Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple, home of the relic of the Buddha’s tooth, beside Kandy Lake.
- Budget
- Experience
Esala Perahera
Kandy’s spectacular annual procession of dancers, drummers and decorated elephants, held over ten nights in July or August.
- Budget
- Experience
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
An hour of traditional Kandyan dance, drumming and fire walking, held every evening in central Kandy.
- Mid-range
- Experience
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Sri Lanka’s finest botanic gardens, just outside Kandy, with an orchid house, giant Java fig and avenues of royal palms.
- Mid-range
- Experience
Kandy View Point
The classic view over Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth and the city, a short walk up from the lake.
- Budget
- Experience
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Our 5 favourite things to do in Kandy
We have marked 5 things to do in Kandy, each picked by locals rather than ranked by an algorithm. You will find them around the town centre, Lakeside, Peradeniya and Rajapihilla Mawatha. Prices range from budget to mid-range.
Start with Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Esala Perahera and Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, then use the filters to narrow it down by price.
Good to know
- Go early in the morning for cooler weather and fewer people.
- Sri Lankan citizens pay a much lower local rate at most sites; bring your NIC.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats, at temples.
Also in Kandy: Best hotels in Kandy · Hostels & poshtels in Kandy · Best restaurants in Kandy · Best cafés in Kandy. Or see the full Kandy guide.
Good to know
What are the best things to do in Kandy?
Our current picks include Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Esala Perahera and Kandyan Cultural Dance Show. See all 5 on this page, picked by locals.
Are there budget things to do in Kandy?
Yes. Good-value options include Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Esala Perahera and Kandy View Point. Use the price filter on this page to see them all.
How do you choose the things to do you list in Kandy?
Every place is chosen by our team for its location, value and character. Paid placements are always labelled “Premier choice”; “Team’s pick” is never paid for.