Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Sacred Hill Capital – Travel Guide
Nestled among misty hills in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is the cultural and spiritual capital that preserves the island’s ancient traditions. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and surrounded by lush tea plantations, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers a captivating blend of history, religion, and natural beauty.
Experience authentic Kandy with local experts! DanBrothersCeylon offers immersive cultural tours that reveal Kandy’s spiritual significance and hidden gems.
The Historical Significance of Kandy
As the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings, Kandy resisted European colonial rule for nearly 300 years before falling to the British in 1815. The city remains the guardian of Sri Lanka’s living cultural traditions, particularly the sacred Buddhist rituals surrounding the Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy’s unique identity blends royal heritage with colonial influences, all set against a backdrop of forested hills and the man-made Kandy Lake at its center.
Must-Visit Attractions in Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, this golden-roofed temple houses Buddhism’s most revered relic – a tooth of the Buddha. Witness the ancient rituals performed three times daily (dawn, midday, and evening) when the relic chamber is ceremonially opened.
Kandy Lake
Stroll around this serene artificial lake created by the last Kandyan king in 1807. The lakeside path offers beautiful views of the temple and is particularly magical at sunrise when mist rises off the water.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya)
Explore 147 acres of tropical splendor just 15 minutes from Kandy. Highlights include the majestic avenue of royal palms, giant bamboo collection, and the orchid house with over 300 varieties.
Kandy Cultural Show
Experience traditional Kandyan dance, drumming, and fire-walking at daily performances. The highlight is the mesmerizing Ves dance, originally performed to invoke blessings for the king.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Discover this peaceful forest reserve just behind the Temple of the Tooth, with walking trails through dense jungle that’s home to monkeys, deer, and over 80 bird species.
Authentic Kandy Experiences
Evening Puja Ceremony at the Temple
Join devotees for the most elaborate daily ritual at the Temple of the Tooth. The sound of drums and chanting fills the air as offerings are made and the relic chamber is opened amidst clouds of incense.
Tea Factory Visit
Tour a working tea factory in the nearby hills to learn how Ceylon tea is processed from fresh leaves to finished product, complete with a tasting session of different grades.
Village Homestay Experience
Spend a night in a traditional Kandyan village home, learning to cook local dishes, trying your hand at farming, and experiencing authentic rural hospitality.
Ayurvedic Wellness Treatment
Kandy is renowned for its authentic Ayurveda centers offering traditional massages and herbal treatments using techniques perfected over centuries.
Discover Kandy with DanBrothersCeylon
Our specialized tours offer unique access to Kandy’s cultural treasures:
- Sacred Sites Tour: In-depth exploration of the Temple of the Tooth with special access
- Cultural Immersion: Meet local artisans, dancers, and Buddhist monks
- Tea Country Excursions: Visit plantations and learn tea-making from experts
- Spiritual Journey: Meditation sessions at ancient forest monasteries
- Customized Itineraries: Tailor-made experiences based on your interests
Practical Information for Visitors
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months are January to April when rainfall is lowest. The Esala Perahera festival (July/August) offers spectacular processions but large crowds. Evenings are pleasantly cool year-round in the hills.
Getting There
- From Colombo: 3-4 hours by car (115km) via scenic mountain roads
- By Train: One of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys (4 hours)
- From Sigiriya/Dambulla: 2.5-3 hours by car through cultural triangle
- Private Transport: Most comfortable option with DanBrothersCeylon
Dress Code & Temple Etiquette
- Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting religious sites
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temples
- Maintain quiet reverence – no loud talking or laughing
- Don’t turn your back to Buddha statues when taking photos
Nearby Attractions
Combine your Kandy visit with these highlights:
- Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage: See rescued elephants bathing and feeding
- Nuwara Eliya: Colonial-era “Little England” in tea country
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Magnificent rock temple with ancient frescoes
- Knuckles Mountain Range: Stunning hiking through cloud forests
Experience Kandy’s Living Heritage
More than just a tourist destination, Kandy remains a vibrant center of Sri Lankan culture where ancient traditions are part of daily life. From the rhythmic beats of temple drums at dawn to the fragrant offerings of jasmine flowers at twilight, the city engages all senses.
Whether you seek spiritual enrichment, cultural discovery, or simply the cool breezes of the hill country, Kandy offers an authentic Sri Lankan experience that resonates long after your visit.
Let DanBrothersCeylon guide you through Kandy’s sacred spaces and cultural treasures for an experience that goes beyond the surface.
