Garrison Cemetery, Kodimale – its highest peak, and a massive liana (woody vine) that is dated at between 200-300 years. Several Buddhist temples and hermitages can also be found within the premises.
Udawattakele is home to a large number native and introduced plant species, and is inhabited by a multitude of bird and mammal species, some of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. The forest is open for visitors to explore from 08:00 to 18:00, while earlier entry can be pre-arranged for bird-watching enthusiasts.
4. Kandy Spice Walk
About 20 minutes by road from Kandy Town is a popular and engaging activity for culinary and ayurveda enthusiasts – Kandy Spice Walk, an educational and relaxing tour through an aromatic spice and ayurveda garden. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get to know many types of local/regional spices and ayurvedic plants, and to learn about the efficient application of ayurvedic treatment for general health. Visitors get to try their hand at cooking (and later enjoying) an authentic local meal with garden-fresh herbs and spices in a traditional kitchen. They are also treated to complimentary ayurveda tea and an oil treatment.
5. Esala Perahera
If you plan your visit during July/August, you would be able to witness one of the most historical cultural-religious processions in the world. The Esala Perahera is an elaborate procession that dates back to 200 BC when it was first practised to pray to the gods for rain. Since the arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka in 300 AD, it is now an act of homage to the relic. The procession is a visual feast, with a string of vibrant performances by traditional drummers and dancers representing different cultures within the country, fire dancers, whip dancers, brightly adorned elephants, and much more.
The Esala Perahera usually comprises of ten night-time processions and one day-time procession, and while routes vary between processions, they are all confined to within the Kandy Town. You will need to check on procession routes based on when you visit, and pick a good viewing spot accordingly.
Best Way to Get About Sightseeing in Kandy, Sri Lanka
We’ve talked about some of the best tourist places in Kandy. Now, let’s talking about how to get there.
The drive to Kandy from Colombo is just over 3.5 hours. While public transport would get you there, too, this would mean more road time, and having to find your way around the city once you get there. Considering this, the best option would be to rent a vehicle for your Kandy visit. This would also mean not having to limit your explorations, as every attraction and activity that interests you would be only a comfortable and flexible ride away.
Kings Rent-a-Car offers a reliable fleet of vehicles from saloon cars to SUVs and 4WDs at competitive rates. While you could self-drive, we highly recommend our chauffeur service that would guarantee increased safety, better route efficiency and local expertise around the country. Our five-star service includes add-on options of child/infant car seats, jumper cables, first aid kits and GPS-enabled tablets are available.
Visit Kings Rent-a-Car online for available options and rates, or WhatsApp us on +94 77 773 9492 for information and inquiries.