In the heart of Sri Lanka lies the city of Kandy. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Kandy before the entire island fell under British rule in 1815. Here you will find the Temple of the Tooth, the largest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, and the famous Lake Kandy. Kandy is the starting point of the world-famous train journey to Ella. Plenty of reasons to include this city in your adventure through Sri Lanka!

Kandy is a charming city where you can easily spend two full days exploring. It is also possible to visit the main attractions in just one day if you prefer.

This temple, located by Kandy Lake, is the city's most famous attraction. According to legend, it houses a tooth of the Buddha. Unfortunately, you can’t view the tooth itself as it is kept in a golden casket. However, there is still plenty to see. The complex is quite large and often very busy with local visitors and monks. We enjoyed walking around and observing how Buddhists practice their faith. To visit the temple, you need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, which applies to both men and women. You can borrow clothing for free at the entrance. Vendors outside the temple may try to sell you clothing to enter, but this is not necessary.

On a hill just outside the center of Kandy stands this massive white Buddha statue. It’s a well-known attraction, as it is the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka at 27 meters (89 feet). From this location, you also get a stunning view of Kandy, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. In addition to viewing the statue from below, there is also a staircase behind it that allows you to climb up to the side of the head. As a tourist, you pay a small donation for maintenance, which is just a few dollars.

Just outside Kandy lies this large botanical garden. Here, you can admire plants and trees from around the world. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy some tranquility and nature.

The center of Kandy is relatively large by Sri Lankan standards. You can walk through it fairly quickly, but it definitely feels like a city. You'll find impressive colonial buildings and various markets. In terms of restaurants and bars, we found it a bit disappointing; finding something enjoyable requires some searching. A nice spot for a drink in Kandy is THE PUB. You can sit comfortably on the balcony with a view of the busy main street.

Kandy Lake is beautifully nestled between the mountains and is a noteworthy attraction on its own. Walking around the lake offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll see many street vendors, school children in white uniforms, locals relaxing by the water, and possibly even snake charmers. The Temple of the Tooth is also located by the lake, making it easy to visit both attractions together.

If you have a more time, there's another beautiful temple to visit in Kandy. This temple is located a little outside the city center, making it much less touristy than the other attractions.

Sigiriya is best known for the Lion Rock. For many travelers, this, along with the train journey to Ella, is one of the main reasons to visit Sri Lanka. Besides the Lion Rock, there isn't much else to do in Sigiriya, making it ideal for a day trip from Kandy. On the way to Sigiriya, you’ll pass through the town of Dambulla, where you can stop at the Royal Cave Temple. For more tips, check out our article on the best things to do in Sigiriya.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella, especially the final stretch between Nuwara Eliya and Ella, is renowned as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The trip takes about 7 hours and winds through Sri Lanka’s lush mountainous interior. Along the way, you'll pass tea plantations, waterfalls, and charming villages. We’ve written an article about the train journey from Kandy to Ella to help you prepare for what might be your most memorable train ride ever. Want to know what to do in Ella? Check out our article on the best things to do in Ella.