Kandy
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The last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy is central to the history of Sri Lanka and is home to many of the island’s cultural gems. Meaning ‘hill’, Kandy once stood as an impenetrable fortress against invading colonial powers, withstanding all attempts of invasion until the British finally deposed the king in 1815. Kandy houses the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, which was built to protect the sacred tooth relic thought to belong to Lord Buddha, which has been enshrined in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. As well as a host of other temples, visitors to the city can wander along Kandy Lake, stroll through the stunning Botanical Gardens – created by the British in the 19th century and still one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia – and visit Kadungannawa Tea Factory. Kandy is one of the best places to explore the art history of Sri Lanka and travelers should take the time to see a Kandyan cultural show.
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Fun Facts
- The Kandyan Kingdom was founded in the late 15th century, and continued until 1815 when the last king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, was finally deposed by the British.
Experiences & Things to Do at Kandy
A guided tour of the Botanical Gardens with a botanist
Allow your guide to take you on a circular tour of Sri Lanka’s largest botanical gardens, which are the finest of their kind in Asia.
A train ride from Kandy to the Tea Country
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this rail ride provides spectacular views of the hill country.
A walk through the Sri Lankan garden – Matale
Start your experience with an invigorating glass of fresh juice, after which you’ll embark on a 45-minute hike around the farm with a planter.
A visit to an artist’s home
The artistic and philosophical among you will love this wholesome visit to the home of a talented and reclusive artist and his daughter.
A visit to the Kadugannawa tea factory
Especially if you are not planning on heading into Sri Lanka’s hills, a visit to the Kadugannawa Tea Factory is essential.
A visit to the Temple of the Tooth
Let your guide bring this temple to life with his stories about the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
A walking tour of Kandy town
Walk the streets of Kandy with your guide, perhaps visiting the local market or the Temple of the Tooth on the way, depending on your interests.
Exclusive traditional dance performance
This exclusive performance of traditional Kandyan dance is held in the privacy of your hotel restaurant over dinner.
Meet the elephants with an elephant expert
Visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation to learn about the part elephants play in Sri Lankan culture and the difficulties of this.
Nature walk and an authentic home-cooked lunch – Galagedara
This walk can last anywhere between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and covers some of the 45 acre-plantation’s most beautiful spots.
The Golden Age of Travel: a ride on Sri Lanka’s luxury viceroy tea train
Experience timeless colonial charm on the most luxurious train carriage in the country, which has vintage décor and sumptuous amenities.
The Three Temple Loop – Gampola
This tour combines visits to the three 14th century Buddhist temples in this area – Embekke Devale, Lankatilaka and Galadeniya Viharaya.
Trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range
Start the day at 6am, where your guide will drive you 1.5 hours into the mountains to start your 14km trek through this stunning environment.
A guided walk around Kandy with a local expert
Explore some of the renowned local sites in Kandy including the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy town and lake with an experienced host by foot.
Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
Explore the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka's most sacred temple, and learn about its historical and cultural significance with your guide.
Kandy City and Temple Walk
Explore Kandy on this guided walk and visit numerous local sites including the sacred Temple of the Tooth and learn about Kandy’s colorful history.
Bhikkuni: the Buddhist Nuns of Sri Lanka
Visit a monastery to learn about meditation, the lifestyle of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lankan & the first woman to don the robes.
Traditional Sri Lankan Drums
A professional drum teacher will take you through the basics of traditional Sri Lankan drums, their types and significance in culture & history.
Relaxing With Yoga
Refresh and revitalise your body and mind with a quick yoga break while in Kandy
Culinary Trails in Kandy
Kandy, the hill capital of the island, is a melting pot of culture. Explore Kandy’s culinary heritage and rich flavors.
A Visit to Degaldoruwa Temple
Explore a historic cave temple in Kandy
A scenic trek through a hidden hamlet
Explore the essence of local village life
Going Off-Grid
Escape to a remote village in the Knuckles Mountain Range for a back-to-basics trekking adventure.
Trek Taylor’s tea hills
Go trekking through some of Sri Lanka’s most historic and scenic tea estates, including James Taylor’s Loolecondera.
Enquire Now
Get in touch with one of our knowledgeable travel experts to plan your Sri Lanka journey.
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