Kandy City Tour
The last royal capital, a lake, and the Temple of the Tooth.
About This Tour
Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings before British rule, and it still feels distinct from the coast and the Cultural Triangle: hillier, cooler, and built around a lake at its centre. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the main draw, housing what's believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha, but the city rewards a full day: botanical gardens, a spice garden, and a viewpoint over the surrounding hills.
Highlights
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
- Kandy Lake, built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, over 147 acres
- Spice garden visit with a demonstration
- Optional evening cultural dance performance
Key Information
Duration
1 Day
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time
Year-round; time your visit around the evening temple ceremony if possible
Group Size
1–4 travellers
Transport
A/C car , tuk-tuk with driver
Start Point
Kandy hotels, or en route from Colombo/Sigiriya
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Stop 1
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
A UNESCO World Heritage site housing Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist relic, the tooth of the Buddha. Stop: 45 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 2
Kandy View Point
Also known as Arthur's Seat, a hilltop lookout on Rajapihilla Mawatha with panoramic views over Kandy Lake and the city. Stop: 15 minutes.
Stop 3
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya
Also called the Bahirawakanda Temple, home to a towering 26.8m Buddha statue visible across the city. Stop: 20 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 4
The Kandy Club
A colonial-era heritage club near Kandy Lake, offering a taste of old-world charm and local hospitality. Stop: 60 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 5
Royal Botanical Gardens
A sprawling 147-acre garden in Peradeniya famed for its orchids, giant Java fig tree, and palm avenues. Stop: 2 hours — admission excluded.
Stop 6
Ceylon Tea Museum
Housed in a former tea factory near Hanthana, tracing the history and process of Ceylon's famous tea industry. Stop: 30 minutes.
Route Map
The stops from the itinerary above, in order.
What's Included
- Private A/C Car or tuk-tuk with driver for the day
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
- Temple of the Tooth entrance ticket
- Botanical Gardens entrance ticket
- Cultural dance show ticket
- Meals
Activities
Image Gallery
Enquire About This Tour
Message us your dates and group size, and we'll confirm availability directly.
Advance payment: 20% to confirm
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour