Set in Sri Lanka’s central highlands and wrapped around its own lake, Kandy is the island’s cultural heart, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, home to Buddhism’s most sacred relic, and noticeably cooler than the coast.
Everything below can be worked into a longer island itinerary, say which appeal and we'll pace the days around them.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Buddha’s tooth relic, the spiritual centre of the country, best visited during evening puja.
Extensive tropical collections including orchids, medicinal plants and a famous avenue of palms.
A forest reserve rising directly behind the temple, with walking trails and excellent birdlife.
A 14th-century temple distinguished by remarkable stone carvings and intricate frescoes.
A granite shrine showing off the island’s rock-cut artistry, in quiet surroundings.
A 14th-century shrine renowned for its ornately carved wooden pillars.
Artefacts and exhibits documenting the Kandyan kingdom and its craftsmanship.
A colonial-era burial ground offering a different angle on the city’s past.
Tell us when you're travelling and we'll shape a private itinerary that gives Kandy the time it deserves.
