Highlights
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy's most sacred site
- Walk around Kandy Lake in the heart of the town
- Browse fruit, spices and vegetables at the Kandy Market
- Stop at a tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is made
Overview
Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, sits in the hills around a lake, and its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This full-day tour covers the city's main sights, from gardens and tea to the evening rituals at the Temple of the Tooth and a show of traditional dancing.
The itinerary
Kandy viewpoint and lake
Begin at a viewpoint on the hill above Kandy Lake, with views over the lake, town and hills. The lake was created in the early 19th century by Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of Kandy. A walk around part of the lake is a pleasant start.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Walk through the Peradeniya gardens, with their orchid house, palm avenues, spice garden and the giant Java fig.
Tea factory
Visit a tea factory to see how leaves are withered, rolled, fermented and dried to make Ceylon tea, and taste a cup. Tea became a major crop under British rule, after coffee failed in the 1870s.
Market, shops and gems
After lunch, explore Kandy's market, with spices, tea, fruit and crafts such as woodcarvings and batiks. Then visit a gem museum to learn how sapphires, rubies, cat's eyes and other stones are mined and cut. Sri Lanka is known for its gems; there is no obligation to buy.
Temple of the Tooth
In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja, with drums, flowers, incense and oil lamps. In 2026, the foreign visitor ticket was LKR 3,000 (LKR 2,500 for SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar).
Kandyan dance show
End with a cultural show of Kandyan dancing, drumming and fire-walking.
How long it takes
A full day.
When to go
All year. During the Esala Perahera (usually July or August), the city is very busy.
Practical tips
- Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for the temple.
- Agree on gem prices carefully and ask for certificates.
- As of October 2026, trains do not reach Kandy station after cyclone damage; plan to arrive by road.
Book our Kandy city tour, or see things to do in Kandy.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
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