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heritage

Kandy

Central Province
Best Time to Visit: January to April
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
5 Highlights

About Kandy

Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst rolling hills, it remains a major spiritual hub. The city is famous for its centerpiece lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, and the annual Esala Perahera festival, which features majestic processions of elephants and traditional dancers.

Highlights

Temple of the Tooth Relic
Royal Botanic Gardens
Kandy Lake Walk
Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Cultural Dance Show

Top Attractions

Temple of the Tooth

Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist shrine.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Over 4,000 species of plants and giant bamboo.

Local Cuisine

Kandyan CurryAuthentic up-country vegetable curries using jackfruit and breadfruit.
Hoppers (Appa)Crispy bowl-shaped pancakes often served with spicy lunu miris.

Cultural Etiquette

Remove shoes at temples
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees
Do not pose with your back to Buddha statues

Seasonal Events

Kandy Esala PeraheraJuly/AugustOne of Asia’s most spectacular religious festivals.