Top 13 Things to Do in Kandy in 2026

Quick tip: For the best overall sightseeing experience, January to March is ideal for outdoor activities, while July–August is the best period for experiencing the Esala Perahera.

Quick tip: For the best overall sightseeing experience, January to March is ideal for outdoor activities, while July–August is the best period for experiencing the Esala Perahera.

Kandy offers a mix of cultural landmarks, scenic viewpoints, nature escapes, and local experiences. From exploring the Temple of the Tooth to enjoying panoramic hill views, these are the top things to do in Kandy. 

1. Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most popular places to visit in Kandy. See the sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Walk through the ornate temple complex and experience traditional rituals, chanting, and Kandyan drumming. The evening thewawa ceremony is especially atmospheric, while early morning is better if you prefer a quieter visit.

• Best for: Culture and spirituality
• Best time: Early morning or evening
• Cost: LKR 1,500–2,000 (₹420–560)
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

2. Take a Scenic Walk Around Kandy Lake

Walking along the lakeside path and enjoying views of the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy’s surrounding hills is one of the free things to do in Kandy. It is an easy activity to fit between sightseeing stops in the city centre. Visit around sunset for cooler weather and beautiful reflections across the lake.

• Best for: Relaxing walks and photography
• Best time: Early morning or before sunset
• Cost: Free
• Time needed: 30–60 minutes

3. Wander Through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Spending a few hours exploring the tropical gardens in Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Kandy with family. It is filled with orchids, royal palms, colourful plants, and enormous trees. The spacious grounds offer a welcome break from Kandy’s busy streets. Don't miss the giant Javan fig tree and the long avenue of royal palms, two of the gardens' most photographed spots.

• Best for: Nature and photography
• Best time: Morning
• Cost: LKR 3,000–4,000 (₹840–1,120)
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

4. Watch the Sunset from Kandy Viewpoint

If you want to witness the mesmerising sunset, add Kandy Viewpoint to your Sri Lanka itinerary. It is one of the easiest ways to see the city from above without a long hike. Arrive before sunset to get a good spot and watch Kandy gradually light up after dark.

• Best for: Sunset and panoramic views
• Best time: Around sunset
• Cost: Free
• Time needed: 30–60 minutes

5. Go for a nature walk in Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve

Hike through a historic sanctuary located on the hill ridge directly behind the Temple of the Tooth. This urban rainforest served as a private pleasure garden for the Kandyan royalty. Today, the shaded trails are excellent for spotting monkeys, giant flying squirrels, and native birds.

• Best for: Wildlife spotting and light hiking
• Best time to visit: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM for birdwatching
• Entry fee: Approximately LKR 1,000 for foreign visitors
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

6. Watch a Traditional Kandyan Dance Performance

Spend an evening watching traditional Kandyan dances accompanied by energetic drumming and elaborate costumes. Performances showcase several traditional dance forms and usually include a fire-related finale. It is one of the best things to do in Kandy at night and is an easy cultural activity to add after a day of sightseeing, with most shows lasting around an hour.

• Best for: Culture and evening entertainment
• Best time: Evening
• Cost: LKR 1,000–2,500 (₹280–700)
• Time needed: About 1 hour

7. Shop for Spices at Kandy Central Market

Shopping in Kandy is a great way to experience the city’s local markets and pick up authentic Sri Lankan products. Browse the colourful stalls at Kandy Central Market for spices, fresh produce, dried foods, tea, and local products. The busy market gives you a glimpse of everyday life beyond Kandy's main tourist attractions. Pick up cinnamon, Ceylon tea, or other Sri Lankan ingredients if you want practical souvenirs to take home. 

• Best for: Shopping and local experiences
• Best time: Morning
• Cost: Free to enter
• Time needed: 30–60 minutes

8. Explore Kandy's Old Streets

Take a leisurely walk around Dalada Veediya and the area surrounding Kandy Clock Tower. You'll find local shops, colonial-era buildings, street stalls, and plenty of opportunities to experience the city's everyday atmosphere. Stop at a local restaurant or street-food stall to try favourites such as kottu roti and Sri Lankan tea. It is one of the best things to do in Kandy with family.  

• Best for: Walking, food and local life
• Best time: Morning or early evening
• Cost: Free to explore
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

9. Tour a Tea Estate Near Kandy

Travel into the hills around Kandy for a Tea Plantation Tour Sri Lanka Travel experience, where you can walk through a tea plantation and learn how Ceylon tea is grown, processed, and graded. Many estates combine a factory tour with a tea-tasting session. The surrounding hills also make the experience worthwhile for scenic views and photographs.

• Best for: Tea lovers and scenic views
• Best time: Morning
• Cost: LKR 900–3,000 (₹250–840)
• Time needed: 2–4 hours

10. Climb to the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

Climb Bahirawakanda Hill to see the large white Buddha statue overlooking Kandy. From the top, you can enjoy wide views across the city and surrounding hills. Visit around dusk to see the landscape in daylight before the statue and city begin to light up.

• Best for: Views and photography
• Best time: Late afternoon to evening
• Cost: LKR 400–500 (₹110–140)
• Time needed: About 1 hour

11. Take the scenic Kandy to Ella train.

A scenic Kandy to Ella Train journey is one of the unmissable things to do. The journey takes you past tea plantations, forests, mountain slopes, villages, and waterfalls. If Ella is your next destination, this is one of the best ways to combine sightseeing with transportation.

• Best for: Scenic travel and photography
• Best time: Daytime
• Cost: LKR 175–2,500 (₹50–700), depending on class
• Time needed: Several hours

12. Experience the Esala Perahera

If your trip coincides with the annual Esala Perahera, spend an evening experiencing one of Kandy's biggest cultural celebrations. Processions feature traditional drummers, dancers, performers, decorated elephants, and religious ceremonies.

Free street viewing is possible, while reserved seating offers a more comfortable way to watch the procession during the busiest nights.

• Best for: Festivals and cultural experiences
• Best time: During the festival, especially the final nights
• Cost: Free – LKR 20,000 (₹0–5,600), depending on seating
• Time needed: Several hours

13. Enjoy the Nightlife in Kandy

Kandy has a relaxed nightlife scene with rooftop bars, restaurants, live music, and a few places to dance rather than a large clubbing scene. For rooftop views and drinks, popular options include Bommu Rooftop Bar, Kosmos Skybar, Grand Sky Lounge, and Tavern 29 Rooftop Bar.

If you prefer a scenic dinner or relaxed drinks, Bommu Rooftop Bar offers mountain and city views, while Grand Sky Lounge provides panoramic views over Kandy. Bommu Rooftop Bar at Radisson Hotel Kandy Grand Sky Lounge

• Best for: Rooftop dining, drinks, music, and nightlife
• Best time: 7:00 PM onwards
• Cost: LKR 1,000–4,000 (₹280–1,120), depending on the venue
• Location: Kandy city centre and surrounding areas

• Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Remove shoes and hats: You must take off footwear and headwear before entering temple grounds; bring a pair of socks if you want to avoid walking barefoot on sun-heated stone floors.
• Avoid posing with Buddha: Never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a photo or selfie, as this is considered highly disrespectful.
• Beat the afternoon rain: Kandy's tropical hill country weather often brings sudden showers in the late afternoon. Schedule outdoor activities like the Royal Botanic Gardens for early morning.
• Book cultural shows early: Traditional Kandyan dance performances usually start around 5:00 PM. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good seat.
• Stroll the lake at dusk: Kandy Lake is best enjoyed during sunset when the temperature drops and the surrounding hills light up.
• Negotiate tuk-tuk fares: Always agree on a price before stepping into a three-wheeler, or use local ride-hailing apps like PickMe or Uber to ensure fair, metered pricing.
• Watch out for monkeys: The macaques around Kandy Lake and viewpoints like Arthur's Seat are used to humans. Keep food, plastic bags, and loose items securely zipped in your backpack.

The best things to do in Kandy depend on how much time you have and what you want from your trip. For a first visit, prioritise the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, and Kandy View Point for a mix of culture, scenery, and easy sightseeing. If you have more time, add Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve, a tea plantation tour, or the scenic Kandy to Ella train journey.

Families can focus on the botanical gardens, lake, cultural shows, and scenic train ride, while couples can enjoy sunset viewpoints, tea estates, and relaxed evening experiences. With two days, you can comfortably combine the city's cultural highlights with nature and hill-country experiences, making Kandy a worthwhile stop on a Sri Lanka itinerary. To explore all of this seamlessly, consider booking a Kandy tour package that includes Kandy along with nearby hill destinations.