History • Ancient Empires

Kandy

Kandy, Located in the central highlands, and historically, it is known as 'Senkadagalapura'.

Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka

UNESCO World Heritage Site The final bastion of indigenous Sri Lankan sovereignty and the ultimate guardian of Buddhism's most sacred relic Can reach easily from anywhere in Sri Lanka by train, bus, or private vehicle

Overview

Last royal capital of the Sinhalese monarchy

Having remained isolated for centuries due to its rugged, mountainous terrain, Kandy served as a vital sanctuary that preserved traditional Sri Lankan culture, architecture, and arts long after the coastal regions had been colonized.

Established as a royal center in the 15th century to serve as a final stronghold, it successfully repelled numerous Portuguese and Dutch invasions by employing strategic guerrilla warfare tactics.However, it was the last royal capital of the Sinhalese monarchy before falling under British rule in 1815.

Key landmarks include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, the Royal Palace and the Audience Hall, the Bahirawakanda Buddha statue, and the Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the Sacred City of Kandy is often referred to as the"Cultural Capital" of Sri Lanka".

Visitor Information

Opening Hours Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic( 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM), Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya (7:30 AM- 5:00 PM), Kandyan Cultural Dance Shows( 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM).

Best Time to Visit Early morning (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM) for outdoor exploration, and the evening (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) for cultural and spiritual experiences.

Difficulty Easy

Duration 1–2 Days

Location Kandy District

Heritage Status UNESCO World Heritage

Plan a Visit Or call us at +94 71 808 8152

Discover

Key Attractions

The extraordinary features of the Sacred City of Kandy as the final royal capital of Sri Lanka and the ultimate guardian city of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Sri Dalada Maligawa

A golden-roofed royal temple complex that houses the left canine tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It is the holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka.

Royal Botanical Gardens

A massive, beautifully manicured 147-acre garden. Originally created as a pleasure garden for Kandyan queens, it is now the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.

Kandy Lake

A peaceful, artificial lake created in 1807 by Sri Lanka's last king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It forms the scenic heart of the city.

Bahirawakanda Vihara

A colossal, 27-meter-tall white sitting Buddha statue perched atop the Bahirawakanda hill. Visually dominating the skyline, it is visible from almost anywhere in Kandy.

The Kandy Royal Palace Complex

The remaining structural wings of the final royal palace where the last independent kings of Sri Lanka resided.

Udawattakele Sanctuary

A lush, historic forest reserve stretching across the ridge directly behind the Royal Palace. Serving originally as an exclusive private pleasure garden for the Kandyan kings.

The Story

The Guardians of the Tooth: A Journey into Buddhism’s Living Sanctuary

The Sacred City of Kandy is a legendary tale of natural defenses, spiritual defiance, and the survival of a civilization. For centuries, this highland valley—protected by rings of mountains and the swirling waters of the Mahaweli River—stood as the unconquered heart of Sri Lanka.

While coastal cities fell and converted under colonial pressure, Kandy remained isolated and protected by its formidable terrain. The relic, which had been smuggled from kingdom to kingdom to escape foreign destruction, was brought up into the hills. The phases of 'Two Centuries of Defiance' (1592–1815) and 'The Fall and The Legacy' (1815–present) were critical turning points during the era of the Kandyan Kingdom.

Today, it is the spiritual and cultural heart of the nation, anchored by the globally revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before visiting the Sacred City of Kandy

How to Get There

Kandy is approximately 115 km from Colombo (3.5 hours by car). It can also be reached by train (3 hours) . Private transfers are recommended for the most comfortable journey.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter season from December to April offers the coolest, most pleasant weather for exploration.

What to Bring

Temple-Appropriate Clothing (Strictly Enforced), Bring at least 2 litres of water, sunscreen, a hat, and a fully charged camera. Light, breathable clothing is essential due to the tropical heat and humidity.

Tickets & Entrance

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic-USD 10, Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya-USD 11, Udawatta Kele Forest Sanctuary-USD 3, Kandy National Museum-USD 2, Kandyan Cultural Dance Shows--USD 10.

Safety Tips

Do Not Feed the Macaque Monkeys, Avoid Bat and Bird Droppings, Stay hydrated throughout.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya (20 min), Udawattakelle Forest Sanctuary (12 min) , Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue (10 min), Hantana Mountain Range (30 min), Gadaladeniya Temple (35 min), Lankatilaka Temple (45 min), Embekke Devalaya (45 min), Ceylon Tea Museum, Hantana (20 min).

Kandy