3 nights, 4 days
Kandy 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)
A 4-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.
Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026
The whole route at a glance
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.
DAY 1
Around Temple of the Tooth · Temples & religious sites·Museums & galleries
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningTemple of the Tooth
Temples & religious sites
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.
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After lunchNational Museum of Kandy
Museums & galleries · 0.1 km from the previous stop
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.
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AfternoonRoyal Palace of Kandy
Castles & palaces · 0.2 km from the previous stop
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.
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EveningInternational Buddhist Museum
Museums & galleries · 0 km from the previous stop
The world's first international Buddhist museum, located next to the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy National Museum. It's housed in a British colonial-era building on the site of the former royal palace, adding to its historical significance.
DAY 2
Around Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya · Zoos & aquariums·Parks & gardens
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningRoyal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Zoos & aquariums
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.
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After lunchNational Herbarium of Sri Lanka
Parks & gardens · 0 km from the previous stop
A herbarium in Peradeniya near Kandy, founded in 1821 by botanical garden director Alexander Moon. It offers a window into the history of botanical research in Sri Lanka.
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AfternoonHighway Museum complex
Museums & galleries · 1.4 km from the previous stop
Sri Lanka's first highway museum, located in Kiribathkumbura near Kandy. It offers a unique look at the history of roads and transportation.
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EveningKatukele Jumma Mosque
Temples & religious sites · 4.9 km from the previous stop
A mosque in the Katukele area of Kandy, serving as a center of faith for the local community. Senior Sri Lankan government officials have visited it in recent years.
DAY 3
Around Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy · Temples & religious sites·Museums & galleries
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningRoman Catholic Diocese of Kandy
Temples & religious sites
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.
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After lunchAsgiri Maha Viharaya
Temples & religious sites · 0.4 km from the previous stop
A Buddhist temple in Kandy, one of the two chief monasteries responsible for the Sacred Tooth Relic housed at the Temple of the Tooth. It offers a glimpse into one of Sri Lanka's central hubs of Buddhism.
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AfternoonTemple of the Tooth Museum
Museums & galleries · 0.8 km from the previous stop
A museum housed in the first- and second-floor exhibition spaces of the Temple of the Tooth building. It's a great place to explore artifacts and records related to the temple and learn about the history of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth in depth.
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EveningSt. Paul's Church, Kandy
Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop
An Anglican church located on sacred ground west of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy's historic district. It's conveniently paired with a visit to the Temple.
DAY 4
Around Embekka Devalaya · Temples & religious sites·Nature
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningEmbekka Devalaya
Temples & religious sites
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.
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After lunchLankatilaka Vihara
Temples & religious sites · 1.8 km from the previous stop
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.
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AfternoonGadaladeniya Vihara
Temples & religious sites · 2.8 km from the previous stop
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.
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EveningHanthana Mountain Range
Nature · 8 km from the previous stop
A mountain range spreading southwest of Kandy, with a trekking trail leading to Ura Kanda, the tallest of its seven peaks. The scenery is striking enough to have earned protected nature reserve status, and it's popular with local hikers as well.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Around Temple of the Tooth, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.
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The Radh 4-star
0.3 km
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Queen's Hotel
0.3 km · Kandy
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Victory Hotel Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km · Kandy
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Hotel Casamara
0.4 km · Kandy
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City view hostel
0.5 km
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Royal Hotel & Bar
0.5 km · Kandy
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Tours & tickets for this itinerary
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