Explore Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, is a city that embodies the island’s soul. Surrounded by lush hills and centered around a tranquil lake, Kandy combines sacred heritage, colonial charm, and scenic beauty. As the last capital of the Sinhala monarchy before colonial rule, Kandy’s significance in Sri Lankan identity is unmatched — a city where ancient rituals still echo through modern streets.

At the heart of Kandy lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered site housing a tooth believed to belong to the Buddha himself. The temple is a spiritual beacon for Buddhists and draws pilgrims from across the globe, especially during the grand Esala Perahera festival — a procession of dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants honoring the sacred relic.

The city’s picturesque setting adds to its allure. The Kandy Lake, built in 1807, offers peaceful strolls and stunning views of the temple and surrounding hills. Nearby, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya showcase a lush collection of orchids, palms, and medicinal plants, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Kandy also offers a glimpse into colonial-era Sri Lanka with its British-influenced architecture, old churches, and railway station. The Kandy Railway is a journey in itself — the scenic route from Colombo or onward to Nuwara Eliya is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, passing through misty forests and tea plantations.

Local markets, traditional dance shows, museums, and artisan workshops round out the Kandy experience. It’s a city that balances bustle with calm, modernity with tradition. Whether you come for spiritual pilgrimage, history, or cool mountain air, Kandy invites you to slow down and experience Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted grace.