KANDY
Kandy, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is a city steeped in sacred Buddhist heritage and colonial charm. It is home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and lush tea plantations.
This city served as the last capital of the ancient Sinhalese kings, maintaining its independence long after the coastal regions fell. It is a stunning blend of natural beauty and deeply preserved cultural and spiritual traditions.
Most Popular Attractions
Kandy City Core & Sacred Sites:
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): The most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, housing a relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
Kandy Lake (Bode Veda Wewa): A scenic man-made lake in the heart of the city, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
International Buddhist Museum: Located within the temple complex, detailing the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
Kandy National Museum: Housed in the former King’s palace, displaying artifacts from the Kandyan kingdom.
Kandyan Cultural Centre (Kandy Lake Club): A venue for nightly cultural shows, featuring traditional Kandyan dance and drumming.
Kandy Garrison Cemetery: A well-maintained historical cemetery with graves of British colonial residents.
Malwatta and Asgiriya Monasteries (Vihara): Headquarters of the two main sects of the Siyam Nikaya order of Buddhist monks.
Royal Palace of Kandy (Maha Wasala): The last palace of the Sinhala monarchy, adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary: A vital forest reserve and ancient nature park located behind the Temple of the Tooth.
Parks, Gardens & City Outskirts:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: One of Asia’s finest botanical gardens, famous for its magnificent collection of orchids.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue: A giant seated Buddha statue on a hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views.
Gadaladeniya Temple: A beautiful 14th-century temple blending South Indian and Sinhalese architecture, known for its carved stone.
Lankatilaka Temple: A magnificent rock-temple from the 14th century, offering stunning views and unique architecture.
Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex: A multi-religious complex featuring a prominent, unique spiral tower with incredible 360-degree views.
Tea Museum (Ceylon Tea Museum, Hanthana): Detailing the history of tea production in Sri Lanka, set in a former factory.
Hindagala Raja Maha Viharaya: A less-visited rock temple with beautiful well-preserved frescoes.
Kandy Province Highlands & Countryside:
Knuckles Mountain Range: A designated UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for trekking, with high biodiversity.
Three Temples Loop (Lankatilaka, Gadaladeniya, Embekka): A popular circuit visiting three historic Kandyan-era temples.
Embekka Devalaya: A 14th-century shrine famous for its incredibly intricate wood carvings.
Hanthana Mountain Range: A popular spot for hiking and enjoying views of the surrounding tea estates.
Raja Thelna: A scenic town known for its historic wooden bridge (Ambuluwa Bridge).
Victoria Reservoir: A large man-made lake with a beautiful dam and surrounding scenery, ideal for nature photography.
Alagalla Mountain (Potato Mountain): A challenging but rewarding hike with historical significance and beautiful views.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Participate in a puja (offering) ceremony at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Wander through these massive and immaculately kept gardens, famous for their collection of orchids, spices, and the iconic Avenue of Palms.
Hike to the Summit of Hanthana Mountain Range: Embark on a challenging trek through tea plantations and forests for panoramic views of Kandy city, the surrounding hills, and the distant Knuckles Range.
Witness the Kandy Esala Perahera (Seasonal): If visiting in July or August, experience one of Asia’s grandest Buddhist festivals—a 10-day pageant featuring dazzlingly dressed elephants, dancers, and drummers.
Take a Boat Ride on Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda): Enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the artificial lake at the city’s heart, which offers beautiful views of the Temple of the Tooth and the surrounding hills.
Learn to Cook Traditional Sri Lankan Curry: Join a local cooking class to master the art of grinding spices and preparing authentic dishes like dahl, coconut sambol, and multiple vegetable curries.
Visit a Tea Factory and Plantation: Travel a short distance outside the city to a working tea estate (e.g., in the Elkaduwa or Hunnasgiriya areas) to learn about the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup, complete with a tasting.
Explore the Local Markets and Central Fish Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kandy’s main market, a great place to sample fresh fruits, spices, and see the daily life of locals.
Hike to the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex: Travel slightly outside Kandy to Gampola to climb the unique, multi-religious tower that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the countryside.
Attend a Traditional Kandyan Dance Performance: Experience a cultural show featuring elaborate costumes, rhythmic drumming (Geta Beraya), and various traditional dance forms, often ending with a fire-walking display.
Day Trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range: For the avid adventurer, organize a day trip to trek in this remote and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique microclimates and biodiversity.
Local Tips & Transport
Tuk-Tuks are King: Tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) are the most common and convenient way to travel within the city. Always agree on the fare before you start the journey, or use a ride-hailing app like PickMe (which is common in Kandy) for fixed, transparent pricing.
Walking in the City: Kandy’s city center is manageable on foot, especially the area around the lake and the main market. However, be mindful of traffic and steep hills if venturing further out.
The Scenic Train: The famous train journey to Ella or Nuwara Eliya starts from Kandy station. Book tickets for First Class (A/C) or Second Class Reserved well in advance, as they sell out quickly. This is an experience in itself, not just a mode of transport.
Local Buses: Local buses are the cheapest way to travel to nearby towns or villages. They are crowded but authentic. Look for the bus station near the central market.
From the Airport (CMB): Kandy is approximately 3-4 hours from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. You can take a pre-booked private taxi, an airport train (changing in Colombo), or a direct inter-city bus.
Temple Etiquette: When visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or any other Buddhist temple, you must remove your hat and shoes (socks are permitted) and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. White or light-colored clothing is often worn by locals for puja.
Sacred Time: The Temple is busiest during the puja times (typically dawn, mid-day, and dusk) when the casket housing the tooth relic is displayed to the public. Visiting at these times offers the fullest cultural experience but is also the most crowded.
Food Heat Levels: Sri Lankan food can be significantly spicier than many other Asian cuisines. When ordering, especially at local spots, you can request your food to be made “less spicy” or “non-spicy” (miris adu or miris nethiwa).
Alcohol & Poya Day: Alcohol is generally not sold in restaurants or supermarkets on Poya days (full moon days), which are public and religious holidays. Plan accordingly if you wish to purchase liquor.
The Bakti (Devotional) Experience: Kandy is the cultural and spiritual capital. Observe the devotion of the locals as they offer flowers and prayers at the Temple. Many places have an atmosphere of deep reverence.
Hidden Gems:
- Udawattakele Forest Reserve: A quiet, natural forest reserve directly behind the Temple of the Tooth. It’s an excellent escape for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, and enjoying a cooler climate.
- The Garrison Cemetery: A beautifully maintained colonial-era cemetery on a hill near the lake, offering a poignant look into the history of British settlers in the region.
- Natha Devale: Located near the Temple of the Tooth, this is the oldest shrine in Kandy, dedicated to the guardian deity of the city, and has a unique architecture distinct from the main temple.
The Kandy Look: The city sits in a bowl of hills, often creating a cool, misty environment in the early morning or evening. Always carry a light jacket or shawl, especially for evenings.
Top Restaurants
Kandyan Muslim Hotel [$2-$5] – Despite the name, this is a bustling, no-frills local favorite near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, famous for its authentic Sri Lankan Muslim cuisine, especially the beef samosas, naan, and kottu roti.
Balaji Dosai [$2-$5] – A highly popular and affordable vegetarian eatery, known for serving some of the best South Indian dosas (crepes), idlis, and vadai in the city, frequently packed with locals.
Hela Bojun Hala [$1-$3] – A government-run, women-empowering food stall chain that offers very authentic, high-quality, and incredibly low-priced Sri Lankan fare like hoppers, curries, and traditional savory snacks in a clean, local setting.
Mandiya [$3-$7] – A spot favored by locals for its authentic, freshly cooked Sri Lankan rice and curry, offering a generous and flavorful traditional meal.
Maladine [$2-$5] – A popular street-side joint specializing in Kottu Roti, where you can watch the chefs prepare the chopped flatbread dish on a griddle, perfect for a late-night snack.
The Bake House [$3-$7] – A long-standing, beloved institution in Kandy, primarily a bakery but also serving excellent “short eats” (savory pastries, rolls) and substantial rice and curry or biryani meals, popular with local families.
Cafe The Vibe [$5-$10] – A casual, contemporary spot known for its mix of Sri Lankan classics (like kottu) and Western dishes, with a relaxed, modern local atmosphere.
Cool Corner Fried Ice Cream Parlor [$3-$6] – A unique spot specializing in the viral ‘fried’ (rolled) ice cream, offering many flavors and a refreshing treat, often frequented by local families and students.
Soya Centre [$1-$3] – A Kandy institution for a quick, cheap, and unique snack, famous for its fresh soya ice cream and other simple soya-based short eats.
Rice & Curry Kandy [$3-$7] – A small, unassuming spot praised by locals for its authentic, hearty, and very spicy rice and curry buffet options.
The Pub [$5-$10] – A classic, no-frills establishment for those seeking a drink and good pub food, offering local favorites and a traditional bar atmosphere in the city center.
Devon Restaurant & Bakery [$4-$10] – A busy, multi-story local favorite known for both its traditional Sri Lankan food, Chinese dishes, and a wide selection of baked goods and short eats.
No. 1 Takeaway [$3-$6] – A popular local spot for quick, delicious, and cheap Sri Lankan short eats, fried rice, and kottu, excellent for a speedy local meal.
White House Restaurant [$5-$12] – A well-known dining house near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic offering a mix of Sri Lankan, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine, with a colonial-style dining room on the first floor.
Cafe Secret Alley [$4-$8] – A tucked-away cafe offering healthy bowls, salads, and good coffee, providing a quieter, non-traditional food alternative.
Royal Bar & Hotel Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located in a historic colonial building, this restaurant offers a mix of local Sri Lankan cuisine and European dishes in an old-world elegant setting.
DJ’s Restaurant [$7-$15] – An authentic local restaurant not far from the Mahaweli River, serving classic Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Annapurni [$5-$10] – Located outside the immediate city center on the road towards Nuwara Eliya, this Hindu-run restaurant serves deliciously pure Tamil vegetarian temple cuisine, including thali and dosas.
Curry Bowl Kandy [$6-$12] – A small, family-run spot focusing on traditional Sri Lankan curries, often served with a variety of side dishes, and a local favorite for its authentic flavors.
Sri Krishna Dosai [$3-$7] – Another excellent, dedicated South Indian vegetarian spot known for its crispy dosas and spicy chutneys, often less crowded than Balaji.
The Wok [$8-$15] – A popular place for a good quality and local-favorite Chinese/Indo-Chinese meal, often busy with families and groups.
Thalappakatti [$5-$12] – Highly recommended by some locals for its exotic and authentic Indian biryani and other dishes, a great choice for a break from pure Sri Lankan curries.
Open Rice [$4-$8] – A favorite with a younger local crowd for its big portions of rice-based dishes, including Mongolian rice and Chinese-style fried rice.
Café Nuwara [$5-$10] – A popular spot with a good reputation for satisfying portions of burgers, subs, and other international fast-food items, often frequented by locals.
Soul Food [$7-$15] – A popular spot for healthy, fresh options, including Sri Lankan dishes made with a focus on high-quality, carefully selected ingredients.
Kandy Kitchen [$5-$10] – A straightforward, reliable spot for traditional Sri Lankan meals and other Asian favorites, known for good value and local appeal.
Street Kitchen [$4-$8] – A local-approved spot known for offering large, filling portions of various rice and noodle dishes at reasonable prices.
Grand Cafe [$3-$7] – Known among locals for being cheap and offering very large portions, perfect for a budget-friendly, filling meal.
Golden Curry [$6-$12] – Highly praised for its excellent Indian curries, offering a rich and flavorful alternative to the typical Sri Lankan curry.
Flavours Restaurant [$8-$15] – A popular multi-cuisine restaurant, often mentioned for its good food quality and varied menu of local and international dishes.
The Tea Room [$5-$10] – Located in a well-known area, this spot is great for a cup of high-quality Ceylon tea accompanied by local short eats or light meals.
Isiwara Ayurvedic Restaurant [$10-$18] – Focuses on healthy, traditional Sri Lankan food, cooked according to Ayurvedic principles, offering a unique and authentic dining experience.
Kandyan Royal [$7-$15] – A local restaurant near the lake with a good variety of traditional Sri Lankan curries, catering to those wanting an authentic taste of the region.
Sri Ram [$3-$6] – A smaller, simple South Indian spot known for its reliable and tasty vegetarian offerings, a true hidden local gem.
Curry leaf [$5-$10] – A casual eatery focusing on fresh, flavorful Sri Lankan rice and curry, popular for lunch with working locals.
Goodness Cafe [$4-$8] – Known for its coffee and light meals, providing a good local cafe experience away from the main tourist strip.
The Curry Pot [$6-$12] – Highly regarded for its flavorful curries and often offers a variety of bread (roti, naan) to go with them.
Sudu’s [$3-$7] – A very small, hole-in-the-wall place known for its excellent, home-style, cheap, and authentic Sri Lankan meals and snacks.
The Empire Cafe [$8-$18] – Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, offering a blend of local curries, Western dishes, and excellent coffee in a trendy retro atmosphere.
Licensed to Grill by Di’s [$10-$20] – A popular choice for Western comfort food, specializing in premium burgers and steaks, known for good quality and flavor.
Vito Wood Fired Pizza [$10-$20] – An unexpected but highly-rated spot in Kandy, known for serving some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the region, often with a cozy, relaxed ambiance.
Buono [$5-$12] – A cozy, stylish café and restaurant known for its high-quality coffee (using local roasters) and delicious dessert options, perfect for a break.
Honey Pot Restaurant [$7-$15] – A charming family-owned eatery offering a diverse menu of Sri Lankan, South Asian, and Western dishes, great for a mixed-group meal.
The Whizz [$10-$20] – A famous rooftop terrace offering a classy atmosphere with a diverse menu of international and Sri Lankan dishes, and great views of the city.
Slightly Chilled Lounge, Sports Bar & Restaurant [$10-$20] – Also known as the Bamboo Garden, this spot offers stunning city views, a mix of Chinese and Sri Lankan dishes, and a popular bar setting.
Hideout Lounge [$15-$25] – A must-visit lounge with a great atmosphere, offering a mix of food and is a popular spot for both travelers and locals to hang out.
WorldSpice – KCC [$8-$15] – A unique food court experience on the top floor of the Kandy City Centre (KCC) mall, offering a variety of international cuisines like Thai, Indian, Western, Chinese, and Italian.
Cafe Divine Street [$8-$15] – A surprising and recommended cafe that offers a unique and diverse menu of dishes, often praised for its quality and warm ambiance.
Theva Cuisine [$25-$45] – A top-notch dining establishment located slightly outside the city center with stunning views of the surrounding hills, offering a diverse menu of Sri Lankan, European, and Fusion cuisine.
The Kandy House [$30-$50] – Situated in a beautiful colonial-era boutique hotel, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on local and international flavors in a serene, luxurious garden setting.
Senani by Oak Ray [$20-$35] – Located at a viewpoint, this restaurant offers delicious meals, often buffet-style, and provides stunning panoramic views of Kandy City and the lake.
Villa Rosa Restaurant [$20-$40] – Considered one of the best fine dining experiences outside the immediate city, offering excellent food and service in an elegant, quiet setting, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Helga’s Folly [$30-$50] – Located in a singular, whimsical, and artistic boutique hotel, the restaurant focuses on sourcing local and organic ingredients for its inventive menu, offering a dining experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Golden Crown Hotel Restaurant [$25-$40] – Often recommended for its high-quality dinner buffet options, offering a refined dining experience in a luxury hotel setting.
Earl’s Regency Hotel Restaurants [$25-$40] – While part of a larger hotel, the dining options are well-regarded for offering quality international and local cuisine, often with theme nights or set menus.
The Grand Kandyan Hotel Restaurants [$25-$40] – Another popular spot for a high-end buffet or a refined à la carte meal, offering a wide array of local and international dishes in an upscale environment.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Royal Bar and Hotel: Located in the heart of the city center near the Temple of the Tooth, this historic venue offers a classic pub feel downstairs and a more refined bar area with a decent selection of spirits and cocktails, blending old-world charm with a relaxed atmosphere.
The Pub: Situated right in the Kandy city center, this long-standing venue is one of the most famous and accessible watering holes, known for its friendly, casual vibe and basic cocktail list, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Licensed to Grill (at Thilanka Hotel): Found slightly up the hill overlooking Kandy Lake, this spot offers a good view and a relaxed ambiance. While primarily a restaurant, its bar serves a range of cocktails perfect for sunset viewing.
Sky Lounge at The Grand Kandyan Hotel: Located on the rooftop of this major hotel in the city, the lounge offers a modern setting, an extensive drinks menu, and spectacular panoramic views of the hills and the city lights—an ideal spot for a sophisticated evening drink.
The Far Pavilion Restaurant & Bar (at Earl’s Regency): Found slightly outside the main city in the Tennekumbura area, the bar provides a quiet, luxurious atmosphere with a good selection of wines and spirits, set against the backdrop of the Mahaweli River valley.
Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar (Travellers Cafe): Located near the lake and overlooking the city, this bar is popular for its laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe, offering basic cocktails, cold beer, and a popular gathering spot on the higher road of the city.
The Citadel Bar (at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy): Situated beside the Mahaweli River just outside the city, this hotel bar offers a serene, natural setting and an elegant space to enjoy a classic cocktail.
Oak-Ray Regency Rooftop: This hotel’s rooftop bar, located on the Peradeniya side of Kandy, offers another vantage point with a relaxed setting for a cool drink after sightseeing.
Le Garage (at Amaya Hills): While part of a hotel on a mountain top near the city, this venue often hosts themed nights, providing a sophisticated lounge experience with a view, serving international cocktails.
The Kandy Club: An exclusive, members-only establishment in the city center, which, while restrictive, represents one of the most historic and traditional places to have a refined drink in Kandy.
The Saloon Bar (at Queens Hotel): Found in the historic Queens Hotel right next to the Temple of the Tooth, this colonial-era bar offers a throwback experience with a simple, classic drinks menu.
Wizzy’s Bar & Grill: A popular, smaller pub-style spot in the central business area known for its relaxed crowd and affordable drinks.
Café One (The Lounge) (at OZO Kandy): This modern, chic bar near the lake is known for its contemporary design and comfortable setting, ideal for pre-dinner drinks and cocktails.
The Bamboo Bar (at Hunas Falls Hotel): Located in the beautiful, serene setting of Elkaduwa, a short drive from Kandy, this is a beautiful nature-focused bar offering a premium retreat experience.
Helga’s Folly: An eccentric and bohemian hotel lounge slightly outside the main city, known for its unique, artistic, and slightly spooky decor, offering a truly unique atmosphere for a drink.
Le Garage at Amaya Hills: Located atop a mountain outside the main city, this venue is known for transforming into one of Kandy’s most energetic spots on weekends, functioning as a high-end club with a dance floor, DJ music, and themed events.
The Pub (Late Night): While primarily a pub, its late-night atmosphere, especially on weekends, elevates it to a crowded, high-energy environment with music that encourages dancing and mingling in the heart of the city.
Sky Lounge – Late Hours (at The Grand Kandyan Hotel): The stylish rooftop transforms after 10 PM, often hosting DJs or playing lively music, making it the most sophisticated “club-like” experience in the city with bottle service and premium drinks.
White Horse Pub: A popular local pub in the heart of the city that occasionally hosts live music or DJ nights, creating a lively club-like feel with a younger crowd.
Thilanka Resort Club Night: Certain larger hotels like the Thilanka (outside the city center) occasionally host special club nights or events, drawing a significant party crowd with a dedicated DJ and dance floor.
Hustlerz Pub: A small, vibrant spot in the city center that, while modest, pumps out music and has a very lively crowd, giving it a grassroots club energy.
The Groove (at the OZO Kandy): The hotel’s evening bar and dining space often plays upbeat, popular music and has a modern, dynamic atmosphere that encourages a more celebratory, club-like mood.
Central Kandy Sports Bar (Late Night): Sports bars in the city center, once the match finishes, often transition into lively venues with loud music and a drinking culture that mirrors a casual club.
Chillout Bar & Restaurant (Late Night): Found in the central area, its late-night crowd and loud music, coupled with a full bar setup, often turn this restaurant space into a relaxed, impromptu club.