Kandy, about two hours south of Dambulla in the hills, was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings until 1815 and is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka today. At its heart, beside a lake, stands the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which enshrines the tooth of the Buddha — the most important relic in the country.
For Dambulla visitors, Kandy matters in two ways: it is the most popular base for a day trip to the Cave Temple and Sigiriya, and it is the natural next stop, on the way to the tea country and the famous hill-country train.
Top things to do at Kandy
Attend a puja at the Temple of the Tooth
Offerings are made with drumming at several times a day, typically around dawn, mid-morning and early evening. The evening ceremony is the most atmospheric.
Walk around Kandy Lake
The lake created by the last king of Kandy is a pleasant hour’s stroll, with views back to the temple.
Time your trip for the Esala Perahera
In July or August Kandy hosts one of Asia’s great festivals: nights of processions with dancers, drummers and caparisoned elephants. Book accommodation well ahead.
How to get to Kandy
- From Dambulla: about 72 km, 2–2.5 hours by bus or car along the A9 through Matale.
- Day trips: private day trips from Kandy to Dambulla and Sigiriya are excellent value.
Insider tips
- The Temple of the Tooth has a strict dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no hats, shoes left outside.
- Kandy traffic is heavy; leave early for Dambulla to beat it.
- On the way to Dambulla, stop at the Nalanda Gedige, an unusual 8th–10th-century stone temple that blends Hindu and Buddhist styles.
Best tours & tickets for Kandy
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Kandy:
Private day trip from US$23 From Kandy: Dambulla & Sigiriya Day Trip by Car
A private car and driver for the classic day out of Kandy — around two hours north to Dambulla, the cave shrines, then on to Sigiriya — with an option to add an elephant safari. Near-perfect reviews and a price that undercuts most group tours.
- Private car and driver from your Kandy hotel
- Dambulla Cave Temple and the Golden Temple
- Time to climb Sigiriya at your own pace
Multi-day tour from US$355 Sri Lanka: 4N/5D Guided Highlights Tour with Hotels
For travellers who would rather not plan anything: a five-day private loop with hotels, taking in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and the tea country, with the Dambulla Cave Temple built into the route.
- Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy with a driver-guide
- Four nights’ hotels included
- Tea country and the hill-country scenery
