Kandy travel guide: taxis, stays & things to do
The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a lakeside centre and the gateway to the hill country.
Visiting Kandy
Kandy sits in the hills of central Sri Lanka around a lake. It's best known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's normally the starting point for the famous train ride through the tea country to Ella. Parts of that line are still being repaired after Cyclone Ditwah, so check the latest status before you plan around it.
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Top things to do in Kandy
Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist shrine, beside Kandy Lake.
A walk around the lake gives views of the temple and town.
The Peradeniya gardens, just outside Kandy, with orchids and huge trees.
Traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming in the evenings.
A large white Buddha statue overlooking the city.
A forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, with shady walking trails and birdlife.
Getting to Kandy
From BIA the drive to Kandy takes around 3–3.5 hours. Many drivers stop at Pinnawala on the way. As of October 2026, trains from Colombo run only as far as Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, while bridge repairs continue, so most visitors arrive by road.
Find a taxi or driver →Where to stay in Kandy
Hotels around the lake and the hills above it are close to the temple. Quieter guesthouses are a short tuk-tuk ride out of town.
Browse stays →Kandy: common questions
How far is Kandy from the airport?
Kandy is about 110 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. By road it usually takes around 3–3.5 hours.
What should I wear to the Temple of the Tooth?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes and hat before entering.
Can I take the train from Kandy to Ella?
Not at the moment. Since Cyclone Ditwah damaged the hill-country line, there is no through train between Kandy and Ella (as of October 2026). The scenic section from Nanu Oya to Ella is running, so many travellers drive to Nanu Oya and take the train from there. Check the latest status before you travel.
