Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural capital and an ideal stop on your tour. Whether you travel around the country by tuktuk or opt for the famous train journey to Ella, it is a city that will absolutely surprise you. From busy streets with tuktuks and street vendors to tranquil botanical gardens and impressive temples. Although we don't recommend staying there for days, Kandy is definitely worth a short stop. Wondering where to eat well, sleep well and get the most out of your trip? You'll find all our tips below!
General information about Sri Lanka
Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. Find all information on Sri Lanka here.
Is Kandy worth a visit?
As we mentioned in the introduction, we recommend visiting Kandy as a stopover. This is because the city is the ideal starting point for the train journey to Ella, as well as interesting for travellers who want to combine culture with the atmosphere of a lively city. You'll find important temples, viewpoints, markets and good restaurants, as well as quiet spots like Kandy Lake. It is not a destination where you stay for long, but rather a worthwhile stop between Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
How to get to Kandy?
Kandy is easily accessible from different parts of Sri Lanka. Many travellers travel from Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya or Ella to this cool destination, and so did we! Here's how to easily travel to Kandy from these destinations.
Wondering which route suits you best? Check out our complete itinerary through Sri Lanka for useful transport tips and more or book directly with AsiaDirect a complete tour of Sri Lanka!
From Sigiriya to Kandy
By tuktuk: The most fun way to travel around Sri Lanka is definitely by tuktuk. We hired our tuktuk at Tuktukrental for around €18 a day. A very nice organisation, and the longer you rent the tuktuk, the cheaper it gets! The tuktuk will take you about 4-5 hours from Sigiriya to Kandy.
Tip: The route via B257 and B205 is highly recommended. Yes... you are longer on the road, but this road leads you through the mountains, past tea plantations and many small villages. Just make sure your tuktuk is fully refuelled, as petrol stations are scarce on this route.
Rent a tuktuk via tuktukrental.com and use the code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES’ for a nice discount! That way you start your adventure off right. The discount code will be applied immediately when you click on the link above!
By bus: The most budget-friendly option is the bus. We chose this during our first tour of Sri Lanka. From Sigiriya, there are only no direct buses to Kandy, so you will have to make a stopover in Dambulla. Travel time is about between 4-5 hours and prices are between LKR 400 and 600 (€1.20 - €1.80). Tickets can be bought locally as online booking is not possible. Want to know more about departure times? Then check with your hotel or hostel!
By taxi: The fastest and perhaps the most comfortable option is to book a taxi or shared minivan. Prices range between €17 and €65, with a private taxi often being more expensive than a shared minivan. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Want to know more or book directly? Then check out 12GoAsia.
From Ella or Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
By train: Of course, the train is the first option! Whether you are travelling from Kandy to Ella or vice versa, it is a perfect choice. This train journey takes about 7 hours and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Book in time, as this route is very popular. Want to know more about this train journey and the different options? Read our blog ‘Tips for the train journey from Kandy to Ella’ (online soon) or book directly via 12GoAsia.
By tuktuk: You can also travel this route by tuktuk. We hired our tuktuk at Tuktukrental for around €18 a day. A fine organisation, and the longer you rent, the cheaper it gets! The drive takes about 4.5 to 5.6 hours, obviously from Nuwara Eliya it's a bit shorter. If you want to know more about travelling around Sri Lanka by tuktuk, read our blog: ‘Tuktuk hire in Sri Lanka’ (online soon).
Travelling through Sri Lanka by tuktuk
We did our entire trip through Sri Lanka by tuktuk and it was, without a doubt, the most fun way to travel around. It is not only practical, but also an adventure in itself! We hired our tuktuk through tuktukrental.com, an absolute must that will make your trip really extra special. And with the discount code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES‘ you get a nice discount!
Tip: Click through the link in this blog to the website of Tuktukrental, then the discount will be applied automatically. Convenient, right?
Tips for transport in Kandy
The most practical way to explore the centre of Kandy is by the old-fashioned pram! We did an awful lot of walking and occasionally caught a tuktuk. We had rented our own tuktuk, but if you don't have one, we recommend using the app PickMe (Sri Lanka) download. With it, you can easily indicate where you want to go and instantly see prices. Saves you negotiating, and gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Prefer not to use an app? No problem... just raise your hand and a tuktuk will automatically stop.
Tip: For the PickMe app, you need internet. It is therefore convenient to buy a local SIM card or arrange an e-sim card, for example through Airalo.
What to do in Kandy?
Kandy is a vibrant city full of culture, history and chaos, but the cosy kind. Whether you come for the famous Temple of the Tooth, a walk around the lake or the tranquillity of the botanical garden, there is plenty to see and do. Below is a list of must-see sights in Kandy, plus a few personal tips to make your visit that little bit more fun!
1. Walk around Kandy Lake
Right in the centre of Kandy is a large lake, surrounded by trees and with a small island in the middle. Perfect for taking a stroll around and immediately catching a glimpse of the Temple of the Tooth. A lap around the lake takes about 45 minutes and you will encounter all sorts of things along the way! Think schoolchildren in uniform, vendors with fruit, snatting geese, countless tuktuks and Sri Lanka's recognisable red buses.
Tip: Are you with your own tuktuk? Some parts around the lake have paid parking (recognisable by yellow gates). For example at the Temple of the Tooth, you pay around LKR 80 (€0.25) per half hour.
2. Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Combine your walk around the lake with a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). This holy site is one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples, as a tooth of Buddha is kept here. Not surprisingly, this place is crowded by locals and tourists alike, especially during religious ceremonies (every morning at 9.30am and evening at 6.30pm). Want to visit the temple at a quieter time? Then go early in the morning; the doors open as early as 05.30 am!
Entrance: 2000 LKR (€5.95) per person
Clothingadvice: Wear light or white clothes as a sign of respect, and make sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Bring a pair of socks if necessary, as the tiles can be hot from the sun.
Tip: Rent a tuktuk via tuktukrental.com and use the code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES’ for a nice discount! That way you start your adventure off right. The discount code will be applied immediately when you click on the link above!
3. Go to the Kandy Municipal Central Market
Kandy is a bustling city and you can totally feel it at the Kandy Municipal Central Market, right in the city centre. A lively, somewhat chaotic place where you will find vegetables, fruit, spices, clothes and souvenirs. A fun place to stroll around, taste, bargain and experience local life up close.
4. Watch the sunset at Srī Mahā Bōdhi Temple
The Srī Mahā Bōdhi temple, also called the Bahirawakanda Temple, is located on one of the hills surrounding Kandy and is about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. You will find Sri Lanka's tallest Buddha statue here at a whopping 27 metres tall. From this temple you have a great view over the city and the surrounding hills, especially at sunset it is really fantastic here.
Entrance: 1500 LKR (€4.44) per person
Clothing advice: As with other temples, it is important to cover your shoulders and knees.
Nice extra: On the way up, you pass the colourful Hindu Katukele Pillaiar Temple. This is definitely worth a short stop for some great photos.
Tip: The road to the Srī Mahā Bōdhi is quite steep. We read online that some people walk this way and of course you can! Just keep in mind that this is pretty sweaty and you will be about 25 - 35 minutes away from the city centre.
Read also: Elephant spotting in Udawalawe National Park
Read also: Combine the Maldives with Sri Lanka! 5 handy tips
5. Stroll through the gardens of Royal Botanic Gardens
Need a break? Just a short drive away (15 minutes from the city centre) are the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is an oasis of green, with towering palm trees, colourful flower fields, an orchid house and over 4,000 plant species. Personally, we found the entrance fee on the high side which makes us recommend this tip only if you have some time to spare!
Entrance: LKR 3000 (€8.88) per person
6. Climb the unique Ambuluwawa Tower
About a 1.5-hour drive from Kandy is the extraordinary Ambuluwawa Tower, a white-turreted tower that seems straight out of a fairy tale. This 48-metre-high tower has a narrow, spiral staircase that leads all the way to the top. The view is spectacular, but not ideal for people afraid of heights: the last stretch in particular is steep, narrow and quite exciting. In fact, the stairs are just wide enough for one person. Fortunately, there are small recesses every few metres, so you can wait a while or pass someone. But if you are afraid of heights, it is a good idea to consider this in advance.
How do you get to the Ambuluwawa Tower?
From Kandy, you can hire a tuktuk or scooter and park it at the bottom of the mountain at the entrance to the Ambuluwawa Tower, where you will be able to park your car. There, you buy an entrance ticket and then have three options:
- Ride up the mountain with your own tuktuk or scooter (We definitely don't recommend you!). Most people who did try this during our visit parked their tuktuk halfway up and walked the last stretch or came riding all the way down again.
- Park your own tuktuk or scooter at the entrance and get dropped off by a local. In our opinion, this is the best option. Nice and comfortable and above all safe!
- Walking is actually not recommended, unless you like a spirited hike in the heat.
Entrance: 2000 LKR (€5.95) per person
Local tuktuk up: 1500 LKR (€4.44) per tuktuk
Tip: Ambuluwawa is on the route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Ideal as a stopover during your journey with your own tuktuk.
Restaurants in Kandy
Those on the go need to eat well! And...luckily, you'll find plenty of great places in Kandy! Whether you fancy a sumptuous dinner, a quick lunch or a good cup of coffee. These are our favourite restaurants:
- Balaji Dosai: A classic among travellers and locals alike. This vegetarian restaurant serves South Indian specialities like dosa, idli and vada. Everything is served traditionally (without cutlery) so eat like the locals: with your hands!
- Cafe Banana Chill: Fancy a healthy start to your day? This is the place to be for smoothie bowls, fresh fruit, good coffee and breakfasts that will give you energy for the rest of your day in Kandy.
- Vito Wood Fired Pizza: For those in the mood for comfort food, this is a must. Wood oven pizzas with crispy bottoms and views of Kandy as a bonus.
- Hideout Lounge: A relaxed place with a cosy atmosphere, a varied menu and a nice terrace. A quiet place to have lunch in the shade during the day, a cosy bar in the evening where you can sip cocktails and sometimes catch live music.
- Organica Lounge Kandy: A little tucked away and only accessible via a long staircase, but once at the top, a cosy rooftop terrace awaits you with views over the city.
- Cafe Koi: A stylish coffee shop where you can start your day quietly with good coffee.
- Mandiya: For those looking for a hearty lunch in the form of a traditional rice & curry, Mandiya is a top spot! Popular with locals and not yet overrun by tourists.
Our favourite addresses in Kandy
Kandy is a lively city where you can easily linger for a day or two. Whether you come for the temples, the lake or just want to unwind from travelling, fine accommodation really completes your stay. We were lucky enough to work with a wonderful guesthouse, but also had a list of favourites ready in advance. Below, we share our experience at Lewella House, as well as the other places that were on our favourites list.
Tip for last-minute bookers: Before we travel, we already make a list of accommodation we like at home. This saves us a lot of searching, so last-minute booking does not become a stress story. We simply check what is still available from our list and book straight away.
Lewella House - A quiet villa in Kandy
During our stay in Kandy, we slept at Lewella House, and that was a real hit. This charming place is located just a little outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so you will sleep peacefully at night. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with great attention to detail and comfort.
A big plus for us was the quiet garden, it was the ideal place to collect all our tips and take a break from the busy programme of the previous days. In addition, the owners are extremely hospitable: they gave us all kinds of useful tips for the city, made sure everything was arranged around our stay and breakfast and even helped us with a few loads of laundry.
Other fine options that were on our favourites list:
- SWP Eco Lodge: Situated directly on Kandy Lake, overlooking the water as well as the Temple of the Tooth. You will stay in a comfortable room with a large balcony. Quiet location, yet within walking distance of the city centre.
- Kandu: Simple and budget-friendly guesthouse about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Rooms are spacious and breakfast is included.
- Theva Residency: A stylish boutique hotel on a hillside also just outside the city centre. Here you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and cool off in the small pool after a hot day. A great option if you're looking for comfort and tranquillity.
- Sevana City Hotel: This place is a favourite with many for its clean rooms, fine service and good value for money. No fuss, but reliable.
- Sweet Cinnamon Kandy: Small guesthouse with a peaceful garden. The atmosphere is homely and relaxed, making this place perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The Summit: We actually already knew in the Netherlands that this stay would not fit into our budget. But well... one can wish anyway! Especially the roof terrace is a highlight in our opinion, ideal for watching the sunset.
- Feel Home: Quiet accommodation with large rooms five minutes' drive from the city centre. An affordable place with nice views.
- Mcleod-Inn: Located just a bit higher up on a hill, giving you nice views over the city. You have to climb a bit for it (or take a tuktuk), but in return you get peace and quiet and a nice location close to the city centre.
Found another nice place to stay?
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Frequently asked questions about Kandy
1. How many days do you need in Kandy?
For most travellers, one full day is enough to visit the main highlights. Want to take it slower, catch a cultural show or take a trip to the Ambuluwawa Tower? Then count on two nights.
2. Is Kandy worthwhile on a tour of Sri Lanka?
Yes, especially for travellers interested in culture, temples and local life. It is not a town you want to stay in for days, but it is a worthwhile stop between Sigiriya and Ella or to start the famous train journey.
We often advise people to arrive in Kandy late morning or early afternoon, grab some highlights and leave the next morning.
3. What is the best travel time to visit Kandy?
Kandy is good to visit almost all year round. The most popular period is from December to April, when it is drier and sunnier. Short showers are more frequent during the rainy season, but this usually has little impact on the sights.
4. Which is better: Ella or Kandy?
Kandy is all about culture, temples and busy city life and Ella is all about tranquillity, viewpoints and nature. Many travellers therefore combine these two places. Personally, we don't think you can compare these places. If you have to choose, we recommend Ella.
5. Is Kandy safe for tourists?
Yes, Kandy is lively and busy but the people there are immensely friendly. As in other cities, watch your belongings carefully on busy streets and around the lake. In the evening, it's best to take a tuktuk for longer distances.
6. Are there any vegan or vegetarian options in Kandy?
Yes. Especially Balaji Dosai, Cafe Banana Chill and Organica Lounge have plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu. Sri Lankan rice & curry can also be ordered vegetarian almost everywhere.
7. What must you really have seen in Kandy?
The Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, the Srī Mahā Bōdhi temple, the Ambuluwawa Tower and the Royal Botanic Gardens are the most popular sights. Those with time to spare can also visit the Kandy Cultural Show or Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (a peaceful jungle area just above the city).
Plan your trip with our Sri lanka map!
Plan your ideal itinerary through Sri Lanka with our handy Google Maps map. Discover the best local eateries, iconic sights and hidden gems. With this map, you'll have all hotspots at your fingertips and won't miss a single highlight of this beautiful country.
Kandy is a city of contrasts: busy and chaotic, but also full of cultural treasures and quiet spots. For those interested in Buddhist culture and local life, it is highly recommended. Two nights are enough to visit the main sights and soak up the city's atmosphere. We hope these tips help you plan your trip. Still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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