Is one day enough for Kandy?

Yes, one day is enough to see the Temple of the Tooth, walk the lake and catch either a cultural show or a viewpoint in the evening, though two days lets you add the botanical gardens and a tea factory without rushing.

What is Kandy best known for?

Kandy is best known for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka, alongside its role as the last royal capital of the country.

Is Kandy Lake free to visit?

Yes, walking the path around Kandy Lake is free, with no entrance fee, and it connects directly to the Temple of the Tooth complex.

How far is Peradeniya Botanical Gardens from Kandy town?

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are around 5.5km from Kandy's town centre, roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive.

What should I wear to the Temple of the Tooth?

Modest dress is required at the Temple of the Tooth: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes removed before entering the inner halls.

Is the Kandy cultural dance show worth it?

Yes, for most first-time visitors the Kandy cultural dance show is worth it as the most accessible way to see traditional Kandyan dance and drumming, typically running about an hour with a fire-walking demonstration at the end.

What is the best time to visit Kandy's viewpoints?

Sunset and early morning are the best times to visit Kandy's viewpoints, including Bahirawakanda, both for the light and to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

What is the Esala Perahera?

The Esala Perahera is Kandy's major annual festival held in July or August, featuring a procession of decorated elephants, dancers and drummers through the city in honour of the tooth relic, and it's the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.

Can you do Kandy as a day trip from Colombo?

Yes, Kandy can be done as a long day trip from Colombo, which is around 115km away, though an overnight stay is more comfortable if you want to see both the temple and the cultural dance show without rushing back.

Is Kandy good for families?

Yes, Kandy works well for families, with an easy lake walk, the elephant orphanage at nearby Pinnawala, and a cultural dance show that tends to hold children's attention better than a typical museum visit.

What should I pack for Udawattakele Forest Reserve?

Comfortable walking shoes, water and insect repellent are the main essentials for Udawattakele Forest Reserve, since the trails are forest paths rather than paved walkways.

Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Temples, Tea and the Hill Capital