Kandy,Sri Lanka

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
• Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake) — a scenic artificial lake beside the city center
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
• Udawattakele Forest Reserve — a sanctuary for birds and short hikes
• Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue and viewpoint
• Kandy Viewpoints and surrounding tea estates
• Traditional Kandyan cultural dance performances
• Kandy Market (Pettah-style local market) and street shopping

• Compact hill-city layout with colonial and Kandyan-era architecture
• Annual Esala Perahera — a grand Buddhist procession of drummers, dancers and caparisoned elephants
• Lush, misty hills and nearby tea plantations
• Rich endemic flora and fauna in local forest reserves
• UNESCO-listed historic core

• Attend rituals at the Temple of the Tooth and observe daily puja ceremonies
• Stroll or jog around Kandy Lake
• Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya) — orchids, palm avenues, giant Javan fig
• Watch a Kandyan cultural dance and drumming show in the evening
• Hike short trails in Udawattakele Forest Reserve
• Take a scenic train ride between Colombo and Kandy (highly recommended)
• Visit nearby tea estates for factory tours and tastings
• Shop for handicrafts, batiks, gemstones and spices at local markets

• Esala Perahera (usually July–August) — the city’s largest festival
• Vesak celebrations (Buddhist full-moon festival, May) with temple illuminations
• Smaller temple ceremonies and monthly offerings tied to the Buddhist calendar
• Cultural shows and performances available year-round for tourists

Generally December to April is comfortable with less rain and pleasant temperatures; visit July–August to witness the Esala Perahera (note that festival timing varies each year). Expect intermittent showers outside the dry season due to the hill-country climate.

Kandy has a mild tropical highland climate: daytime temperatures typically range from about 22–30°C (72–86°F) and nights can drop to 15–20°C (59–68°F). Rain is common during monsoon periods; mornings can be misty in the hills.

Nearest major airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) — Kandy is roughly 3–4 hours by road from Colombo (approx. 115 km) depending on traffic. Well connected by regular intercity trains (Colombo–Kandy) and highways (A1). Local buses, tuk-tuks and taxis provide intra-city transport; the train journey is scenic and recommended.

2–4 days to experience the main sights and a relaxed visit to nearby tea country; longer if exploring Hill Country beyond Kandy.

Light, breathable layers for daytime and a warm layer for cooler evenings. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen. When visiting temples, wear modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) and be prepared to remove shoes and hats.

Try local specialities such as hoppers (appa), kottu, string-hoppers with curry, and fresh tea from nearby estates. Good souvenirs include Ceylon tea, spices, handloom textiles, batik, wood carvings, and traditional masks.