Visit the beautiful Kandy City in Sri Lanka

Kandy Tourism

Travel to the magnificent city of Sri Lanka!

Quick Information

See Map
Best time to visit
Dec - May
Ideal Duration
5-6 Days
Visa
On Arrival
Starting from
Rs. 1,980
  • Ideal for families
  • Ideal for friends
  • Nature

About Kandy Tourism

Kandy, an important city, is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city of Kandy was the last capital during the era of ancient kings in Sri Lanka. It is the now the administrative and religious capital of the Central Province apart from being its capital. Kandy is situated in the middle of the hills in the Kandy plateau which is surrounded by tea plantations. It is also home to one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world, the Tooth Relic. In the year 1988, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Tourism in Kandy is one of the essential things about the economy of Sri lanka. 

Kandy City stands tall because of its rich tradition and valiant history. The city has stood the test of time by becoming bigger and better. Kandy’s strategic location on the plateau is made even more scenic with the tea plantations surrounding the area. The city is hailed by the locals as an important province of Sri Lanka because it contains the legacy and works of the last king of the country, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. There are numerous mesmerizing places to visit in Kandy, like the Botanical Garden, Royal Palace and Temple of the Sacred Tooth. A trip to Kandy will prove to be one of the best experiences in your life because of its spiritual and administrative sides that you can individually explore. The history of how the city was kept away from the colonizers for the longest time will draw you to the stories of the valiant and brave warriors of that time. A tour of the Kandy City will show you the long-lasting elegance and beauty of one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka and will convince you to set off on an exciting journey to the city of Buddhist shrines and the Kandian history.

History of the Kandy City

Kandy City holds within itself the vibrant and brave history of so many people and places. There are ancient landmarks that exist to this very date and convey different stories regarding so many incidents that took place in the past. The city is known for its resistance to the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Kandy City rebelled and drove away the Portuguese in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Dutch sent their troops, approximately at the same time, and they were initially successful in almost making a foothold in the city. However, their army was attacked by King Kirti causing a heavy loss of weapons and people at the coast. This led to the remaining Dutch soldiers to withdraw into the forests. Living in the forests proved to be difficult because of the lack of food, water, and comfort. On the other hand, this acted as a gain for the Kandian sharpshooters who used their agility and training to hide in the forests and take down the remaining army in small numbers. The small numbers turned into a huge cause of concern for the people at the Dutch headquarters. They immediately sent in a fresh troop of soldiers to attack the city. The soldiers’ surprise attack on the city was the leading cause of their win against the Kandian warriors. On your visit to Sri Lanka, you will discover that it was in the year 1952 when the city of Kandy was named as the capital city of  the only remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka after the conquest of the coastal regions by the Portuguese. When you travel to Sri Lanka, you will discover that Kandy city struggled to preserve its independence until 1815.

The people of the city immediately packed their bags and fled to the forests. This cycle of incidents kept on being repeated many times. The Dutch became weary of the constant resistance and came to a peace treaty with the city in 1766. The history of Kandy City becomes even more intense with the passing time and their struggle for independence paved the way for a country with a bright future and innovations.

Famous Tourist Places in Kandy

Kandy City is a land of numerous Buddhist shrines, historical landmarks and colorful festivals. The city also houses various tea plantations and picnic spots that should be visited in your trip to Kandy.

Temple of the Tooth - Every travel guide in Kandy will suggest you to visit the famous Temple of Tooth which is a famous shrine of Lord Buddha. Tourists can visit the temple and see that the justified hype around the famous relic of Buddha. The temple houses the tooth of Lord Buddha which was transferred from Kalinga in India to Kandy in Sri Lanka. Visitors cannot see the tooth as it is kept safely in a casket but can participate in the regular prayers during the whole day. This will let you experience spiritual joy and calmness.

Kandy Lake - Kandy Lake was a creation of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. The lake was made to make the Temple of the Tooth look more appealing to the eyes of its visitors. Tourists can take a walk along the tranquil lake as it is therapeutic. Visitors can even go on an exciting boating expedition on the lake.

Royal Botanical Garden - The Botanical Garden was built and developed by various Kandian kings. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Kandy and that can be proved by the millions of visitors it receives annually. The garden is much sought after because of its huge collection of Palm trees, colorful orchids and fruits. A visit to Kandy will let you relax and enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant atmosphere of the picture perfect Royal Botanical Garden.

Shopping In Kandy 

Kandy offers a host of options for visitors to shop for. From jewelry to antiques, there are so many things that you would want to buy in Kandy. Here is a list of the best places in Kandy for an enhanced shopping experience. 

Main Market - It is a famous stop for local handicrafts. It is located in the main market of the city and visited by tourists and locals alike. Main Market is offers a lively street shopping in kandy while offering handicrafts, textiles and paintings for sale. 

Luv SL By Odel - It is a popular shopping hub known for selling authentic souvenirs. You will find an innumerable range of souvenirs which you can carry home. It is also known for its upscale shopping malls offering high-end fashion wear and offer a boost to tourism in Kandy

Kandy City Centre - It is located in the heart of the city and is known as the only shopping mall in Kandy offering all types of items under one roof. Shop for clothes, electrical items and souvenirs and handicrafts from here. 

Nightlife in Kandy - add detail information, different best areas, things to do, add info in bullets form while highlighting areas/market names

Nightlife In Kandy

Nightlife is surely an essential source of entertainment for tourism in Kandy. Enjoy a bout of happiness and fun during the nightlife experience in Kandy. Some of the best places in Kandy that will oomph up your vibe are :

Royal Bar & Hotel- It is one of the coolest places in Kandy for a drink. There are a couple of excellent atmospheric bars that offer a lovely set-up along with a host of alcoholic drinks. Although the prices are usually steep, ‘happy hours’ offer a better deal. 

Blackout - One of the best nightlife experiences in Kandy, Blackout is a modern club frequented by tourists who love to enjoy a variety in music. The club oomphs up with music by DJs who play progressive and deep house, minimal and techno. It sure provides a boost to tourism in Kandy

Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar - Offering stunning views, pool tables, PLF, Chinese cuisine and ‘happy hour’, Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar is one of the busiest yet liveliest places for good food and drink in Kandy. Try the local wine here which is available at a cheaper rate. 

Similar Destinations

Places To Visit In Kandy

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

View All

Things To Do In Kandy

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

View All

Travel to Kandy

Read about the best & quickest routes to save time & money, as suggested by our travelers

The most comfortable way to travel to Kandy City is by booking a flight. There are flights like Air India, Indigo, Spicejet and Sr

i Lankan Airways that take you to and fro India and Sri Lanka. You will have to change planes at Columbo. The first flight will take you to Colombo which is a ride of about 2.5 hours. On arrival at Colombo, you can board the Sri Lankan flight to Kandy which takes approximately 1 hour. So, the total time taken to reach Kandy by air is 4 hours. You need to book your tickets in advance for intercity travel too. The timings differ according to the time of purchasing the tickets and the seats available. Since, traveling by air is the only way to travel from India to Sri Lanka, there is a huge demand for numerous ways to travel from Colombo to Kandy City.

Popular Packages

Unlimited choices. Trusted agents. Best prices. Happy memories.

View All
  • Explore the Wonders of Sri Lanka

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (2D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 12,157/-₹ 13,072/-

    per person

    7% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Fabulous Sri Lanka and its Fantabulous Attractions

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (2D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 13,925/-₹ 15,136/-

    per person

    8% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Entry fee charges

    Transfers

  • Sigiriya Sightseeing Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • colombo (2D)
    • sigiriya (3D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 17,144/-₹ 18,434/-

    per person

    7% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Scenic Sri Lanka Family Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • kalutara (1D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 18,399/-₹ 21,187/-

    per person

    13% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Of Beaches and Mountains: Sri Lanka Calls

    • Cities:
    • kandy (2D)
    • bentota (2D)
    • colombo (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    6 Days & 5 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 18,420/-₹ 20,022/-

    per person

    8% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Best Selling Sri Lanka Package: Hills & Beaches

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (1D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 18,499/-₹ 21,863/-

    per person

    15% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Cab Airport Transfer

  • Enigmatic Sri Lanka Honeymoon Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (1D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 19,250/-₹ 21,583/-

    per person

    11% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Amazing Sri Lanka Holiday: Whale Watching & Turtle Hatchery

    • Cities:
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (2D)
    • colombo (1D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 19,800/-₹ 23,657/-

    per person

    16% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Fun in the Sun - Exotic Sri Lanka Holiday

    • Cities:
    • kandy (2D)
    • nuwaraEliya (2D)
    • bentota (3D)
    • colombo (3D)

    10 Days & 9 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 19,900/-₹ 22,359/-

    per person

    11% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota, Colombo Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (2D)
    • sigiriya (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    6 Days & 5 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 20,000/-₹ 21,739/-

    per person

    8% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Romantic Sri Lankan Honeymoon Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (3D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 21,000/-₹ 24,684/-

    per person

    15% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Bestselling Srilanka Packages

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (3D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 21,000/-₹ 24,333/-

    per person

    14% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Magnificent Sri Lanka Honeymoon Package

    • Cities:
    • negombo (1D)
    • colombo (1D)
    • bentota (2D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 22,400/-₹ 25,454/-

    per person

    12% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    GST included

  • A Feel-Good Sri Lanka Sightseeing Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (2D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 22,500/-₹ 24,725/-

    per person

    9% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Ramayana Tour Package: Walk Through Sri Lanka’s Past

    • Cities:
    • kandy (2D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • colombo (2D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 22,874/-₹ 26,263/-

    per person

    13% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

  • Intimate Sri Lanka Honeymoon Package

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (2D)

    4 Days & 3 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 23,799/-₹ 26,153/-

    per person

    9% Off

    Upto 4 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Sri Lanka Shopping Tour Package

    • Cities:
    • colombo (3D)

    3 Days & 2 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 23,999/-₹ 26,086/-

    per person

    8% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Enchanting Sri Lanka Honeymoon Tour

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (2D)
    • bentota (2D)
    • colombo (2D)

    7 Days & 6 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 24,300/-₹ 24,545/-

    per person

    1% Off

    Upto 4 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Jolly Sri Lanka Family Tour

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • bentota (3D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)

    5 Days & 4 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 24,500/-₹ 26,923/-

    per person

    9% Off

    Upto 4 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Transfers

  • Best Selling Sri Lanka 5 Nights 6 Days Family Tour

    • Cities:
    • kandy (1D)
    • nuwaraEliya (1D)
    • bentota (1D)
    • colombo (2D)
    • sigiriya (1D)

    6 Days & 5 Nights

    Starting from:

    ₹ 25,000/-₹ 29,112/-

    per person

    14% Off

    Upto 3 Stars

    Meals

    Sightseeing

    Private Cab

Fastest Growing Holiday Marketplace

650+

Verified Agents

22 Lac+

Happy Travellers

65+

Destinations

Easy, Secure & Reliable

Traveltriangle

Verified

Stringent

Quality Control

24/7

Support

Authentic Traveler Reviews

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Santosh's 7 days trip to Kandy

The exchange rate is bad while making the payment. You can't even choose to pay in USD while making the payment. it is 3-5% extra. The platform charges an additional 10% from the travel agents so the quotes are usually more expensive on the platform than from the agents.

Santosh Viswanatham Hyderabad

Garima's 4 days trip to Kandy

The experience of staying and visiting the places were very good. The guide or the taxi driver was very good in nature and calm jolly person. We enjoyed our trip. Chamodi was very helpful. Thanks to the team

Garima Rawat Bengaluru

Rahulsethi's 6 days trip to Kandy

Good website to connect with the amazing tour operators here, Chamodi did a fantastic job giving us the best possible places to visit and the hotels. She was very helpful and have explained everything. The chauffeur Madu He was not only knowledgeable and informative but also extremely dedicated and sincere. He made sure that we were always comfortable and safe. He never once tried to cheat us or take advantage of us.

Rahulsethi New delhi

Ranjan's 5 days trip to Kandy

Good website to connect with prospective travel agents to review and decide. Chamodi and her team from Active Adventure Lanka did an excellent job on the planning. Shared all important information and was always available round the clock for clarifications. Will certainly advise prospective planners to go through Adventure Lanka.

Ranjan Venkatachalam Chennai

Nkc's 8 days trip to Kandy

Chamodi and her team are exceptional in planning and executing a trip. They were always available for every help and were prompt to resolve issues if any. We would definitely love to come back again :)

Nkc Bangalore

Skvngri's 7 days trip to Kandy

Our trip to Sri Lanka was organized meticulously and professionally. We enjoyed our visit with great memories. Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country & it is difficult to single out a particular place. Visits to Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, stand out.

Skvngri Hyderabad

Ishita's 6 days trip to Kandy

Chamodi is Ana amazing agent. Really loved her work. She was always there to help and support us. Thanks for an amazing trip

Ishita Gagwani Mumbai

Rakshith's 5 days trip to Kandy

Of all my vacations abroad the most recent one to sri lanka has been the most memorable one as i had my entire family with me and every aspect of the trip from the cab driver to transits between hotels were well planned and meticulously executed by Mrs Chamodi who was extremely polite and forthcoming with all information . Right from meeting us at the airport at 3am in colombo to the end of the journey Chamodi and the warm and hospitable public of sri lanka have left and indelible mark on us and we would love to recommend other to visit sri lanka and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of chamodi and the island nation DR RAKSHITH SHETTY AND FAMILY

Rakshith Shetty Chennai

Amit's 9 days trip to Kandy

Excellent tour arrangements done by Ms. Chamodi (Active Adventure). She guided us to finalise our itinerary, helped in selection of hotels, assigned a very good driver (Sumedha) for the entire trip and even received us at the airport. We had a wonderful tour thanks to her.

Amit Bhuta Malaysia

Sadha's 5 days trip to Kandy

Udani helped me get the right deal. Harashani mam was very patient and helped me with good options. Chanaka, driver and guide was very polite and helped us all through the trip. Overall we had a amazing and memorable trip River rafting Paramotring Mangrove forest bentota river boat ride Water sports in bentota

Sadha Sivam Chennai

Want best packages handpicked just for you?

Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts

FAQ's of Kandy

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

If you want to travel within Kandy City, opt for the services of a ferry. Before accepting a ride on the ferry, please fix a fair price that should be given to the driver afterwards.

Kandy City is a safe place and you can take part in its lively nightlife that tourists are encouraged usually enjoy. There have been no records of criminal violence against tourists for the longest time.

There were some Indians who migrated to different cities in Sri Lanka, Kandy being one of those cities, and are mostly referred to as ‘Indian Tamils’ and they form the minority of the country. However, the Sinhalese form the major population of the country and are not mostly of Indian origin.

Tourism in Kandy

Rated 4.31/5 ( based on 2984 reviews )