Activities to Do in Kandy

You'll never run out of things to do in Kandy because it's surrounded by tea plantations and mountains from all over. From visiting sacred sites to hiking in the mountains to exploring the International Buddhist Museum to seeing local Kandyan performances to visiting the Botanical and Spice Gardens, there is something for everyone. Kandy has a diverse range of activities to suit everyone's schedule. Even wildlife and exotic flora and fauna abound in this holy city of Sri Lanka, which will delight you.

If you want to have a good time, the best things to do in Kandy include indulging in some delicious local delicacies and watching the famous Kandyan dance performances. The city is alive with street markets, heritage sites, and religious sites that visitors can explore to get a taste of Kandyan culture.

01. Visit The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, houses one of the most important relics ever preserved - Buddha's tooth. The temple attracts tourists from all over the world because it is regarded as the most religiously extraordinary place among Buddhists. This World Heritage site stands out in architectural language thanks to its gold roof.

The casing of the tooth is shaped like a stupa and is carefully tucked inside it.

Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

Price: 1500 LKR

02. Visit Nelligala International Buddhist Center

Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a Buddhist temple in Muruthalawa, Kandy that was built in 2015. The Temple is situated at the summit of Nelligala Mountain. Both Buddhists and non-Buddhists visit this temple. The natural environment is relaxing to the mind. When you enter the site, you will have the impression that you are entering a palace. The temple is well-kept and has a high architectural value in its construction design.

Price: FREE

03. Day trip to Sigiriya

Visiting Sigiriya, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and the eighth wonder of the world, is the best thing to do in Kandy. Dambulla is approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Kandy. This location contains caves that were used by King Walagamba during his 14-year exile.

The rocks in the area reach 600 feet in height and were used to construct King Kasyapa's fortress, which is now in ruins.

Location: Rock Front, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka

Distance from Kandy: 2 hr 22 min (91.5 km) Google Map Direction

Price: Locals can enter the site after they pay a 50 LKR entrance fee.

04. Visit Ambuluwawa

Ambuluwawa is regarded as one of the must-see attractions in Gampola, a small town near Kandy. It is approximately 1,965 feet above Gampola town. The Ambuluwawa summit is more scenic, with water and stone parks, as well as twin ponds; deer can also be seen on the mountain's summit. You can spend some quality time with your family while taking breathtaking photographs from the mountain's summit.

Price: FREE

05. Visit Pidurangala Rock

In many respects, Pidurangala Rock resembles the more prominent and common Sigiriya Rock. Both are rocky hills emerging out of the Sri Lankan jungle, and both are steeped in tradition. Pidurangala Rock is just a 20-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock and admission costs around USD 3. Furthermore, the view from the top of Pidurangala is, in my judgment, more spectacular than that of Sigiriya. Climbing Pidurangala Rock completes the history of King Kasyapas' reign, allows visitors to explore a more natural setting, visit cave temples, see what was once the world's largest brick reclining Buddha, and see history away from the crowds. It could be the best $3 you've ever spent, and it just takes about 2 hours to finish.

06. Camping at Raxagala

Raxagala's elevation is 1438 meters, making it an ideal location for hiking and camping ( near to kabaragala ). The road is narrow and challenging, but the view is spectacular. The hike is a bit more challenging than the Kabaragala. The wonder of nature can be seen at the summit of the peak. Raxagala is the Dolosbage range's second highest elevation, with many names. Kinihira, Paththini amma Kanda, and Wangedi Molgas gala were the names provided by the locals.