Kandy City Tour with Temples, Culture and Scenic Viewpoints
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Kandy City Tour with Temples, Culture and Scenic Viewpoints

Active
(6 reviews)
5h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the cultural heart of Sri Lanka on Wicky’s Kandy Tour, a carefully crafted journey through Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Discover the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, admire the architectural beauty of Gadaladeniya Temple, and enjoy peaceful views from Nelligala Buddhist Temple. Stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the Royal Botanical Garden, renowned for its exotic flora. Experience the vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, visit a Tea Factory, and engage with local artisans at a Batik Factory and Wood Carving Workshop. This is a perfect day for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Kandy's rich traditions and scenic beauty.

- Visit essential religious sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Enjoy a scenic stroll around Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Garden
- Experience the energetic Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- Engage with local crafts at a Batik Factory and Wood Carving Workshop

Available options

Kandy City Tour with Temples, Culture and Scenic Viewpoints

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Water bottles
Guided Tour

Detailed itinerary

1

Asgiriya Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in Kandy, closely connected to the historic Asgiriya Monastery. This sacred site plays a key role in Sri Lanka’s monastic traditions and religious ceremonies. Surrounded by a calm spiritual atmosphere, the stupa offers visitors insight into Kandyan-era Buddhism while providing a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets.

2

Experience the vibrant spirit of Sri Lankan culture through a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Show. This energetic performance features rhythmic drumming, graceful movements, fire dancing, and colorful costumes. Rooted in ancient rituals and folklore, the show offers a powerful introduction to Sri Lanka’s performing arts and is one of the most memorable cultural highlights of Kandy.

3
Stop 3

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha and attracts pilgrims from around the world. With its ornate architecture, daily rituals, and deep spiritual significance, this temple is the heart of Kandy’s religious and cultural identity.

4

The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is Sri Lanka’s most famous garden, renowned for its vast collection of tropical plants, towering palm avenues, and vibrant orchid houses. Spread across beautifully landscaped grounds, the garden offers a relaxing nature experience and insight into the island’s botanical diversity, making it a favorite stop for nature lovers and photographers.

5

Visit a local tea factory to discover how Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea is produced from leaf to cup. Learn about traditional processing methods, modern techniques, and the history behind one of the country’s biggest exports. The experience ends with a refreshing tea tasting, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich flavors of authentic Ceylon tea.

6

Gadaladeniya Temple is a stunning example of ancient Sinhalese architecture influenced by South Indian design. Built during the Gampola period, the temple features detailed stone carvings, murals, and a serene hillside setting. It offers visitors a quieter, less crowded spiritual experience while showcasing the artistic and architectural heritage of Sri Lanka.

7

Ranawana Buddhist Temple is inspired by ancient forest monasteries and is known for its calm, meditative setting. The temple features a large reclining Buddha statue and beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence, allowing them to fully experience the tranquility and spiritual atmosphere of this unique and lesser-known temple.

8

Bahirawakanda Temple is home to the iconic giant Buddha statue overlooking Kandy city. Located on a hilltop, the temple offers sweeping views of the entire city and surrounding valleys. It is both a significant religious site and one of Kandy’s best viewpoints, combining spiritual importance with stunning scenery.

9

Sri Lanka is famous for its gemstones, and the Gem Museum offers insight into this rich heritage. Learn about precious and semi-precious stones, traditional mining methods, and gemstone processing. Visitors can see rare gems up close and gain an understanding of why Sri Lanka is known worldwide as the “Island of Gems.”

What's not included

Meals
Guests should buy at the gate

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
6 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km
By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya
65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya
100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla
80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
  • Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
  • Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.
Get Price per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-120
1
Childs
Age 0-10
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 3
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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