Ultimate 3-Day Kandy Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your Kandy adventure at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist site, where a tooth relic of Buddha is enshrined in a golden casket amidst centuries-old rituals and stunning architecture.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Stroll around the serene Kandy Lake, a tranquil centerpiece of the city, and spot pelicans, relax on shaded benches, and enjoy the city’s colonial-era scenery reflected in its waters.

Kandy Lake

For lunch, savor authentic Kandyan cuisine at Balaji Dosai, a beloved local eatery specializing in South Indian vegetarian fare, dosas, and spicy curries.

Balaji Dosai

Experience a captivating Kandyan Cultural Dance Show at the Kandy Lake Club, where vibrant costumes, drumming, and acrobatics bring Sri Lankan folklore to life.

Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Wander through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to towering palms, orchid houses, and a remarkable collection of tropical flora spanning 147 acres.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a traditional rice and curry lunch at Theva Cuisine, a boutique restaurant perched on the slopes of Hantana, offering modern Sri Lankan dishes with sweeping views.

Theva Cuisine

Climb to the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, a giant white statue overlooking Kandy, and watch the city light up from its panoramic vantage point as dusk falls.

Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

Step into the past at the Kandy National Museum, where royal artifacts, weaponry, and court regalia reveal the city’s regal and colonial history.

Kandy National Museum

Enjoy lunch and colonial-era ambiance at the historic Queen's Hotel, a 19th-century grand hotel serving high tea and classic Sri Lankan dishes in an elegant setting.

Queen's Hotel

Board the scenic Kandy to Peradeniya Train for a short evening ride, winding through emerald-green tea hills and villages for a taste of Sri Lanka’s legendary railway journeys.

Kandy to Peradeniya Train