Background
This sacred Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura, was the last capital of the Sinhala kings, whose patronage let Sinhala culture flourish for more than 2,500 years until the British occupation of 1815. UNESCO notes it is also the site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a famous pilgrimage site.
Kandy was capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1815 and sits among hills on the Kandy plateau; its rulers resisted the Portuguese, Dutch and British in turn. The tooth itself is not shown, but Wikivoyage says the casket that holds it is displayed twice a day, at 5:30 in the morning and around 6:30 in the evening.
- 1469Kandy becomes the seat of the Sinhalese kings
- 16th–18th c.The kingdom holds out against the Portuguese and Dutch
- 1815The British occupy the kingdom
- 1988Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Temple of the ToothThe Buddha's tooth relic and the puja drums; the GoGo guide arrives for the morning rituals.
- 2Royal PalaceNow the archaeological museum, on the temple ticket.
- 3Kandy LakeThe lakeside walk and the old royal buildings.
- 4Peradeniya Botanical GardensThe royal gardens with the orchid house and the giant fig.
- 5Bahirawakanda BuddhaThe white Buddha over the city at sunset.
- 6Kandyan DanceDrums, dancers and fire walking at the cultural centre by the lake.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Temple, Lake and Dance
From the GoGo Kandy guide · Open the Kandy Guide ›
- 09:00Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic2 hrsThe relic and the drums.
- 14:00Ceylon Tea Museum90 minAn old tea factory on the hills.
- 16:00Kandy Lake Walk75 minThe lake and the royal buildings.
- 17:30Kandyan Dance Show1 hrDrums and fire walking.
- 19:30Rice and Curry and Hoppers90 minA spread of curries.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug. Rainy season Apr, Oct–Dec.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
