Our most recommended things to do in Kandy

From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

1. From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

The Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Your train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant green carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Hill Country. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows. Kandy to Ella (trave time 6 to 7 hours)

From Colombo: Kandy and Pinnawala Full-Day Trip

2. From Colombo: Kandy and Pinnawala Full-Day Trip

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Colombo, and then relax in air-conditioned comfort on the journey to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth on arrival to see the sacred tooth of Buddha, a symbol of status that proved the worthiness of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Admire the beautiful architecture of the palace and look at the golden figurines in the shrine. ''Pinnawala'' You never miss the elephant gathering in river Then, explore some of the ancient crafts by traditional artisans, including gems, wood carving, and batik. Watch craft demonstrations and buy souvenir gifts before lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense. Continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, and go for a stroll in the 147-acre grounds. See over 4,000 different species of plants, including an exclusive collection of orchids, spices, and medicinal plants. Learn the history of the 19th-century gardens, and see famous plants such as the cannonball tree, giant fig tree, and 40-meter tall Burma bamboo.

Sri Lanka: eSIM Data Plan

3. Sri Lanka: eSIM Data Plan

Make your trip to Sri Lanka hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected during your travels with high-speed coverage in Sri Lanka as well as Cambodia, Japan, and Bangladesh. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. All iPhone model launched beyond iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you are unsure, please check with the guideline photo for eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. APN (Access Point Name): smartone Local operator info: Sri Lanka: Dialog Cambodia: Hello Axiata Japan: softbank Bangladesh: Robi

Kandy: Experience the city like a local on a TukTuk

4. Kandy: Experience the city like a local on a TukTuk

I’d be honored to be your guide showing you my hometown Kandy from a local’s point of view. I will take you on a spectacular drive through the Sacred City of Kandy, now a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let’s explore some amazing sights together as you get to know my hometown: We will visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, situated in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, I’ll drive you to the Queen's Bathing Pavilion, the National Museum of Kandy, the Buddhist Temple on the top oft he hill and a breathtaking view! On the way to a tea plantation we will come across one of my favorite spots - the banks of the river Mahawali. We will definitely see some monkeys on our day together - with some luck we might even spot a jaguar in the distance along the river. I suggest we grab some food at a local restaurant - at your own expense. Please make sure to bring drinking water, as tourists often don’t take our tap water well. I’ve got these favorite spots but of course if you have any preferences or places you’d like to see that aren’t mentioned above - just let me know and I’ll make sure to incorporate them into our day together. I’m happy to meet you at the railway station or even pick you up at your hotel. If you want to make this a full day tour, just let me know! I‘m looking forward to meeting you. :) Yours, Dinesh

From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip

5. From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip

Get picked up directly from your accommodation and travel to the city of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress. Marvel at the 200-meter-tall Sigiriya Rock, which, according to an ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, was selected by King Kasyapa as the site of his new capital.  Next, admire paintings of historic queens, princesses, and maids inside the rock fortress before stopping for lunch. Then, see some of the traditional crafts of the region such as wood carving and batik textiles, a dyeing technique developed in ancient times. You can take a piece of traditional craft home with you as a souvenir.  Then, journey to Dambulla and explore the largest and most well-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Discover the magnificent Buddha images and vividly colored rock paintings, painted between the 2nd-century BC and the 18th-century Kandyan era.  Finish your day by getting dropped back at your accommodation at Kandy.

From Negombo: Private Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya Tour

6. From Negombo: Private Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya Tour

Experience the ultimate Sri Lankan adventure on a tour of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya National Park from Negombo. Travel in a climate-controlled vehicle with a licensed guide while exploring ancient sites and immersing yourself in the country's natural beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century A.D. Enjoy stunning views as you hike to the top of the fortress, passing through ancient frescoes and mirror walls along the way. Next, arrive at the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses numerous statues and paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha and his teachings. Admire the serene beauty of these sacred caves and learn about the ancient religious beliefs and practices of Sri Lanka. The tour culminates at the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy an open-air 4x4 Jeep safari in search of elephants, the park's most intriguing inhabitants. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants and observe the park's other wildlife, including a plethora of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The picturesque landscape of the national park includes a beautiful lake surrounded by jungle, making this stop a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind amidst the breathtaking nature of Sri Lanka. Fully soak in Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, history, and diverse wildlife before the end of your trip.

Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

7. Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

Discover the natural beauty and inspiring culture of Sri Lanka on a 3-day trip departing from Negombo. Visit landmarks such as Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Udawalawe National Park. Enjoy a hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, and some meals included. Day 1 : COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA – KANDY Sigiriya Museum This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Overnight Stay at Royal Kandyan or Similar Hotel Day 2 KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA- ELLA Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. Glenloch Tea Factory Glenloch Tea Factory situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula are been maintain using all the correct method of planting, Soil conversation and Maneuvering. Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature Ramboda Waterfall Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. If intrested can be do an Train Ride from Nanu Oya - Ella Overnight Stay Day 3 Ella City Tour – Udawalawe National Park - Colombo Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak Nine Arches Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting Udawalawe National Park This park is home to several hundred elephants and other rare plants and wildlife We can arrange Drop Colombo Or Negombo or Airport

Ella to Kandy Train Tickets - (Reserved Seats)

8. Ella to Kandy Train Tickets - (Reserved Seats)

You are lucky to enjoy amazing scenic train ride from Ella to Kandy. How we do ?We do book train tickets for you in-advance and our agent will handover your tickets at railway station or we can handover tickets to your hotel. We will inform you train time and all details via email or telephone. What you should do ?You just book our package you are looking right now, and please let us know your hotel details and route (either from Ella to Kandy) and any other requirements. Tickets are subject to availability. In case of unavailability we would book next best available options for you. You agreed to above suggestion by continuing the booking. Notes,Terms and ConditionsNo cancellation & no refund policy apply.Maximum of 5 Tickets would be reserved per one passport.Standard customer verification and other terms and conditions would apply.Please refer attached PASSPORT copy for more information. the Ella to Kandy train ride in Sri Lanka is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Your train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. watch the brilliant green carpets of the tea plantations. see the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of hill country. enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.Ella to Kandy (travel time 6 to 7 hours) thank you.

From Kandy To Pinnawala Tour By Tuk Tuk Pinnawala Sri Lanka

9. From Kandy To Pinnawala Tour By Tuk Tuk Pinnawala Sri Lanka

🟢Start @8.45 in Kandy ➾ (18km) Kadugannawa View Point ➾ (22km) Pinnawala ➾ (29km) Geragama Tea Factory ➾ (6km) Royal Botanical Garden ➾ (4km) Spice Walk ➾ (5km) Kandy City View Point ➾ (100m) Gem Museum ➾ (600m) Kandyan Culture Dancing ➾ (1km) Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ➾ (1km) Drop-off Your Hotel 🔚 🛑 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage , is a captive breeding and conservation institute for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2023, there were 71 elephants, including 30 males and 41 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala. The orphanage was founded to care and protect the many orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). On 31 August 2021, a 25 year old elephant named Surangi gave birth to twin male baby elephants at the orphanage. It also marked the first instance of the birth of twin elephants in Sri Lanka after a gap of 80 years since 1941.

Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

10. Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

Day 1 Explore the important historical monuments in Sri Lanka on this 3 days tour while visiting ancient Buddhist temples, museums, palaces, gardens, Buddha statues, and many more. Embark on an exciting and very rare 3-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka's holiest, the Cultural Triangle. Explore 5 UNESCO-listed sites where important historical monuments are to be found. Visit cultural triangle cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy. Stay overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya between private-guided sightseeing ventures. Get picked up in Colombo and head to your hotel in Sigiriya via Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka. The first activity of the 3 days tour is the hop-on hop-off city tour of the historical city of Anuradhapura. The tour covers a large number of historical places such as Buddhist temples, dagobas, palaces, gardens, and other remarkable structures in the city testify to the grandeur of ancient civilization. The city tour also includes the most sacred 8 Buddhist sites in the city, better known as "Atamasthana", Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. Later in the day settle in for a good night's sleep at your hotel in Sigiriya. Day 2 After breakfast leave for the Sigiriya rock fortress, home to one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your Sigiriya tour starts early morning, allowing you to escape the mid-day heat. Climb the rock and reach the summit to see the site of the King's palace, swimming pool, and king's throne. Soak up in the breathtaking scenery from the top of the pinnacle. Later drive to Polonnaruwa and see the dozens of ancient temples, Buddha statues, and many ancient structures built by ancient Kings. Witness massive stone-cut Buddha statues, dagobas, an audience hall, and much more at the cultural museum of Polonnaruwa. Later in the day Minneriya safari on an open jeep. Enhance your experience with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. Spot wild elephants, bears, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and maybe even a leopard. Stay overnight in Sigiriya. Day 3 Depart early for Colombo via Kandy, visiting a spice/herbal garden en route. In Matale, spices and herbs are used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine. Hear about this history as you explore the site with your guide. Later visit Dambulla Golden Temple and Tooth Relic Temple are sure to add another level of sacrosanctity to your experience. Dambulla hosts more than 150 Buddha statues and a large number of ancient murals. The next stop will be Kandy city. Today Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most important cities because of the presence of the temple of the sacred tooth of the Buddha. This is the most visited Buddhist temple on the island, frequented by thousands of devotees every day. Return to your hotel in Colombo.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Kandy?

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What people are saying about Kandy

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 64 reviews

Really good experience! At one of the attractions we should have visited, there was a really long queue and too many people, so our guide was good at coming up with a lot of other options we could see if we wanted. All the experiences were quite exciting! Our guide also found some great eateries along the way with really nice views each time. He was good at assessing when he was needed as a guide and when it was better for us to be alone and she stayed close by (eg at the restaurants). On the slightly long drive, he was also good at explaining what we saw when we looked out the windows and in general what Sri Lanka was like.

Lalli (German speaking guide) and Jayasuriya (driver) did a super job. We got to see many places and were able to experience Sri Lankan culture. It was fun, thanks for that.

Amazing tour my guide and driver were brilliant very knowledgeable would highly recommend this. It is tiring so many steps,but worth it the views are really amazing.

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.

Guide was excellent but I now know that once in Sri Lanka this tour could have been booked much cheaper but with an equally good guide.