Things to do in Kandy

The city of Kandy is a must-see destination when embarking on your Sri Lankan adventure. Surrounded by green rolling mountains and lush rainforests, this emerald gem, nestled in the very heart of the country presents itself with a mix of beautiful "old style colonial" buildings and breathtaking scenery. Whether surrounded by a mystical aura during its rainy moments or flaunting its tropical-like character on sunny days, Kandy displays its beauty in all forms. The city boasts a rich, spiritual past and was once the capital of ancient kings. Today, there are many well-preserved sites such as the UNESCO Buddhist temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace of Kandy, the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, and the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. Visitors wanting to catch an eagle-eye view of Kandy should take a short hike up to Arthur's Seat, where they chillout, and take in the view overlooking the ancient city lake and scenery. Finally, experiencing Kandy would not be fully complete without a day-trip to the Sigiriya rock fortress, located deep in the Sri Lankan jungle.