About
Kandy is a city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, in Asia, and is known as the island's cultural capital. It makes a natural stop for visitors who want to understand the country's religious and cultural life, as well as its hill-country setting.
What draws visitors
The city's best-known landmark is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred site that gives Kandy much of its character. Visitors come to see the temple and to watch the rhythm of religious life around it. Kandy's UNESCO World Heritage status reflects the importance of its cultural landscape.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and dress modestly as is expected at a sacred place.
- Set aside a few hours to walk the city centre and its surroundings at an unhurried pace.
- Check local arrangements before you travel, since visiting times and conditions can change.
Kandy suits travellers interested in history, faith and architecture, and those who prefer a city with a calm, reflective atmosphere. Combined with the rest of the Central Province, it offers a good introduction to the cultural side of Sri Lanka.
