8 Things To Do In Kandy: Best Activities and Attractions
Looking for the best things to do in Kandy? I’ve compiled a list of activities and attractions in Kandy so that you can choose your favourites!
Known for its rich culture, Kandy is a city located in Central Sri Lanka. A bustling hub of traditions, delicious food, and pristine nature, it is surrounded by lush greenery.
This charming city has lots to offer and you won’t regret giving it a visit!
8 Things To Do In Kandy
Here’s a list of the top 8 things to do in Kandy! These attractions and activities shouldn’t be missed so add them to do itinerary for your next visit to Kandy.
1. Kandyan Dance Show
Immerse yourself in the culture of Kandy and catch a Kandyan dance performance. Enjoy the traditional dances and intricate costumes. I loved the drummers who brought the stage to life.
The performance is about 45 minutes to an hour in length and covers various dances such as the Pooja Dance, Devol Dance, Pantheru Dance and more! Stay until the very end for a special fire show. This is one of the best things to do in Kandy and is suitable for all ages.
Cost: 2000 LKR
Hours of Operation: Starts at 5:00pm
2. Bahirawakanda Temple (Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya)
Visit the giant Buddha statue at the Bahirawakanda Temple, about 2km outside of the city centre. Located at the top of a hill, it can be reached by tuktuk or on foot (make sure you’re up for a steep climb).
The temple offers a serene escape from the bustling energy of Kandy. Take a stroll around the temple grounds and admire the stunning views of the city. Breathe in the fresh air and take a moment to relax.
For an even better view, take the staircase which leads directly behind the Buddha’s head. It is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka at 25m, making it a popular attraction in Kandy. Once you’re finished, stop by the small gift shop.
Tip: Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You will also be asked to remove any hats and shoes at the entrance.
Cost: 300 LKR for foreigners
Hours of Operation: 6:00am-6:00pm
3. Kandy Lake
Also known as the Sea of Milk or Kiri Muhuda, Kandy Lake is found in the heart of the city. It is a manmade lake built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.
Stroll around the lake and take in the picturesque sights and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Walking around the entire lake is about 3.4km and takes 40 minutes to an hour depending on your speed. Sit down at one of the benches and relax, maybe even bring a book.
Tip: Come here to watch the sunset. The lake acts as a mirror and reflects the sunset creating a beautiful glow.
Cost: FREE
Hours of Operation: Open 24/7
4. Kandy Municipal Central Market
Looking for fruits, vegetables, spices? The Kandy Municipal Central Market has it all! Put your bargaining skills to the test. This is a great place to try some local street snacks, the vendors are very friendly and will let you have a sample before buying.
For me, the star of the show is the fruit. I challenge you to try a fruit you’ve never tried before. Don’t know where to start? How about the red bananas, mangosteen, or rambutan? And of course, don’t forget about the mighty King Coconut, a native fruit of Sri Lanka.
This is also a great place to stock up on herbs and spices to bring home or for souvenirs. The vendors are grouped together by what they’re selling so all the fruit vendors will be together, clothing vendors in another place etc…
Tip: Looking for something specific? Ask a local and they will point you in the right direction. The market is huge and can be confusing to navigate.
Cost: FREE
Hours of Operation: 7:00am-9:00pm
5. Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Home to the canine tooth of Buddha, the Temple of the Tooth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You won’t actually get to see the tooth but you can visit during a ritual known as “Pooja” which occurs three times a day.
Pooja involves drummers and loud music which draws quite the crowd. Offerings, such as beautiful purple lotus flowers, can be purchased from vendors on the street near the temple and can be brought inside.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds, I would recommend visiting outside of the ritual times.
The Temple of the Tooth is 1 of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka which is why you must add this to your list of things to do in Kandy.
Tip: You will be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance so if you are not comfortable walking around outside barefoot, I recommend bringing a pair of socks.
Visitor Guidelines
✅Wear white or light coloured clothing
✅Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered
✅Be soft spoken
❌ Do NOT take pictures with your back facing Buddha, statues and monuments.
You can watch the guidance video of DOs and DON’Ts from the official website here.
Cost: 2000 LKR
Hours of Operation: 5:30am-8:00pm
6. Day Trip to Ambuluwawa Tower (Biodiversity Complex)
Take a trip outside of the city to visit the famous Ambuluwawa Tower. A beautiful spiralling white tower that looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Challenge yourself to see if you can make it all the way to the top and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of famous landmarks such as the Knuckles Mountain Range, Adam’s Peak, Bible Rock, and more!
A warning for those who have a fear of heights, I don’t not recommend climbing all the way to the top. Luckily there are many viewpoints along the tower so I recommend stopping wherever you are comfortable.
Although Ambuluwawa Tower is the star of the show there are smaller towers that you can easily climb on the property. There is also a small cafe overlooking the town. Enjoy the breathtaking views with a sweet treat or beverage. Check out Ambuluwawa Tower: How to Make the Most of Your Visit for more info!
Tip: You can take the 716 public bus or hire a tuktuk to drive you directly there. I found taking the public transportation very easy as a female solo traveler and felt completely safe.
Cost: 2000 LKR for foreign tourists and 1000 LKR for children
Hours of Operation: 7:30am-5:00pm on weekdays and 6:00am-5:00pm on weekends
7. Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya)
Home to over 4000 species of plants, visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the top things to do in Kandy.
Be prepared to do some serious walking and wear comfortable shoes because the garden is 147 acres in size! I don’t think that you’ll be able to see everything even if you spend the entire day there.
My favourite area was the Royal Palm Avenue, a long stretch of land with tall palm trees creating a surreal atmosphere. I also recommend checking out the Orchid House because the garden is famous for their orchids.
Pick up a map at the entrance and see which areas interest you, or take a stroll and get lost in nature. Regardless, you won’t be disappointed with your journey.
Cost: 3000 LKR for foreigners
Hours of Operation: 7:30am-5:00pm
8. Indulge In The Local Cuisine at Mandiya
Mandiya is a hidden gem in Kandy. This restaurant offers delicious local food at fantastic prices! It remains my favourite restaurant in all of Sri Lanka.
It’s a bit tricky to find located inside of Pushpadana Shopping complex, walk all the way to the back and take the staircase up to the left.
The combination of spices and flavours were incredible. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. This is a place where the locals come to eat so you know it has to be good!
Served on a banana leaf, you’ll be given a generous amount of rice, meat, veggies, and curries. I’ll let you try it out for yourself and see what the hype is all about!
You can watch my video review on TikTok here.
Tip: This place is popular so make sure you come early before the lunch rush. Once they run out of curry for the day, they close.
Cost: 500-1000 LKR
Hours of Operation: 9:00am-4:00pm, closed on Sundays
Visiting Kandy: FAQs
How many days should I spend in Kandy?
If you are on a tight schedule 2 days in the perfect amount of time to see all the main attractions. You can check out my How to Spend 2 Days in Kandy: Best Itinerary and Travel Tips.
If you are travelling at a more leisurely pace, 3-4 days.
Is Kandy Sri Lanka worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kandy has something for every one, nature, culture, and great food. Due to its location, it also serves as a great hub for day trips outside of the city. It is easily accessible by train from Colombo, making it a convenient destination to add to your itinerary.
Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Kandy
Kandy offers a rich mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From exploring the sacred Temple of the Tooth to enjoying a Kandyan dance show, there’s no shortage of experiences in this vibrant city.
You can unwind by Kandy Lake, visit bustling markets, or take a day trip to Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic views. With so much to see, Kandy promises an unforgettable journey. Make sure to add these top attractions to your itinerary for an enriching trip to Sri Lanka’s cultural hub!