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Kandy

echo the island’s golden past

The Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Surrounded by misty hills, emerald tea plantations, and serene lakes, Kandy is often called the “Heart of Sri Lanka.” It’s a city where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Known as the last royal capital of the island, Kandy remains one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved destinations, a place where every temple, street, and hill carries a story.

The Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Places to Visit

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the spiritual heart of Kandy and one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the globe. The temple’s golden roofs and intricate architecture reflect centuries of devotion.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

Just outside Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden spreads over 147 acres of lush greenery. Once reserved for Kandyan royalty, today it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia. It’s home to thousands of plant species — from towering royal palms and colorful orchids to rare medicinal herbs.

Embekke Devalaya

Famous for its extraordinary wooden craftsmanship, Embekke Devalaya is a stunning example of Kandyan-era artistry. The temple’s pillars and rafters feature over a hundred intricate carvings — from dancers and mythical creatures to beautifully patterned designs — creating a masterpiece of traditional woodwork and devotion.

Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

High above the city stands the impressive Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. The panoramic view from here captures all of Kandy — the lake, the temples, and the green hills beyond. The peaceful ambiance makes it a great place to watch the sunset.

Udawattakele Sanctuary

Just behind the Temple of the Tooth lies the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, once the royal forest park of the Kandyan kings. Today it’s a peaceful nature sanctuary filled with walking trails, exotic birds, and rich biodiversity — a quiet escape right within the city.

Ceylon Tea Museum

For tea lovers, a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantana is a journey through Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Located in a restored tea factory, the museum showcases the history of tea cultivation and offers a taste of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while overlooking the rolling hills.

Gadaladeniya Temple

Built in the 14th century on a hilltop overlooking the countryside, Gadaladeniya Temple blends South Indian and Sinhalese architectural styles. Its stone-carved pillars, ancient statues, and peaceful setting make it a quiet spiritual escape just outside Kandy, perfect for travellers seeking history and serenity beyond the busy city.

Sri Lanka’s Glorious Places

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