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Kandy is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka due to its central location in the country and many historical and cultural sites. This blog will help you make plans in Kandy while on vacation in Sri Lanka.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN KANDY
Kandy has a rich history, being the last capital of the kings of Sri Lanka before colonization. This section will tell you about the best places to visit in Kandy during your tour.
Temple of the Holy Tooth
Sri Dalada Maligawa – better known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – is definitely at the top of the list of places to visit in Kandy. The temple houses a tooth of the Buddha himself and is considered one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka.
The complex contains many other important places to visit in Kandy, such as the Kandy Royal Palace and the International Buddhist Museum.
Schedule: Open every day 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: Admission is free for local residents and children. For adults from SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar, the entrance fee is 1500 LKR. Adults of all other nationalities will be charged 2000 LKR.
Kandy Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Kandy is filled with art and sculptures depicting different stages of Sri Lanka’s history. For those who enjoy learning about history and culture, this is an important stop to understand the history of Sri Lanka – a worthy addition to the list of places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Price: Included in the entrance fee to the Temple of the Holy Tooth.
Kandy National Museum
The Kandy National Museum is home to a wide range of artefacts from various stages of Sri Lanka’s history. The exhibits take you through the various stages of Sri Lankan history, from the prehistoric era to Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948 and beyond.
The unique architecture and intriguing exhibits make it one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Foreigners have to pay LKR 600 for adults and 400 LKR for children.
International Buddhist Museum
The International Buddhist Museum showcases the history of Buddhism over the centuries. Maintained by the authorities of Sri Dalada Maligawa, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kandy. See historical artifacts from around the world and learn about how this religion spread throughout Asia.
If you are interested in spirituality and religion, this is one place in Kandy that you should not miss.
Schedule: Open every day, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price: Included in the entrance fee to the Temple of the Holy Tooth.
Kandy War Cemetery
Kandy War Cemetery is the resting place of hundreds of soldiers from around the world who died during the Second World War. For those interested in Sri Lankan history and culture, this is one of the most fascinating places in Kandy.
Schedule: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Free of charge
Lake Kandy
Located next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake offers visitors a scenic spot to stroll and enjoy views of the city. It is a popular spot for morning walks and jogs among residents and is widely considered one of the most important places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.
Price: Free of charge
Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum, located near the scenic Hantana Range, showcases the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. The museum has a tasting room where guests can taste the country’s best teas.
A unique blend of history, business and heritage makes this museum one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
Schedule: Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is open from Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Entrance fee for foreigners LKR 1000 for adults and 500 LKR for children.
PLACES TO VISIT FROM KANDA
Kandy is located in the center of Sri Lanka and is well connected to some other major cities. After you have seen all the incredible places to visit in Kandy, here are the places around Kandy that you can explore during your visit to Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital, Colombo, is a must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. From breathtaking architecture to stunning beaches, Colombo is an incredible city to visit on your Sri Lanka tour.
Distance from Kandy: 123 km
Main attractions: Gangaramaya Temple, Mount Lavinia Beach, Galle Face Green, Old Dutch Hospital.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the site of an ancient city with impressive sculptures carved out of the rock itself. It is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Sri Lanka, and there are many other small archaeological sites around it.
Distance from Kandy: 90 km
Main attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fort, Pidurangala Vihara.
Dambulla
The Dambulla Cave Temples are an incredible sight filled with intricate artwork and magnificent sculptures carved right out of the rock that surrounds it. These temples are considered a shrine, and the territory is a working monastery.
Distance from Kandy: 75 km
Main attractions: Dambulla Cave Temples
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, the center of the tea trade in Sri Lanka, is considered the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the hills of Sri Lanka.
Distance from Kandy: 75 km
Main attractions: Dambulla Cave Temples
Negombo
There are few better cities for seafood lovers than Negombo. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and old Dutch buildings.
Distance from Kandy: 95 km
Main attractions: Negombo Lagoon, Negombo Beach, Marawala Beach
Kitulgala
For adventure seekers, Kitulgala is where you want to be. This small town on the banks of the Kelani River is a hot spot for rafting, rock climbing and hiking.
Distance from Kandy: 60 km
Main attractions: Rafting, climbing, trekking
Also read: Everything you need to know about whale watching in Sri Lanka
Best places to stay in Kandy
Choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference to your stay. Like Kandi. Here are some hotel recommendations at various price points.
Castle Hill Bungalow
Placement Type: Luxury hotel
Price per night: From INR 7000 onwards
Kassendra Hotel
Placement Type: Deluxe Hotel
Price per night: From INR 3,900
The Hills by Blue Fox
Placement Type: Economist hotel
Price per night: From INR 2500 onwards
Best time to visit Kandy
The best time to visit Kandy is from December to April. This time of year is cooler than the rest of the year with a low chance of precipitation.
See the best places to visit in Kandy with flying holidays
There are many incredible places to visit in Kandy. However, Kandy is just one city among many other places in Sri Lanka. At Flying Squirrel Holidays, our team of travel experts can help you create incredible Sri Lankan adventures, from stunning tea gardens to thrilling whale watching. Explore Sri Lanka hassle-free with Flying Squirrel Holidays.
FAQ
Should you visit Kandy?
Kandy is a city with many important cultural and historical monuments. It is an important place to understand the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
Why is Kandy famous?
Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Holy Tooth. It is also famous for being the city where many scenes from the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom were filmed.
Is 1 day enough for Kandy?
One day is enough to see the complex of the Temple of the Holy Tooth. It is best to allocate at least 3 days and 2 nights to visit all the places worth visiting in Kandy.