Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, enshrining a tooth relic of the Buddha inside the former royal palace complex.
🕑 05:30–20:00
⏱ ~2.0 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 2000
Kandy
The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, cradled in misty hills around a serene lake and home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth.
Overview
Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Set at 500 m above sea level and ringed by tea-covered hills, the city grew up around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which enshrines a tooth of the Buddha and makes Kandy one of Buddhism's most important pilgrimage sites. The old royal capital held out against Portuguese and Dutch invaders and only fell to the British in 1815. Today its lake, colonial-era streets, bustling market and the annual Esala Perahera festival draw visitors from around the world.
History
Founded in the 14th century, Kandy became the capital of the Kingdom of Kanda Uda Rata and the seat of Sri Lanka's last independent monarchy. Its mountainous terrain helped the Kandyan kings resist European colonial powers for over 300 years until the British annexed it in 1815, ending more than two millennia of Sinhalese monarchy.
Attractions
A towering white seated Buddha on a hilltop with a sweeping panorama over Kandy.
🕑 07:00–20:00
⏱ ~0.8 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 250
A quiet colonial-era cemetery behind the Temple of the Tooth, with a knowledgeable caretaker who brings its stories to life.
🕑 08:00–17:00
⏱ ~0.7 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
A restored tea factory at Hantana telling the story of Ceylon tea, with vintage machinery and a top-floor tea room.
🕑 08:30–16:45
⏱ ~1.2 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 1000
The artificial lake at the heart of the city, ringed by a walkable promenade and overlooked by the Temple of the Tooth.
⏱ ~0.8 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
A historic forest sanctuary on the ridge behind the Temple of the Tooth, laced with shady walking trails.
🕑 07:00–17:30
⏱ ~2.0 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 660
Where to eat
Halal and Vegetarian-friendly options are tagged below. Kosher food is not commercially available here; observant travellers usually self-cater or contact a Chabad house.
Cafe Banana Chill
Vegetarian, Vegan, Cafe · Budget
A plant-based gem near Kandy Lake serving generous vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, smoothie bowls and fresh juices in a chilled garden setting. One of the highest-rated eateries in the whole city.
Vegetarian-friendly
MANDIYA
Sri Lankan · Budget
A tiny, intimate restaurant in the Pushpadana complex serving authentic Sri Lankan home cooking; with only a handful of tables and near-perfect reviews, it fills up fast at lunchtime.
Buono
Cafe, European · Budget
A European-style specialty cafe on DS Senanayake Veediya widely regarded as serving the best coffee in Kandy, alongside avocado toast, tacos and smoothie bowls. A favourite stop for travellers looking for a light Western breakfast or brunch.
Vegetarian-friendly
Scooby's Hideaway
Fusion, Burgers, Sri Lankan · Budget
A quirky first-floor hangout on DS Senanayake Veediya fusing Western favourites with Sri Lankan flavours - think Sri Lankan-spiced burgers, kottu wraps and well-reviewed vegan options like jackfruit burgers.
Vegetarian-friendly
MARINATE
Cafe, Burgers, Western · Budget
A hillside cafe with a stunning view over Kandy town and the surrounding mountains, popular for burgers, submarines, pasta and desserts served fast by friendly staff.
Hela Bojun Hala
Sri Lankan street food · Budget
A government-backed food court where local women cook traditional Sri Lankan street food to order - hoppers, pittu, string hoppers, roti, dosa and sweets - at remarkably low prices. Open daily 7am to 7pm; many dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Vegetarian-friendly
WorldSpice - KCC
Multi-cuisine food court · Budget
A lively multi-cuisine food court on the top of Kandy City Centre mall, gathering Thai, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Sri Lankan counters under one roof steps from the Temple of the Tooth. Convenient card-based ordering and something for every palate.
The Soya Centre
Vegetarian, Sri Lankan · Budget
A strictly vegetarian institution near the Kandy market serving cheap, hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry plus its famous soy-based ice cream in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. A great budget option for vegans and vegetarians.
Vegetarian-friendly
Mlesna Tea Centre - Dalada Veediya
Tea room, Cafe · Mid
An elegant tea room from Sri Lanka's famous Mlesna tea house, all dark wood, glass and leather, steps from the Temple of the Tooth. Sip single-estate Ceylon teas and pick up gift tins downstairs.
Slightly Chilled Lounge, Sports Bar & Restaurant
Asian Fusion, Bar · Mid
A long-running rooftop lounge above Kandy Lake famous for sunset views (complete with flights of fruit bats), cold beer and a menu of Chinese, Asian-fusion and Western dishes. One of the most reliable evening spots in town.
Royal Bar & Hotel
Colonial pub, Sri Lankan, Western · Mid
A colonial-era landmark on Colombo Street - an aristocrat's mansion turned British officers' club, serving as a tavern since 1860. Dine on Sri Lankan and Western dishes in the atmospheric courtyard or upstairs bar.
Sri Krishna Dosai
South Indian, Vegetarian · Budget
An all-vegetarian South Indian eatery on DS Senanayake Veediya known for crisp dosas, idli and vada with vegan-friendly chutneys, at very affordable prices. A quieter alternative to nearby Balaji Dosai.
Vegetarian-friendly
Licensed to Grill by Di's
Burgers, Steaks, Grill · Mid
A well-regarded grill house on Dharmashoka Mawatha turning out proper burgers, steaks and loaded fries - a solid pick when you need a break from rice and curry.
Theva Cuisine
Sri Lankan, European Fusion · Fine
The signature restaurant of Theva Residency, perched on the Hantana hills with panoramic views over the Kandy valley. Serves refined Sri Lankan and European fusion plates in one of the city's most romantic fine-dining settings.
Cafe The Vibe
Sri Lankan, Western · Budget
A casual, popular eatery on the A9 north of the city centre known for generous Sri Lankan rice and curry meals at very affordable prices, plus Western comfort food. A local favourite that tourists increasingly seek out.
Balaji Dosai
South Indian, Vegetarian · Budget
Kandy's best-known South Indian vegetarian restaurant, constantly packed for its crispy paper dosai, aromatic chutneys and sweet chai milk tea. A cheap, authentic and reliably busy spot in the heart of town.
Vegetarian-friendly
Global Kitchen
Indian, Fusion · Mid
A fusion restaurant on Kumara Veediya specialising in authentic Indian cooking, from tandoori dishes to rich curries, with a broader international menu. A dependable mid-range choice close to the city centre.
The Whizz
Sri Lankan, Asian, Western · Mid
A fifth-floor rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views over Kandy's rooftops and hills, serving a diverse menu of Sri Lankan classics, pasta and sandwiches. A relaxed sunset dinner spot.
Events & festivals
Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Avurudu)
Cultural · Every year on 13–14 April, island-wide
The whole island stops for the astrological new year: firecrackers at the auspicious hour, tables of kavum and kokis sweets, oil-anointing ceremonies and village games from tug-of-war to greasy-pole climbing.
Kandy Esala Perahera
Religious · Every July/August — ten nights building to the Esala full moon
The island's greatest pageant: ten nights of fire dancers, whip-crackers, Kandyan drummers and a torch-lit parade of ornately robed elephants honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic. Grandstand seats and hotels sell out months ahead.
Reviews & traveler photos
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Travel tips
- Dress modestly at the Temple of the Tooth: cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats before entering.
- Time your temple visit for a puja (offering ceremony) at 05:30, 09:30 or 18:30 when the relic chamber is opened.
- Book the Colombo-Kandy or Kandy-Ella train in advance and sit on the right side leaving Kandy for the best views.
- Nights are cool at this altitude; carry a light jacket.
- Tuk-tuk drivers may quote inflated fares to tourists; agree a price first or ask for a metered PickMe/Uber.
