Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka 2025

Flo MBT
Mar 8
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Kandy is a city that blends culture, history, and natural beauty. As the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, it’s home to sacred temples, gardens, and stunning viewpoints.

At first, Kandy didn’t steal our hearts. We were coming straight from the calm and serene Sigiriya, so driving into Kandy was a bit of a shock—back to the city, back to the chaos! But as we explored, we discovered Kandy’s charm hidden in its temples, lake, markets, and scenic surroundings.

Old co

Old colonial buildings in Kandy Sri Lanka — ***Old colonial buildings in Kandy Sri Lanka***

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kandy is between December and April when the weather is dry and pleasant.

How Long to Stay

We stayed two nights in Kandy, and it felt a little bit rushed—you could easily add another night if you don’t want to rush and have time to explore the surrounding areas.

Things to do

#1 Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

We chose not to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens as we found the entrance fee to be quite high. In Australia and France, we’re used to having access to beautiful gardens for free, so we decided to skip it this time. That being said, we've heard great things about it, and if you love botanical gardens, it might still be worth a visit!

The Royal Botanic Gardens is home to over 4,000 plant species, including towering palms, colorful orchids, and massive banyan trees.

💡 Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the gardens before they get too busy.

#2 Wander Through Kandy Market & Old Town

To experience local life, head to Kandy Market. It’s a colorful, chaotic mix of fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Walking through Kandy’s Old Town, you’ll find colonial-era buildings, hidden alleyways, and plenty of spots to grab a fresh coconut or a plate of kottu.

💡 Tip: Kandy's Old Town, or City Center, is generally considered to be bounded by Brownrigg Street, Castle Street, Trincomalee Street, Ward Street, and Cross Street.

#3 Stroll Around Kandy Lake

In the middle of the city, Kandy Lake offers a peaceful break from the traffic and noise. Built in 1807 by Sri Lanka’s last king, this artificial lake is surrounded by trees, small temples, and even some local wildlife (watch out for monitor lizards!).

💡 Tip: The best time for a walk is early morning or just before sunset.

#4 Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

Kandy’s most famous landmark, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha, making it one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka. The temple complex is stunning, with intricate architecture, golden shrines, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Visit during a puja (prayer ceremony) for a unique cultural experience. Also you ticket gives you access to the International Buddhist Museum.

#5 Admire the View from Arthur's Seat Viewpoint

For the best panoramic view of Kandy, take a tuk-tuk up to Arthur's Seat. From here, you can see Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and the rolling hills in the distance. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.

💡 Tip: If you’re on a budget, skip the expensive rooftop cafes and enjoy the free view from the lookout!

#6 Climb the Ambuluwawa Tower

Just outside Kandy, Ambuluwawa Tower is one of the most unique and thrilling spots in Sri Lanka. This spiraling white tower sits atop Ambuluwawa Mountain, offering 360-degree views of misty hills, forests, and distant temples. The climb is steep and narrow, but reaching the top is an unforgettable experience.

We left Kandy early, climbed the tower, and had breakfast at the bottom of the mountain (coffee called ලක්ෂී හෝටලය සහ ගොසරිය) —delicious and cheap rottis!

The security wouldn't let us drive our tuk-tuk all the way to the base of the tower as the road was too steep, so we had to park and walk 1km uphill. Most people take a tuk-tuk from the entrance, which will drive them to the top.

💡 Tip: If you're scared of heights, take your time—the stairs get very narrow at the top!

#7 Ride the Scenic Kandy to Ella Train

One of the most famous train rides in the world, the Kandy to Ella journey is a breathtaking 7-hour ride through tea plantations, misty mountains, and rolling green hills. Sit by an open window or even in the doorway for the best views (and best photos!).

💡 Tip: A couple of things to know from our experience (we've done this twice!): You can book seated tickets in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class. Or, you can grab an unseated ticket on the day (1 hour before departure) in 2nd or 3rd class - it's way cheaper!

Here's the breakdown:
- 1st Class - Aircon, comfy seat, but doors and windows are closed (not as scenic!).
- 2nd Class - Comfy seat, windows open, doors closed (a good balance).
- 3rd Class - Not as comfy, but doors AND windows open (for the best views and breeze! $s:).

Where to Eat

Here are a few spots we tried and loved!

Balaji Dosai 🥞

If you're looking for a delicious and budget-friendly breakfast, Balaji Dosai is the place to go. They serve excellent dosa—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly paired with chutneys and sambar.

Café Onchillah Kandy 🌿

A hidden gem just outside Kandy, Café Onchillah is a beautiful, peaceful spot with a bit of a Bali vibe that not many people know about yet. The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, making it a great place to unwind with a coffee fresh juice. Diner was excellent and the service was outstanding—friendly, welcoming, and att

Marinate 🍛

Marinate is a great restaurant with stunning views and a cozy ambiance. We loved the laid-back vibes, friendly staff, and, of course, the kottu!