Welcome to Saylanka Tours
Your Journey to Paradise Begins Here
Saylanka Tours is your trusted travel partner in Sri Lanka, offering unforgettable tours, personalized experiences, and expert local guidance to help you explore the island’s beauty and culture
Reach Kandy
1. How much distance from Colombo to Kandy?
Approximately 115 km (via A1 highway)
Travel time: around 3.5 to 4 hours by car or bus
2. How big is Kandy?
Area: Around 28.5 km² (city proper)
Elevation: About 500 meters (1,640 ft) above sea level
3. Which province is Kandy in?
Central Province of Sri Lanka
4. Why is Kandy popular?
- Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Known for the Kandy Esala Perahera, a grand cultural festival
- Surrounded by lush mountains and tea plantations
- Features Kandy Lake, scenic viewpoints, botanical gardens, and historic architecture
4. What is the best time to visit Kandy?
- December to April (dry and pleasant weather)
- July or August (for witnessing the Esala Perahera festival)
- Avoid May and October due to higher rainfall
Top Location
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and a key pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world. Located in the heart of Kandy, this revered temple houses what is believed to be the left upper canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Enshrined within a beautifully ornate golden casket, the relic is kept in a heavily guarded chamber and is not openly displayed to the public, though visitors can view the chamber during specific times. The temple’s architecture reflects the grandeur of Kandyan craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings, murals, and golden embellishments. The temple complex is also home to daily rituals and drumming ceremonies, which create a deeply spiritual and cultural experience. Each year, the Esala Perahera—a grand procession featuring elephants, dancers, and fire performers—celebrates the relic’s significance, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. The Temple of the Tooth is not just a religious site but also a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and resilience.
Kandy Upper Lake
Kandy Upper Lake, also known as Kandy Lake or Kiri Muhuda (the Sea of Milk), is a serene and picturesque man-made lake located in the heart of Kandy, just beside the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of the Kandyan Kingdom, the lake was part of the royal palace complex and was constructed for the leisure of the royal family. Today, it serves as a central landmark and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
The lake is surrounded by a walking path shaded by trees, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a scenic stroll. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding hills and colonial-era buildings, adding to the charm of Kandy’s landscape. In the center of the lake lies a small island that once served as the king’s private harem and later was used by the British as a military storehouse. The Kandy Upper Lake is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk, when the light casts magical hues over the water, making it a must-visit spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, just a few kilometers from Kandy, is one of the most beautiful and expansive botanical gardens in South Asia. Covering over 147 acres, it is a paradise for nature lovers, home to more than 4,000 species of plants, including a wide variety of orchids, medicinal plants, spices, palm trees, and exotic flora from around the world. The garden dates back to the 14th century, originally reserved for Kandyan royalty, and was officially established as a botanical garden during the British colonial period in 1821.
One of the main highlights of the garden is the Orchid House, which showcases a dazzling collection of rare and vibrant orchid varieties. Another key attraction is the Giant Java Fig Tree, known for its massive canopy that spreads wide across the lawn, creating a striking visual. Visitors also enjoy walking through the Avenue of Palms, the cactus collection, and the tranquil riverbank area where the Mahaweli River flows nearby.
Cultural Dance Show
The Cultural Dance Show in Kandy is a vibrant and energetic performance that showcases the rich artistic heritage of Sri Lanka. Held in dedicated theatres near the Kandy Lake area, this hour-long spectacle offers a captivating display of traditional Sri Lankan dance, music, and storytelling.
The show features a variety of dances from different regions of the island, including the graceful Kandyan dance, the rhythmic drumming performances, and the lively devil or mask dances from the coastal areas. Dancers adorned in colorful costumes, elaborate headgear, and intricate ornaments perform to the beat of traditional drums and flutes, portraying stories rooted in ancient folklore, religion, and royal history.
One of the most thrilling highlights of the show is the fire dance, where performers walk barefoot on burning coals and spin fire torches with precision and courage, leaving the audience amazed. The cultural dance show is not only entertaining but also educational, providing insight into Sri Lanka’s age-old customs, rituals, and artistic expression.
A visit to Kandy would be incomplete without experiencing this unforgettable celebration of Sri Lankan culture.
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