Top Things to Do in the Kandy | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Kandy

Places To Visit In Kandy

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

The most prominent garden in Sri Lanka, Royal Botanical Gardens is situated 5 km west of Kandy. The gardens are home to more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. It is a 147 acre - of natural elegance most famous for its orchids. The garden has species of floral representations from all over the world that boast tropical trees and shrubs. The great world icons also planted trees to commemorate their visit to Sri Lanka and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Her Highness Queen Elizabeth II, Marshal Tito – PM OF Bhutan, and Yuri Gagarin have stepped on this creation. The fauna in the gardens include magpies and common birds, along with some migratory birds, turtles, and monkeys. There is also a café that serves superb home-cooked cuisine, which makes visiting the gardens a treat to the eyes and belly! Read More

Arunalu Spice Garden is one of the most popular spice gardens in Matale, Sri Lanka. Visitors have to pay a small entry fee to embark on an aromatic journey among the plantations and learn more about their cultivation. Relaxing massage packages are also available at the Arunalu Spice Garden for those who want to indulge in a calming experience.

Asupini Ella located in Aranayake, Mawanella is 43 km from Kandy. Surrounded by thickets of greenery, this attraction provides a scenic view. As the road leading to the falls is in poor condition, it can be challenging to access Asupini Ella Falls at times.

Big Buddha - Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya or Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha is a Theravada Buddhist temple atop a hill in Kandy. True to its name “Big Buddha” is known for being a powerful and giant Buddha statue that overlooks the princely state of Kandy. It shows Buddha taking the Dhyana Mudra position, which was how he attained enlightenment. This statue is on the Bahirava Kanda hill, which means the devil’s hills in Sinhalese due to its height and intensity. The white marble Big Buddha is lit beautifully during the nights with yellow lights beaming from the hilltop. It offers panoramic views of Kandy throwing light on the civilization, Kandy lake, evergreen forests and tea plantations.At an altitude of 27m, the winds rush through like never before; it does not cease the many tourists who flock to the hills to offer their prayers and thanksgiving through lamps, candles and garlands. The experience of climbing the flight of stairs to pay homage to Buddha is a scenic trek. Read More

Ceylon Tea Museum was structured in 1925 as the former Hantana Tea factory. Later in 1998, this tea factory was converted into the famous Ceylon Tea Museum. It showcases the history and heritage of the world-famous and finest Ceylon tea, exhibits the glory of legendary tea pioneers like James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, and also has on display vintage tea-manufacturing instruments. Inside you will also find a large library and a beautifully thematic tea cafe, providing you with the best flavors without any compromise.The ambiance of the museum is as raw as its brew making Ceylon Tea Museum a must-visit for tea lovers and tea enthusiasts all around the globe. Read More

Built in 1771 AD under the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasinha, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is an old Buddhist rock temple located in the Kandy district in Sri Lanka. The temple is segregated in three different chambers namely Drumming Hall (uniquely attached to the temple building), Image House (famous for conserving moonstone and exhibiting scenes from four Jātaka tales through colorful paintings that relay the past lives of Buddha), and Shrine room (that houses a massive image of the reclining Buddha). Kandyan Era Frescoes, ancient mural paintings designed in the Kingdom of Kandy, are also one of the main highlights of this temple. Read More

Founded by King Vikramabahu III between 1357-1374 AD, Embekka Devalaya is an ancient temple dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the local deity Devatha Bandara of Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Udunuwara in Kandy district of Sri Lanka and encompass three sections: Sanctum of Garagha (wherein the statues of deities are placed), Dance Hall (the site for dancing events when the area was under King’s rule), and Drummer’s Hall (known to exhibit some of the finest woodwork; especially the wood cravings around the pillars and the rooftop). Read More

Galamaduwa Raja Maha Viharaya is an old temple located in the Kalapura Village in Kandy district in Sri Lanka, which is a good place to visit for history enthusiasts; especially those that like to explore uncrowded places. Built under the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (the last king of Kandy), this temple is known for its stunning roof artwork and architecture that amalgamates Piyo rocks and seems vividly similar to a Hindu Kovil.

Located along the connecting railway lines between Colombo and Badulla, Galboda Falls is can be reached only via train as there is no properly developed road system. Board a train from Kandy to visit Galboda Ella, which is a 20 to 25-minute walk from the station. Since the place experiences a sudden and rapid increase in water level, it is highly prohibited to enter the water.

Sri Lanka and its tea plantations go hand in hand. In the central province of Sri Lanka stands Giragama Tea Plantation, a quaint village known for tea cultivation. Giragama was one of the first few plantations near Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the highest producers of tea in the world and this tea estate allows a tour inside where tourists can see how tea is processed with machines. Furthermore they can also purchase tea at the very same place. The estate spreads across many hectares; when you stand on one end, it appears as if Giragama Tea Plantation knows no bounds. They have estates that are open to tourists for walks; tea manufacturing units that showcase the entire process from how to pluck tea leaves, cleaning and further processing into the finished product; and in-house shops that sell freshly packaged tea in different variants. Read More