I thought I knew what to expect in Sri Lanka until I arrived in Kandy. Standing at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at sunset, watching hundreds of white-clad worshippers offering lotus flowers while drums echoed through the golden halls… I realized this wasn’t just another temple city. This place has a magic you can actually feel.
From the sprawling Royal Botanical Gardens, where giant fruit bats hang like shadows in ancient trees, to the mist-covered hills of the tea country surrounding the city, these are the most beautiful places in Kandy that will completely change how you see Sri Lanka. Let me share my 12 favorite spots in this incredible city that feels frozen in time.
Best Places to Visit in Kandy
Looking for the coolest things to do in Kandy? Visit Arthur’s Seat for stunning views, explore the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and experience nature at Horton Plains National Park. Take a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake and soak in the city’s rich culture. Whether you’re into history, nature, or spiritual sites, here are the top attractions to visit in Kandy.
1. Arthur’s Seat
High above Kandy Lake, Arthur’s Seat delivers the city’s most iconic panorama. From this stone viewing platform, you can take in the shimmering lake, the white spires of the Temple of the Tooth, and the emerald hills that surround the city. It’s a quick escape from the bustle below, giving you that first “wow” moment in Sri Lanka’s hill capital.
The timing makes all the difference. Arrive at sunrise to watch mist lifting off the mountains, or at sunset when golden light reflects across the water. Photographers, in particular, love this spot for its sweeping perspective.
Unlike some viewpoints that require long treks, Arthur’s Seat is just a short tuk-tuk ride or walk from central Kandy, making it easy to fit into any itinerary. The site carries a bit of lore, too: it’s named after a 19th-century British official who supposedly built a chair here to enjoy the view with his family. Today, a concrete platform marks the spot, but the scene hasn’t lost its charm.
For travelers, this is the perfect starting point to orient yourself to Kandy…you can literally see the city unfold beneath you before diving into its temples, gardens, and tea estates.
2. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
- 📍 Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka, 10 minutes drive south of Kandy town center
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural enthusiasts 🕌, photographers 📸, spiritual seekers ✨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing the 88-foot Buddha statue, meditation sessions, stunning hilltop views of Kandy town
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful meditation, late afternoon for golden hour photography
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Topaz – Conveniently located in Kandy with views
The massive Buddha statue atop Bahiravokanda Hill watches over Kandy like a guardian. At 88 feet tall, this gleaming white figure dominates the skyline throughout the valley. What strikes you first is the sheer size of it all. The surrounding temple offers meditation areas where monks lead sessions for visitors.
I climbed the hill early one morning. Dawn light painted the valley below in stunning colors, highlighting the famous Temple of the Tooth nestled in the city center. The peaceful gardens and smaller shrines create perfect spots for quiet reflection. From the platform around the statue, you gain the best views in town.
3. Horton Plains National Park
- 📍 Location: Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, 2 hours drive from Nuwara Eliya
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌿, wildlife enthusiasts 🦌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking to World’s End cliff edge, discovering Baker’s Falls, spotting sambar deer
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for clear views before afternoon mist, dry season (January-March)
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Jetwing St. Andrew’s – Colonial-style hotel in Nuwara Eliya offering easy access to the park
Step into another world at Horton Plains National Park. This high-altitude plateau feels like walking across the moon’s surface. The main trail leads to World’s End, a dramatic cliff dropping 870 meters straight down. The misty grasslands and ancient forests create an atmosphere that changes by the hour.
The 9-kilometer circuit passes Baker’s Falls, a beautiful 20-meter cascade. Along the way, sambar deer appear like ghosts through the mist. Start before dawn to catch clear views at World’s End before afternoon fog rolls in. I once saw a leopard here, a rare treat in these highlands.
4. Kandy Lake
- 📍 Location: Central Kandy, Sri Lanka, adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- 🏆 Best For: Walkers 🚶♀️, couples 💑, cultural explorers 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sunset lakefront stroll, traditional dance performances, visiting the island sanctuary
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful walks, late afternoon for cultural performances
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Queen’s Hotel – Historic colonial hotel overlooking the lake
Kandy Lake transforms the city’s heart into a peaceful retreat. The last king of Kandy created this man-made marvel in 1807. Today, the 3-kilometer path draws visitors seeking calm amid urban energy. Monitor lizards sunbathe on the banks while fruit bats emerge from the central island at dusk.
Everything important sits within walking distance. The sacred Temple of the Tooth borders the water’s edge. Local markets and traditional dancers perform nearby as day fades. During the annual Esala Perahera festival, decorated elephants parade around these waters in Sri Lanka’s greatest cultural celebration.
5. Knuckles Mountain Range
- 📍 Location: Central Province, Sri Lanka, 2 hours drive from Kandy
- 🏆 Best For: Serious hikers 🏔️, wildlife photographers 📸, bird watchers 🦜
- 📸 Top Experiences: Multi-day treks to remote villages, discovering Mini World’s End, riverside camping
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Dry season (January-March) for clear trails, bird migration season (September-October)
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rangala House – Eco-friendly boutique lodge with guided trekking packages
The Knuckles Mountain Range earns its name from peaks resembling a clenched fist. This UNESCO site protects Sri Lanka’s wildest terrain. Ancient rainforests hide creatures found nowhere else on Earth. The Mini World’s End cliff edge rewards day hikers with dramatic drop-offs rivaling its famous cousin.
Traditional villages dot the mountains, offering cultural immersion opportunities. The Dumbara Valley particularly impresses with cardamom plantations and crystal streams. Treks range from half-day adventures to multi-day expeditions. I recommend hiring local guides who know these trails intimately.
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6. Millenium Elephant Foundation
- 📍 Location: Kegalle District, Sri Lanka, 1.5 hours drive from Kandy
- 🏆 Best For: Animal lovers 🐘, families 👨👩👧👦, ethical tourism supporters ♻️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Unchain a working elephant, feeding gentle giants, watching bath time in the river
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Morning sessions for interactive elephant experiences, weekdays for more intimate encounters
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Elephant Bay Hotel – Riverside rooms with scenic views and just minutes away from the foundation
Experience the profound act of unchaining an elephant at the Millennium Elephant Foundation. This sanctuary rescues Asian elephants from harsh working conditions. The symbolic removal of leg chains represents hope and freedom. Each resident has a story that founder Dr. Jayaweera shares personally with visitors.
River bath time reveals these giants at their most playful. They splash in the Maha Oya River with obvious joy and gratitude. Feeding sessions let you prepare herbal medicine balls alongside keepers. Small group sizes ensure meaningful interactions with gentle Sama and other residents.
7. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- 📍 Location: Just 4 miles west of Kandy city center, following the meandering Mahaweli River
- 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌺, photographers 📸, nature lovers 🌳
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through 147 acres of pure botanical bliss, meeting the friendly flying foxes, exploring the century-old avenues of trees
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for comfortable weather, peak flowering season is February-April 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mahaweli Reach Hotel – Overlooking the river with botanical gardens views
Where else can you smell a flower that blooms once every 80 years before dying? Peradeniya Botanical Gardens has cultivated over 4,000 plant species since 1843. The famous palm avenue leads to orchid collections and giant Javan fig trees perfect for memorable photos. I always love watching the flying foxes hanging playfully above visitors.
The riverside location creates a cool microclimate ideal for rare tropical plants. Each themed garden tells its own story, from the Japanese water garden to the spice collection. Morning mist makes the suspension bridge particularly photogenic.
Wander the Memorial Gardens, where past leaders planted commemorative trees. Hidden corners reveal surprises like the cannonball tree with its bizarre hanging flowers. This living museum shows how former royal pleasure grounds evolved into Sri Lanka’s premier botanical showcase.
8. Royal Palace of Kandy
- 📍 Location: Heart of Kandy city, next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic beside Kandy Lake
- 🏆 Best For: History aficionados 🏛️, royal heritage seekers 👑, cultural explorers 🗺️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Standing where the last king ruled, exploring the Queen’s Bath, admiring traditional Kandyan architecture
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for cooler temperatures; avoid weekends for fewer crowds 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Queens Hotel – Historic colonial property overlooking Kandy Lake
Stand where Sri Lanka’s last king lost his independence. The Royal Palace of Kandy witnessed the 1815 treaty that ended five centuries of monarchy. These white walls protected royal life until British forces seized control. Now visitors explore the same audience hall where history changed.
Traditional Kandyan architecture features everywhere, with wooden pillars and red-tiled roofs. The Queen’s quarters reveal private royal life through ornate furnishings. Each courtyard connects to the next through archways older than most nations.
The palace ingeniously used elevation for defense and prestige. Queen’s Bathgarden shows how they engineered water systems without modern technology. I find it fascinating how such power was concentrated in what seems today like a modest complex.
9. Spice Garden
- 📍 Location: Matale, 16 miles north of Kandy on the A9 highway to Dambulla
- 🏆 Best For: Culinary adventurers 🌿, aromatherapy enthusiasts 💆♀️, health seekers 🧘♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Guided spice walks, witnessing traditional oil extraction, learning ayurvedic medicine secrets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Morning visits for cooler temperatures and active demonstrations; avoid rainy season (October-November) ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Heritage Kandalama – Eco-luxury resort offering spice garden tours as part of their experiences
Can you smell wealth on the breeze? These Spice Gardens made Sri Lanka famous centuries ago. Feel the bark that becomes cinnamon sticks in your hands. Watch vanilla pods transform through curing techniques unchanged for generations.
Each plant here tells trading tales from when these spices launched ships across oceans. Guides demonstrate oil extraction using stone grinders older than your grandparents. I love discovering how cloves and nutmeg really grow.
Different gardens specialize in unique offerings. Some focus on Ayurvedic healing herbs, while others showcase chocolate and coffee cultivation. The best gardens provide free herbal tastings and avoid high-pressure sales. Natural oils made fresh daily make perfect, genuine souvenirs.
10. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- 📍 Location: In the Royal Palace complex by Kandy Lake, at the heart of Kandy’s World Heritage city center
- 🏆 Best For: Spiritual seekers 🙏, Buddhist pilgrims ⛩️, cultural historians 📚
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing daily puja ceremonies, exploring the temple museum, evening devotional music performances
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, or 6:30 PM for puja ceremonies; full moon days for special celebrations 🌕
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cinnamon Citadel – Heritage property with temple views and spiritual tour packages
This golden shrine guards Sri Lanka’s most sacred object. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic protected the Buddha’s tooth for over 1,600 years. Seven caskets nest within each other, protecting this holy treasure. Thousands of pilgrims come daily carrying lotus flowers.
Morning puja fills the air with drumming and chanting. I join devotees placing offerings while musicians perform ancient melodies. The tooth itself appears only during special occasions but its presence feels constant.
The museum displays gifts from kings and world leaders. Jeweled swords and ivory tusks tell stories of devotion spanning centuries. Wall paintings narrate the relic’s dramatic journey through history. Evening brings more ceremonies as oil lamps flicker throughout the complex.
11. Udawattekele Sanctuary
- 📍 Location: Hilltop directly above Kandy city center, entrance near Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, birdwatchers 🦜, forest therapy seekers 🧘♀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting endemic birds, exploring historical meditation caves, enjoying panoramic city views from forest paths
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for birding, sunset for golden hour views; avoid wet season paths (October-December) 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kandy City Hotel – Walking distance to sanctuary entrance with guided forest tours available
Escape Kandy’s bustling streets into ancient jungle minutes away. Udawattekele Forest Reserve protected royal hunting grounds transformed into a nature sanctuary. Ironwood trees stretch back centuries while streams trickle through moss-covered rocks. Modern hikers follow ancient monk meditation trails.
Three marked paths offer different adventures. The easier route provides city glimpses through canopy gaps perfect for sunset photography. I prefer the meditation trail leading to rock shelters where monks once sought enlightenment.
Listen for hanging parrots calling above while spotting deer moving below. Over 80 bird species make this urban forest uniquely alive. Cool stream crossings offer respite during warmer afternoons. This green crown protects Kandy while offering adventure-seeking visitors pure tranquility.
12. Wales Park
- 📍 Location: Near Kandy University campus, 3 miles east of Kandy city center off Peradeniya Road
- 🏆 Best For: Family picnickers 👨👩👧👦, sunset chasers 🌄, recreational joggers 🏃♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Playing in the children’s playground, enjoying lakeside views, spotting local wildlife around the pond
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for golden light, weekday mornings for peaceful atmosphere 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Radh Hotel – Elegant boutique stay just minutes from Wales Park, featuring modern comforts and views of Kandy’s scenic heart
Discover Kandy’s hidden sunset spot. Wales Park sits above the expanding valley, offering spectacular evening views. Locals choose this peaceful retreat for family gatherings and romantic strolls. Less crowded than famous attractions yet offering unforgettable vistas.
Simple playgrounds keep children entertained while parents enjoy cooling breezes. The pond attracts water birds and local wildlife, perfect for casual photographers. I watch joggers circling the grass while couples find privacy among shaded benches.
Evening brings out neighborhood families for picnics and games. Food vendors offer fresh fruits and local snacks by the entrance. The elevated position captures both valley views and mountain backdrops. This understated gem proves sometimes the best experiences hide in plain sight.
- Read Next: 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
