Kandy

Temples & religious sites

Temple of the Tooth

A Buddhist temple on the site of the former Kandy royal palace, enshrining a tooth relic of the Buddha. Its historical and religious significance is such that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zoos & aquariums

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

A botanical garden a short distance west of central Kandy, near the Mahaweli River. It's home to some 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spice plants, medicinal plants, and palms.

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy

This is the Roman Catholic diocese centered on Kandy. As part of the Archdiocese of Colombo, it forms one pillar of Sri Lanka's Catholic faith.

Temples & religious sites

Gadaladeniya Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple in Pilimatalawa, west of Kandy, ranked among Sri Lanka's largest rock temples. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Lankatilaka Temple.

Temples & religious sites

Embekka Devalaya

A Hindu temple in the Kandy area of Sri Lanka, built during the Gampola era. Its "Drummers' Hall," renowned for intricately carved wooden pillars, is especially worth seeing and offers a great look at traditional craftsmanship.

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Kandy

A museum right next to the Temple of the Tooth, on the site of the former Kandy royal palace. Exhibits are spread across the former queens' residence and the main palace building, offering a look at royal life and history.

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Kandy

This palace served as the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until British colonial rule began in 1815. It preserves intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and murals in the traditional Kandyan style.

Temples & religious sites

Lankatilaka Vihara

A Buddhist temple in Udunuwara, Kandy, that also houses Hindu shrines on its grounds. It's considered one of the finest examples of Gampola-era architecture.