10 Best Things to Do in Kandy Sri Lanka

Kandy is the 2nd largest city of Sri Lanka and the great historical and cultural center of the island. The city managed to hold onto its distinctive traditions, culture, and artistic expressions, which had been severely suppressed elsewhere in the nation, until 1815, when it was eventually overrun by the British and now serves as a major center of Buddhism. Couples can immerse themselves in the city's spiritual charm while enjoying romantic dinner dates or leisurely walks through historic landmarks, hand in hand, taking in the stunning views. Let’s explore what to do in Kandy, from shopping to elephant rides, seeking Buddha’s blessings, and much more!

You must have heard about horseback riding, but elephant riding? Sounds quite incredible? Isn’t it? Elephant rides are one of the most popular and enjoyable activities in Kandy, and it’s a unique experience while visiting the city. Animal lovers would love to spend a day with elephants, feed them, ride them, take showers as they dump their trunks in water, and play with them. The safari is made even more fascinating by the presence of nearby villages and well-trained staff.

The great Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Center is a tranquil retreat, nestled 13 km on the Southern strip of Kandy. It offers daily meditation sessions to visitors seeking spirituality. For anyone hoping to make the most of an unforgettable vacation on the island nation, this meditation center is the ideal location. With its abundance of greenery and surrounding Buddhist monks, this spot has a great level of comfort and peace to offer. Take a stroll around the great tea estates and revitalize yourself!

Camping at Horton Plains National Park is one of the best things to do in Kandy at night, featuring a fun excursion for adventure lovers. Enjoy camping, hiking in the park region, and standing on the World’s End to take a look at the 900-meter plunge. The national park area’s mountain range includes thrilling paths that transverse some of Sri Lanka’s most well-known peaks. It is suggested to visit between 6:00 to 10:00 AM when it gives the misty hazy vibes. The best months to explore this spot are January through March.

The Central Market and Kandy City Center provide visitors with a range of intriguing shopping experiences. Shopaholics would love to explore the local bazaar, while a significant portion of tourists are catered to by the city center mall, which stands out for its great ultramodern features and distinctive architectural design. The mall encapsulates several entertainment options, well-maintained restaurants, and supermarkets.

Visitors are warmly welcomed to Peradeniya’s Royal Botanical Garden, which was established in 1371. This location is easily accessible from the city by tuk-tuk, which takes around 20 minutes to reach. Covering at least 147 acres, this beautiful haven draws over 2 million tourists each year because of its extensive collection of uncommon, therapeutic, exotic, and herbal plants. Up till now, over 4,000 plant species have been identified, including a great variety of orchids.

If you’re a tourist hoping to see Sri Lanka’s unmatched beauty and diversity then Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the spectacular things to see in Kandy. The temple dates back to the 2nd century and is considered to be among Sri Lanka’s most old and valuable assets. It features antique carvings, murals, and tranquility. The cave temple is a popular destination for Buddhists and those who love exploring different cultural and religious beliefs.

It is well-known for being Sri Lanka’s largest rock cave temple, nestled atop a 600-foot rock with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It has been confirmed by archeologists that the rock caverns were inhabited in prehistoric times.

Nature lovers would love a walk by the serene Kandy Lake as the lake’s surroundings are primarily crowded with tourists who value calm. Whereas spiritual seekers can find their way to the Tooth Relic Temple. Moreover, the rainforest in the background provides an ideal setting for a nature stroll around the central lake. Here you would see many tourists distributing chants and engaging in Buddhist meditation, featuring a spot to meditate and rediscover the spirituality within yourself.

The great Temple of Tooth Relic is also called the Dalada Maligawa, which is one of Sri Lanka’s holiest sites and the first stop of any pilgrim’s itinerary when they travel to this island. It is an integral component of the Ramayana trip and one of the most venerated sites of worship worldwide. This stunning white temple complex is claimed to have a relic of Buddha’s tooth enclosed in a golden casket. It is housed inside the royal palace complex that once belonged to the ex-Kingdom of Kandy.

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is perched on a hill ridge, featuring a vast forest reserve spanning more than 257 acres of land. It has a great variety of plant species such as shrubs, enormous Lianas, and tiny trees. This is a well-liked spot among nature lovers and wildlife hunters for its expansive avifauna and winding roads that provide exhilarating bike rides. A lot of nature enthusiasts are attracted to this place to spot the enormous Lianas that are scarcely found in other parts of Sri Lanka. Moreover, 3 Buddhist meditation hermitages beautiful rock shelters, and numerous mammals that are native to the country are spotted here.

Lankathilaka Vihara is a pilgrimage destination, located near Udunuwara on the Daulagala road. Here the historic Buddhist temple is regarded as one of the most exquisite buildings constructed during the Gampola period. The great King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who ruled this region, had constructed this ancient sanctum, which has an intriguing history that dates back to the 14th century.