Experience Kandy

Nestled amidst lush, mist-draped highland peaks and surrounding a serene central lake, Kandy is the cultural and spiritual beating heart of Sri Lanka. The last royal capital of the independent Sinhala monarchy before falling to the British in 1815, Kandy preserves an enduring legacy of traditional music, architecture, craftsmanship, and Buddhist devotion.

The spiritual focal point of the city is the monumental Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a golden-roofed temple complex housing the venerated left canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Witnessing the evening Thevava (ceremony of offerings)—where drumbeats thunder through carved wooden chambers, incense fills the air, and white-clad devotees carry fragrant lotus flowers—is a deeply moving cultural experience.

A short drive away lies the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, originally created as a pleasure garden for Kandyan royalty. Spanning nearly 150 acres, the gardens feature a breathtaking avenue of Royal Palms, a world-famous orchid house showcasing over 400 varieties, and an enormous century-old giant Javan fig tree whose sprawling canopy covers 2,500 square meters.

Stroll around peaceful Kandy Lake, explore local gem museums and woodcarving workshops, and ascend to the hilltop Bahirawakanda Giant Buddha statue for panoramic views over the highland valley.

With Traviceylon, your Kandy exploration includes private expert cultural guides, pre-arranged temple entry without queue stress, and luxury boutique lodging in heritage colonial estates.