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Discover the magic of Sri Lanka's cultural hub in Kandy

Kandy_Sri_Lanka_Dambulla_Golden_Temple_Pixabay_cc_Lapping_t5vqdm_WebsiteMedium Surrounded by rainforests, we recommend exploring the culture of this historic city

The last capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom and Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, Kandy is the undisputed cultural center of the island. Kandy is hidden away in the hills and surrounded by tropical rainforest, and is renowned as one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for scenery. This is a bustling city with a small-town atmosphere, where honking tuk-tuks zip through narrow roads, and sidewalks are dotted with colorful silk saris worn by local women. 

The ancient city is a trove of tradition, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the country’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, said to hold Buddha’s tooth. It also holds the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, held in July and August, a vibrant addition to any vacation in Sri Lanka. The vibrant Kandyan culture can be found all year round, in the magnificent Old Royal Palace Compound or through the stunning Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. 

The Sri Lanka Tea Country is best discovered in Kandy, perhaps on a tea factory tour or outside, where you may breathe in the heavenly scents of the sprawling fields. No trip to this city is complete without a visit to the Big Buddha, an ancient temple at the top of a hill. Here you’ll find the most impressive view over Kandy, complete with the sparkling lake and twisting hilltops. Kandy is a feast of Sri Lanka culture and history, and with so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why this city is a highlight for any trip to Sri Lanka.  

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When to go to Kandy

December to April
The best time to visit Kandy is the dry season between December and April when temperatures are mild and pleasant. The beginning of March rings in the flower season with the trees surrounding the picturesque Kandy Lake erupting in pink blossoms. The favorable Sri Lanka weather during the dry season brings a higher number of visitors. 
 
May to November 
The wet season falls between May and August, while October brings a second monsoon season. Pack a raincoat, as the wet season is still a great time to visit with a packed calendar of cultural events. One of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most spectacular festivals is held in Kandy every year during July or August, lasting for ten days. Visit between May and November if you seek fewer crowds.

WEATHER CHART:

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Lotte Nash
Lotte Nash

Luxury Travel Specialist

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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

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