Kandy is a serene city located in Sri Lanka in the depths of beautiful landscapes. Some stunning places to visit near Kandy make it a must-see on your Sri Lanka itinerary. Kandy is of great religious importance, as many temples are sacred to the people of Sri Lanka. The stunning landscapes add to Kandy’s beauty and are a sight to behold. From temples to lakes to botanical gardens, the tourists are in for really fun spots to visit, making this trip to Sri Lanka memorable. So, let us make the perfect itinerary for your next visit to Kandy!
5 Places To Visit Near Kandy
Need some help deciding where to go in Kandy? We have got you covered! Let us now look at some of the best places to visit near Kandy that you must add to your itinerary on your next trip-
1. Temple Of The Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Image Credit: A.Savin for Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to see near Kandy, The Temple of the Tooth is very important to Buddhists. This is where the left tooth of Buddha is enshrined and worshipped. The detailed architecture of the Temple of the Tooth is magnificent, and the architectural style that was used to build the temple is Kandyan. People from around the world visit the Temple of the Tooth, as it is of cultural importance for all the people who practice Buddhism. A puja takes place three times a day to worship the tooth of the Buddha, which is kept on a lotus flower made out of gold. Kandya Esala Perehera is a big festival celebrated yearly to pay respects to the sacred tooth. The temple’s stone carvings and intricate details will definitely leave the tourists awe-struck. If you are seeking solace, this is a temple you must visit.
Location – Sri Dalada Veediya (Temple Street), Kandy – 20000, Sri Lanka
Timings – 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nearby Attractions – Kandy Lake, Royal Palace of Kandy, World Buddhist Museum
Must Read: Best Places To Visit In Kandy
2. Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons
One of the tourist places near Kandy, this wonder of nature is definitely the perfect getaway for all nature lovers. This forest reserve is also of great historical importance, as it was for many Kandyan kings. The Senkanda Cave is another historical spot in King Senkanda’s hiding spot. The tourists can enjoy the solitude, the fresh air, the lush green forest, and the blue sky. Plan a picnic or a stroll across the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. The rich biodiversity of this place just makes this haven so worth going to and spending a day over there. The birdwatchers are in for a treat, as there are many bird species that they can spot and observe. Kodimale Peak is the highest point in the Udawattakele Forest Reserve and the perfect place to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of Kandy. Immerse yourself in the scenic landscapes and take in the solace and comfort of the Udawattakele Forest Reserve.
Location – Forest Department Office, Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Timings – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nearby Attractions – Ceylon Tea Museum, Kandy View Point, Gadaladeniya Temple
3. Hortons Plains National Park
Image Credit: Suneendra A for Wikimedia Commons
This gem is situated at an elevation of around 7,500 ft. It is a famous tourist spot in Kandya due to its rich biodiversity. The highlight of Horton’s National Park is the World’s End, which is about 2854 feet high. The scenic beauty of the World’s End is sure to leave you awe-struck. The Baker’s Fall is about 20 feet high. The circular trail will take you to the waterfall, which will be fun and thrilling as it is steep, but the tourists won’t face much difficulty walking on it. The best months to visit Hortons Plains National Park are January to March. Tourists can also camp in the Hortons Plains National Park and relish the picturesque views.
Location – Ohiya, Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya District
Timings – 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nearby Attractions – World’s End, Nuwara Eliya, Ella
Suggested Read: Hotels In Unawatuna
4. Ceylon Tea Museum
Image Credit: calflier001 for Wikimedia Commons
Where are all the tea lovers? A dream place for all those who can’t even function without tea, the Ceylon Tea Museum is located 3km south of Kandy and in Hathana. Hathana was famous for its successful tea production. For all history lovers, this museum is home to fermentation tables, rollers, and dryers from the 19th century. The tourists can also enjoy the tea rooms with tempting tea flavours and the restaurants within the museum. You can read up on the history of tea in the library and enjoy a brimming cup. The tea-tasting sessions are great for learning and exploring the wide array of teas, and the guides will tell you about the various teas and their origins in detail.
Location – Hantana Road, Sri Lanka
Timings – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nearby Attractions – Bake House, Temple of the Tooth
5. Kandy Lake
Image Credit: Alexey Komarov for Wikimedia Commons
The Kandy Lake also called the ‘Sea of Milk’ spans over an area of 6.544 square meters. The hills surround Kandy Lake, which would be a delight to look at for all the tourists. The rich flora and fauna all around the lake will make for a perfect spot to take a stroll and plan a picnic, and watch the sunset. The bird species that can be spotted are pelicans, wood storks, and the white egret crane. Some tree species that surround the lake are Sal trees, Mara trees, and Nuga trees. The phenomenal views of Kandy Lake add to the charm of Kandy, and the tranquility that the place holds is just something you would not want to miss
Location – Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Timings – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Nearby Attractions – Kandy War Cemetry, Waruna Antiques, Ambuluwawa Tower
Further Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
These are some of the places to visit on your trip to Kandy that should be on your bucket list if they aren’t already! The ravishing landscapes, stunning lakes, hills, and rich biodiversity will entice you to plan a vacation. The best time to plan a vacation to Kandy would be from January to March. Book your tickets and plan a stay in Kandy. We are sure you are going to have a wondrous and definitely memorable trip!
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Cover Image Source: Charles R. Benedict Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Kandy
Would you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, all tourists would require a visa to travel to Sri Lanka, which you can apply for online.
Is Sri Lanka a good place to plan a bachelor’s party?
Yes! Sri Lanka is a popular place with a lot of clubs, beaches, and restaurants to plan the perfect bachelor’s party.
Can you plan a trip to Sri Lanka on a budget at reasonable rates?
Yes, Sri Lanka is a comparatively cheaper vacation spot than other places, and you are surely going to have an amazing time in Sri Lanka.
What language is spoken commonly by the locals in Sri Lanka?
The locals in Sri Lanka commonly speak Sinhala and Tamil.
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, how many days would be ample to visit the stunning spots near Kandy?
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, 2 to 3 days would be more than sufficient to visit these stunning spots near Kandy.
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