Hill country
-20%
4.9
Hill Country & Tea Trails
Travel by train through emerald tea hills, colonial towns and cloud forest viewpoints.
$890/person
Sacred temples, hill-country culture and a lakeside royal city
Sri Lanka
4.8 / 5
Rating
Year-round
Best time
$290
Tours from
Nestled among the lush green hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy is a captivating city known for its rich culture, spiritual heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. Built around the peaceful Kandy Lake, the city offers travelers an authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history and traditions.
The highlight of any visit is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites. The temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture, traditional ceremonies and deep spiritual significance.
A relaxing walk around Kandy Lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and city. Visitors can also experience traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming, showcasing cultural traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Nature lovers can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, famous for its tropical plants, orchids, palm trees and peaceful landscapes. It is an ideal place to enjoy a few hours away from the busy city.
Kandy is also a popular starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s spectacular hill country. Travelers can continue towards Nuwara Eliya and Ella, passing through tea plantations, mountains and waterfalls. The scenic train journey from Kandy is one of the most memorable ways to experience the region.
With its sacred temples, traditional culture, scenic landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, Kandy is an essential destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.
A few helpful details for making the most of your time in Kandy.
Year-round. Start early for cooler temperatures and quieter heritage sites.
About 116 km from Colombo; allow around 3 hours by private vehicle, depending on traffic.
Hill country
-20%
4.9
Travel by train through emerald tea hills, colonial towns and cloud forest viewpoints.
$890/person
Scenic
-20%
4.9
The complete Sri Lanka journey: cities, ancient heritage, misty hills, wildlife and golden beaches.
$1,690/person
Culture
-20%
4.9
A relaxed seven-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland, tea country and southern coast.
$1,290/person