Central HighlandsCultural Capital UNESCO Heritage

KandyThe Sacred Hill Capital & Temple of the Tooth

Nestled amidst misty green mountains surrounding a tranquil artificial lake, Kandy is the cultural and spiritual heartland of Sri Lanka. As the last royal capital of independent Sinhalese kings before British conquest, Kandy retains an aristocratic charm celebrated for traditional Kandyan drumming, dance, exquisite handicrafts, and sacred Buddhist heritage.

Kandy Lake & Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Twilight, Sri Lanka

Region

Central Highlands

Best Season

December to April & July/August

Experience

Cultural Capital

Tours

6 Packages

Key Highlights & Experiences:

Attend the vibrant daily puja drumming ceremonies at the Temple of the Tooth

Walk through the world-famous Avenue of Royal Palms at Peradeniya Gardens

Witness dramatic fire-walking and Kandyan acrobatic dance performances

Stroll around picturesque Kandy Lake as the evening temple lamps are lit

Explore traditional brassware, silver filigree, and batik craft workshops

Historical Heritage & Significance:

Protected by steep mountain passes and dense rainforest, the Kingdom of Kandy resisted Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces for more than 300 years before finally falling to the British in 1815. It remains the permanent custodian of Theravada Buddhism’s most holy relic—the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha.

Architectural Marvels & Must-See Landmarks:

1Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)

The golden-roofed temple sanctuary housing the sacred tooth relic within seven nested golden caskets studded with precious gems.

2Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)

Constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the scenic lake features the central Walakulu Bamma (Cloud Wall) and royal summerhouse pavilion.

3Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Spanning 147 lush acres along the Mahaweli River, home to 4,000+ species of tropical flora, a world-class Orchid House, and a giant Javanese fig tree.

4Kandyan Cultural Dance Hall

Vibrant live performance showcases displaying ancient fire-walking rituals, mask dancing, and acrobatic drumming accompanied by traditional horn music.

Natural Landscapes & Scenery:

Encircled by cool hill ranges carpeted in emerald tea estates, spice groves, and tranquil forests like Udawattakele Royal Sanctuary where rare orchids flourish.

Practical Travel Guide: Visiting Kandy

Best Time to Visit

December to April, and July/August during the world-famous ten-day Esala Perahera pageant festival.

💰 Entry Fees & Permits

LKR 2,000 (~$7 USD) for Tooth Temple; LKR 3,000 (~$10 USD) for Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

👔 Dress Code & Attire

Strict modest white or light clothing covering shoulders and knees at the temple.

👟 Recommended Footwear

Slip-on shoes recommended; all footwear must be checked at the temple shoe entrance.

Insider Travel Tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth during daily ritual puja times (5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, or 6:30 PM) to hear traditional ceremonial horns and drumming.
Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during the mid-summer Esala Perahera festival.