Sights

Explore Kandy

Kandy, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is a cultural and spiritual hub, known for the sacred Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), housing a relic of Buddha. Surrounded by lush mountains and picturesque lakes, Kandy offers stunning scenery, traditional dance performances, and vibrant festivals like the Kandy Esala Perahera. It is also a gateway to exploring Sri Lanka’s rich history, tea plantations, and diverse wildlife.

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Kandy

5 Days 6 Nights
Kandy: Kandy Lake, Ceylon Tea Museum, Udawattekele Sanctuary, Kandy Cultural Dance Show.

Days Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Kandy

  • Arrive in Kandy: Depending on your arrival time, settle into your hotel.
  • Kandy Lake: Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake to get a feel of the city. It’s beautiful and peaceful, especially in the evening.
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage site, to witness the sacred tooth relic of Buddha.
  • Evening Cultural Show: In the evening, enjoy a cultural show that showcases Sri Lankan traditional dance and music.
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Day 2: Barkot – Gangotri

  • Kandy Museum: Learn about the history of Kandy and Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Spend a few hours in this stunning botanical garden, known for its vast collection of orchids, plants, and trees.
  • Cultural Walk Through Kandy Town: Wander through Kandy’s local markets, shops, and streets for an authentic experience.
  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Try traditional Sri Lankan food at a recommended restaurant.
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Day 3: Day Trip to Sigiriya & Dambulla

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Drive to Sigiriya (around 2.5-3 hours from Kandy). Climb the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: Afterward, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO site, known for its cave paintings and statues of Buddha.
  • Return to Kandy: Head back to Kandy in the evening for a restful night.

Day 4: Explore Nature & Adventure

  • Knuckles Mountain Range: Go for a day trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a hike in the lush, scenic hills. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, with diverse flora and fauna.
  • Visit a Tea Plantation: On your way back, stop at a nearby tea plantation, like the Hantane Tea Factory, to learn about tea production and sample some of Sri Lanka’s best tea.
  • Relax by the Lake: In the evening, relax by Kandy Lake or visit the nearby Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha statue for stunning views of the city.

 

Day 5: Adventure & Temples

  • Victoria Park: Spend the morning in Victoria Park, a peaceful park perfect for a stroll or picnic.
  • Gadaladeniya Temple: Take a short drive to visit the ancient Gadaladeniya Temple, which dates back to the 14th century.
  • Lankatilaka Temple: Visit this serene temple for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Evening Relaxation: Wind down with a peaceful evening at your hotel or another leisurely walk around Kandy Lake.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Kandy

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

I had an incredible experience with Salt and Sea Adventure on my trip to Kandy! From the moment I arrived, everything was seamlessly organized. The itinerary was well-balanced, allowing us to explore Kandy’s cultural sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the botanical gardens and nearby mountains. The team’s attention to detail and the personalized service made my trip unforgettable. Highly recommend!"

— Sarah J. - India

"Salt and Sea Adventure made our Kandy vacation unforgettable. The local guides were knowledgeable, and the tour package covered everything I wanted to see—from the peaceful Kandy Lake to the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens. The trip was well-paced, and the travel logistics were hassle-free. They truly went above and beyond in making our family feel welcome and comfortable throughout our journey. A wonderful experience!"

—Ravi M. - India

I can’t thank Salt and Sea Adventure enough for organizing such a memorable trip to Kandy. They made sure we got the best of both worlds—immersing us in Kandy's rich cultural heritage while also letting us explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding the city. The service was impeccable, and I felt completely taken care of throughout the trip. If you’re looking for a well-organized and unique Kandy adventure, this company is the one to trust!"

— sanjay - India

Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Kandy is during the dry season, which typically lasts from December to April. During these months, the weather is more pleasant with less rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

    Alternatively, the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, usually held in July or August, is a popular time to visit if you’re interested in experiencing the vibrant cultural celebrations. However, it can be crowded and more expensive during this time.

How to Reach:

  • By Train: From Colombo, you can take a scenic train ride to Kandy (around 2.5 to 3 hours). The train journey offers beautiful views of the countryside.

  • By Bus: Several buses run from Colombo and other major cities to Kandy, taking around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.

  • By Car/Taxi: You can hire a taxi or rent a car for a more direct and comfortable journey. The drive from Colombo takes around 3 hours via the A1 highway.

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From there, you can take a car, bus, or train to reach Kandy.

Importance of Kandy:

Kandy is a culturally and historically significant city in Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom and is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. Kandy is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional dance, music, and the Kandy Esala Perahera festival. The city is surrounded by lush mountains, lakes, and tea plantations, making it a major tourist destination. Its importance is also linked to its role in preserving Sri Lanka’s history, art, and spiritual traditions.