Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Kandy is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Sri Lanka because of its sacred temples, beautiful gardens, and stunning views. The city is home to many renowned landmarks, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Kandy Lake, among others. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top travel destinations in Kandy, including information on how to get there, entrance details, special things to know before you go, transportation, and the best time to visit. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient temples, admiring beautiful gardens, or simply taking in the stunning views, Kandy has something for everyone.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

This 140-acre botanical garden is home to over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palms. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers and families.

How to go there: The Royal Botanical Gardens are located in Peradeniya, just a few kilometers outside of Kandy. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk or taxi, which can be arranged through your hotel or guesthouse.

Entrance details: The entrance fee for adults is around LKR 2500 and for children, it's LKR 1250.

Special things to know before you go: The gardens are open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are smaller.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the garden.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the garden is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and the flowers are in bloom.
 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

This sacred temple is believed to house the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It's one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world, and a must-see for those interested in Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture.

How to go there: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located in the heart of Kandy and is easy to reach on foot.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is around LKR 1500 for adults and LKR 750 for children.

Special things to know before you go: The temple is open from 5:00 am to 8:30 pm, and it's a good idea to wear modest clothing (covering your shoulders and knees) when visiting.

Transport: Walking is the best way to reach the temple as it's located in the city center.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is during the Esala Perahera, a ten-day festival that takes place in July or August and features parades of elephants and traditional dancers.

Kandy View Point

This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills, making it a great spot for photography and sunset viewing.

How to go there: The Kandy View Point is located on a hilltop above the city and can be reached by tuk-tuk or taxi.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is free.

Special things to know before you go: The viewpoint is open 24 hours and is a great place to catch a sunset or sunrise over the city.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the viewpoint.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the viewpoint is during sunset or sunrise for the best views of the city.

Bahirawakanda Temple

This temple is dedicated to the god Vishnu and offers a great view of the city. Visitors can also see the huge statue of Lord Buddha and the surrounding temples.

How to go there: The Bahirawakanda Temple is located on a hill outside of Kandy and can be reached by tuk-tuk or taxi.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is around LKR 1000 for adults and LKR 500 for children.

Special things to know before you go: The temple is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it's a good idea to wear modest clothing (covering your shoulders and knees) when visiting.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the temple.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit the temple is during the day, when the views from the top are clear and the weather is cooler.

Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

This ancient temple is believed to be over 1,500 years old, and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

How to go there: The Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the town of Ranawana, around 25 kilometers from Kandy. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk or taxi, which can be arranged through your hotel or guesthouse.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is free.

Special things to know before you go: The temple is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it's a good idea to wear modest clothing (covering your shoulders and knees) when visiting.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the temple.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is during the day, when the weather is cooler and the views of the surrounding countryside are clear.

Nelligala International Buddhist Center

This center is dedicated to the promotion of Buddhism and provides an opportunity to learn about the religion and its practices.

How to go there: The Nelligala International Buddhist Center is located in the village of Nelligala, around 20 kilometers from Kandy. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk or taxi, which can be arranged through your hotel or guesthouse.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is free.

Special things to know before you go: The center is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it's a good idea to wear modest clothing (covering your shoulders and knees) when visiting.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the center.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the center is during the day, when the weather is cooler and the views of the surrounding countryside are clear.

Ambuluwawa Tower

This tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, it's a great spot to see the beauty of the hills and the city from a distance.

How to go there: The Ambuluwawa Tower is located on a hilltop near the town of Gampola, around 25 kilometers from Kandy. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk or taxi, which can be arranged through your hotel or guesthouse.

Entrance details: The entrance fee is around LKR 1000 for adults and LKR 500 for children.

Special things to know before you go: The tower is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep climb to reach the top.

Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi is the best way to reach the tower.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the tower is during the day, when the weather is cooler and the views from the top are clear.

Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is a man-made lake located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The lake was built in 1807 by the last Sinhalese king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, as an addition to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

How to go there: The lake is located in the heart of Kandy, and can be easily reached on foot from most parts of the city.

Entrance details: The entrance to the lake is free.

Special things to know before you go: The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so expect it to be busy during peak hours. Visitors are not allowed to swim in the lake.

Transport: Walking is the best way to reach the lake.

Best time to visit: The lake is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kandy is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, there are plenty of places to visit and explore. The Bahirawakanda Temple, Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, Nelligala International Buddhist Center, Ambuluwawa Tower, and Kandy Lake are all must-see destinations for any traveler visiting the city. Each of these places offers unique experiences, whether it's viewing the stunning botanical gardens, paying respects at a sacred temple, or enjoying the serene beauty of a man-made lake. With so much to see and do, Kandy is sure to be a highlight of any Sri Lankan holiday. It's best to visit these places during the day, when the weather is cooler and the views are clear. To make the most of your visit, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress modestly, and arrange transportation to each location in advance.