Kandy, known as Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions. Nestled in the central hills, it offers a perfect mix of heritage, nature, and spirituality. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Kandy:
1. Perandeniya Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya Gardens is a spacious 147 acre of natural extravaganza consisting of more than 4000 species of plants, and 10,000 varied kinds of trees, incidentally serves as the largest garden of Sri Lanka. The unique and rarest collection in these gardens is the Giant Bamboo of Burma which grows 12 inches each day to a height of 40 meters. Apart from this other amazing collections include Javan fig tree, Cannonball tree, Double Coconut Palm and about 200 other varieties of palm trees and versatile collection of flora.
2. Temple Of Tooth Relic
Considered one of the most important temples of Buddhists in Sri Lanka, the Temple of Tooth Relic is located to the north of Kandy Lake and is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Kandy Sri Lanka. The sacred tooth of Lord Buddha enshrined in the temple makes it one of the popular Kandy tourist places. The room housing the tooth is open to devotees to offer their prayers. However, nobody gets to see the tooth because it is kept in a golden casket inside a stupa-like structure.
3. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is an important bio-reserve on a hillside beside the Dalada Maligawa and spans 257 acres. Tourists can visit three Buddhist monasteries here while trekking through the forest’s dense and diverse vegetation. The toque macaques, barking deer, and slender loris are only some of the animals visitors can come across, while around 80 species of birds make this a birdwatcher’s paradise.
4. Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake, created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, is a picturesque and serene spot in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Adjacent to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, the lake offers a tranquil retreat with scenic walking paths, lush surroundings, and historical charm. Go for a tour on the Kandy lake with your friends and family for an incredible experience!
5. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
This one's considered amongst the best places to visit in Kandy for couples, family, friends, and solo. Plan a day out with wild Asian elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This is a popular breeding ground for 90-plus elephants who stay in their natural habitat. Watch these adorable elephants bathe, play around, and feed them fruits. If you are in Kandy visiting places, then this spot is perfect if you want to have a small picnic along with your friends or family.
6. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
At a distance of 2 km from Kandy Railway Station, the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue is located alongside the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple atop Bahirava Kanda (devil's) hill in Kandy. It is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka and among the must-visit places in Kandy while holidaying in Sri Lanka. The Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue is standing at 88 feet high and can be seen from the entire city of Kandy.
7. Lankatilaka Vihara Temple
The Lankatilaka Temple or Lankatilaka Vihara is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples. It’s unique architecture is known across the world. What makes this temple famous is the fact that it is built on a base of a natural rock called the Panhalgala Rock and stands stable even today. There are two different sides of the temple- the East and the West- both showcase the intricate designs and delicate Sinhalese sculptures. You will also find some breathtaking paintings and sculptures of the Kandyan era in this temple.
8. Hulu River Waterfall
30 km from Kandy into the quiet town of Dumbara lies Huluganga Falls on the Hulu River. The river originating from the scenic Knuckles Mountain Range is the perfect escape to leave the onlookers awed. The 75-meter high waterfall, located in the Dumbara town, is a true beauty enclosed by nature allure. And it’s no wonder that Hulu is considered as one of the popular Kandy places to visit!
9. Ranweli Spice Garden
Enough of talks about spotting wildlife in their natural habitat! Time to spot greenery and exquisite plant varieties in their natural habitat. This Kandy tourist attraction is located in proximity to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Turmeric, Peppercorns, Cloves, Cardamom, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cocoa, and Aloe Vera are the main plantations that are the highlights of this place. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Kandy for couples.
10. Giragama Tea Plantations
Tea plantations are common things in Sri Lanka. Kandy is no less when it comes to tea plantations and one of the best places to visit in Kandy is Giragama tea plantations. Giragaram is a pretty little town in Kandy that is known for its tea plantations. It offers much-needed peace and tranquility along with picturesque views that will leave your soul stirred. There are estates wherein you can walk and soak the views. Keep this on your list of places to see in Kandy.
