A lot of travelers head to Sri Lanka for the white-sand beaches and amazing surf. However, right in the middle of the island, you’ll find a laid-back, scenic spot full of tea plantations, misty hills, and those famous blue trains you’ve probably seen in photos. A day tour of Kandy is recommended to explore the highlights of the city. You can also include it in your multi day itinerary with a night stay in Kandy.
In addition to being the gateway to the greatest train journey in the world, Kandy is also rich in cultural heritage and well preserved historical ruins. It’s a city full of lively charm. Busy streets, ancient temples, colonial buildings, elegant gardens, and the stunning Kandy Lake all come together to create the perfect setting for a few memorable days in Sri Lanka’s lush hill country.
For those restricted with time during their holiday in Sri Lanka, a day would suffice to explore this magnificent city. An ideal day outing in Kandy would start off with the Pinnawala Elephants Orphanage, include a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and perhaps a walk along Kandy Lake. For a cultural experience, consider visiting the Kandy Lake Club or the Kandyan Cultural Centre.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
The success and fame of this attraction has travelled across the world to an extent where the word “Pinnawala” is automatically associated with “Sri Lankan elephants”. Now home to 93 elephants, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established on February 16, 1975. Pinnawala is surrounded by coconut plantations, with easy access to skilled mahouts and plenty of water from the nearby Ma Oya river. These make ideal conditions for caring for elephants. Each elephant is fed around 76 kg of green matter daily. In addition to that, they are given 2 kg from a special food mix of rice bran and maize. Today, the orphanage is a major attraction for both local and international visitors. The highlight for most is watching the elephants bathe—a truly unforgettable sight.
The tickets for this attraction vary based on your nationality, thus be sure to have your passport handy. Please note, the below mentioned ticket prices are subject to change with no prior notice.
Schedule this as your first stop on your day tour of Kandy. The timings for elephant bathing are from 10.00 am – 12.00 noon and from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm daily. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, you may not be able to see the elephants bathing. However, you can interact with the elephants during a feeding session as well.
While there are several myths and rumours about elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage bein wounded and traumatized, the Department of National Zoological Gardens has this to say to bust these myths and encourage you to a guilt-free encounter with elephants:
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Proceed towards Kandy (30 mins drive) and visit the number one attraction – the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
This beautifully decorated, golden-roofed temple is home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic. A tooth of Lord Buddha, brought to the island in the 4th century. Constructed between 1687 and 1707 to enshrine this revered relic, the temple has remained a deeply significant site for both locals and international visitors. Many Sri Lankans believe it’s a must to visit at least once in their lifetime to pay respect to this treasured symbol of their faith.
Inside the main shrine, worshippers move gently through a series of rooms toward the sacred casket. They pause there to leave offerings and whisper quiet prayers beneath intricate Buddhist murals. The atmosphere is intense and spiritual, with a sense of calm reverence filling every space.
Kandy Lake
Take a relaxing walk or boat ride along Kandy Lake, enjoying the scenic views and the tranquility of the lake. You can also visit the nearby Kandy Lake Club. This place is known for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views. A maximum of one hour would suffice to explore the temple and the Kandy Lake. After this you can move on to lunch, and spend another hour strolling around the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is a sprawling and beautiful space showcasing a wide variety of plant species. The park is the largest and most extensive of its kind in Sri Lanka. Spread over 60 hectares of land, the park is home to over 10,000 trees. The highlights of the garden include the orchid house, the spice garden, and the national museum of botany.
A visit to the impressive avenue of royal palms—a stunning tree-lined path nestled within the gardens—is highly recommended.
Highlights also include the renowned Orchid Garden and the unique Cannonball tree. This was planted by King George and Queen Mary during their 1901 visit. Visitors can also unwind on one of the many open lawns—perfect for relaxing and escaping the Sri Lankan heat.
The tickets are very nominally priced at the Royal Botanical Gardens, and they also have the option of using a paid shuttle service to explore the park for those who are unable to walk or are short on time. Please note, the below mentioned rates are subject to change with no prior notice.
Cultural Dance Show
The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a vibrant, sensory experience featuring dazzling costumes, dynamic dances, acrobatics, and fire walking—captivating from beginning to end.
The performance showcases a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dance forms such as Magul Bera, Puja Natuma, and Devol Natuma. Enjoy these culturally rich dances that are passed down through generations and specific to different regions of the island. Each offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted heritage. With a story of its own — whether it’s the regal stride of an elephant, the flamboyant flair of a peacock, or the hypnotic movements of a cobra.
With over 35 years of history, the show is a cultural staple in Kandy and one of the top experiences in the city. It takes place daily at 5:30 pm at the Kandy Lake Club, just steps from the lake. Schedule this as your last stop on your day tour of Kandy, after which you can head back home.
Get in touch with our team at Travel Treasures Sri Lanka to book your day tour of Kandy. We can also plan a customized holiday itinerary to include these destinations in your multi day vacation.