Yapahuwa Tours
Yapahuwa Tours
Uncover Sri Lanka’s Hidden Kingdom
🏯 Kandy – The Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka
Surrounded by lush hills and centered around a tranquil lake, Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. As the last royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic – one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. With its rich traditions, colonial charm, and spiritual atmosphere, Kandy is a perfect blend of heritage and natural beauty.
🔍 Quick Overview
🛕 Home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha
🏰 Last royal capital of Sri Lanka
🎭 Cultural shows and traditional dance performances
🌸 Botanical gardens, lakeside walks, and tea plantations nearby
🚂 Scenic train journeys through the central hills
🗺️ Things to Do in Polonnaruwa
🛕 Visit the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
🚶♂️ Take a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake
🎭 Watch a Kandyan cultural dance performance
🌿 Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
🛍️ Shop for souvenirs, gemstones, and handmade crafts
🌟 Top Attractions
🛕 Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The holiest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, this shrine houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple complex features stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant rituals held daily.
Entrance Fee: ~$8 | Duration: 1–2 hours | Dress Code: Modest (no sleeveless tops or short pants)
🌅 Kandy Lake
Built in 1807, this man-made lake adds charm and serenity to the city. A peaceful walk around the lake at sunrise or sunset is a must-do.
🌿 Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Located just outside the city, these gardens boast over 4,000 plant species including orchids, palms, and medicinal plants.
🎭 Kandyan Cultural Show
Experience traditional dance, drumming, and fire walking in an energetic performance that reflects the region’s vibrant heritage.
🚗 How to Get There
- From Colombo: ~3.5 hrs (115 km)
- From Dambulla: ~2.5 hrs
- From Ella/Nuwara Eliya: ~2–3 hrs by train or road
🧭 Nearby Attractions
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Ethical elephant encounters (~1.5 hrs away)
Knuckles Mountain Range – Hiking, waterfalls, and remote villages
Gadaladeniya &Embekke Temples – Historic temples with wood and stone carvings
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: January to April, and July to August
- Travel Tip: July and August feature the famous Esala Perahera – a grand procession with elephants, dancers, and drummers in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
📩 Plan Your Visit to Kandy
Looking for a soulful escape with heritage, nature, and tradition? Kandy welcomes you with open arms and a sacred legacy.