Kandy's compact city center, including the lakeside area and Temple of the Tooth, is manageable on foot. However, the city is built across hills, meaning some routes involve steep inclines that may be challenging with strollers, wheelchairs, or for those with limited mobility. Tuk-tuks are an affordable and widely available option for getting around and are a quintessential Sri Lanka experience in themselves.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the city's most sacred and visited landmark. The Royal Botanic Gardens in nearby Peradeniya are beautiful and worth a half-day visit. Kandy Lake, set right in the heart of the city, is lovely for a walk. Cultural shows featuring traditional Kandyan dance and drumming are held in the evenings and offer a wonderful introduction to local heritage.
Sri Lanka's official currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cash is essential for markets, tuk-tuks, and smaller establishments, while larger hotels and restaurants in Kandy typically accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. ATMs are available in the city center, and currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized exchange counters.
The Esala Perahera is Kandy's most celebrated annual event, typically held in July or August over several nights. It is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in the world, featuring elaborately decorated elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire performers, and drummers parading through the city streets. It draws large crowds, so booking accommodation well in advance is essential if you plan to attend.
The best time to visit Kandy is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, and Kandy's hill-country location means it can receive rain at various times of year. August is a particularly special time to visit if you want to witness the grand Esala Perahera festival, one of Asia's most spectacular processions.
Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka. English is widely used in Kandy, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and around major attractions, making it relatively easy for English-speaking visitors to get around. Road signs and menus in the city are often in all three languages, and English-language information is readily available at key sites.
When visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic and other religious sites, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes must be removed before entering temple grounds. Sarongs are often available to borrow or purchase at the entrance if needed. Respectful, quiet behavior is expected, as these are active places of worship, not just historical monuments.
Sri Lankan cuisine is bold and aromatic. Try a rice and curry plate, which typically includes several vegetable and protein curries, dal, and coconut sambol served on a single plate. Hoppers, bowl-shaped crispy crepes made from fermented rice batter, are a beloved breakfast staple. String hoppers, kottu roti, and fresh tropical fruit are all widely available. And do not leave without drinking a cup of fresh Ceylon tea.
