Location: Kandy
Top Things to do in Kandy
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What to do and see in Kandy, Central Province: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Kandy (Sinhalese: මහනුවර Mahanuwara, pronounced [mahanuʋərə]; Tamil: கண்டி, pronounced [ˈkaɳɖi]) is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Restaurants in Kandy
1. Jayamali Batiks Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 414 reviews
Some Guides and Drivers could try to recommend you another batik shop by saying that my shop is closed today or difficult to find, etc;. Please do not believe such people. Please call me or use Google map to find my store easily. My shop is situated inside the Kandy Central Market which is opposite the Kandy Clock Tower and it is not difficult to find as it is a well known local market in Kandy. The shop is open from 9.00am to 6.00pm every day. In case if the shop is closed, please call me or get a free call from the shop which is next to mine as it is a pleasure to open my store for you within next 20 minutes. Jayamali Batiks Studio, one of the most famous batik studios in Kandy, was founded in 1979 by Jayakody. He discovered his talent to create unique batik wall hangings and started the business with very few means at his home as a family business. His unique style of designing modern, artistic and unusual designs to a very high quality fascinated the foreign guests who visited his studio.
Reviewed By MaryemZ - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I visited Jayamali batik studio during my visit to Kandy this May mid with my husband. We had called him before visiting as we wanted to understand the directions to his shop. He was very very patient with explaining us the way multiple times as somehow we had lost our sense of direction (we had THE most relaxing vacation in the beautiful Sri Lanka so...don't judge!!) He also updated us that he had stepped out of the studio but his friend at next shop will assist us. Which he did! Once we reached his studio, only one word can describe my experience there - AMAZING! His shop is decorated with all of his beautiful samples of exquisitely made Batiks. You will not see the usual ones made with maximum two or three colours (which I did see in other shops later on). His creations are very different. The number of colours he uses in one piece are many so that gives the first impression that he's a true artist and is not just making them for mass tourist attraction. Secondly there were so many different designs to chose from - fit to match all tastes. For me it was honestly a hard decision to choose one design. His friend was very patient in opening up all the designs for me. Also it made a perfectly unique gift for my friends and family back home. My only regret is that I didn't have a chance to meet him, although if I had more time, he very kindly did inform me that he was on his way. It was truly my highlight of the day and I will recommend Jayamali Batik studio to anyone hands down!! Yes you will find many shops selling batik in kandy, but once you actually see his work you will truly know the difference. Most of the shops I stopped at later in my trip did have pieces which were of mediocre quality plus only had three colours maximum. Batik is an art form which looks the best and in my opinion honoured when you can see in actual the time the artist spends on one creation! I found this here, and I only wish him the best!
2. Kandy Green Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Kandy Green Tours is a privet owned trip organizer that arranging day tours in and around Kandy.
3. Sri Lanka Eco Trekking & Eco Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our trekking company situated in Kandy we are the leading chief trekking and professional knowledge guided Hiking company in Sri Lanka, So we are specialist Organize Nature, Adventure, Culture, with all kind of Hiking tours. your very very lucky choose this company because of approved by the government ministry of tourism authority.
4. Yoga Reiki Meditation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Yoga meditation lessons and Reiki healing. Gem therapy. Yoga private lessons and big group classes. Reiki healing one by one. Astrologically gem therapy.
Reviewed By 652dafnie1980 - Hongcheon-gun, South Korea
I came yoga reiki meditation to loose my body weight i learned postures breathing techniques and nutrition tipd for the weight loss. Thank you so much.
5. Kandy Garrison Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By LordRay - Kristianstad, Sweden
Very interesting visit. Takes about 5 min to walk from the temple. The cemetery is being handled by a non-profit organization. When we visited there were two older gentleman that gave us a little tour. All is free - but please give em a little contribution for their effort!
6. Kandy War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Formerly known as Pitakande Military Cemetery, it was acquired originally by the military authorities, and was subsequently taken over by the Commission as a permanent war cemetery. Kandy is in central Sri Lanka, 910 metres above sea-level. It is 121 kilometres north-east of Colombo, from which it is easily reached by road. From the Botanical Gardens at Peridenya, take the road to Kandy. Just past the gardens, take a left turning at the roadside direction sign, down Lady Magdalene Drive. The Cemetery is approximately 1.5 kilometres along this road.
Reviewed By MrBlueRL - Leeds, United Kingdom
Thanks to our tuk-tuk driver, Jenudeen, we visited this beautiful little cemetery. We would never have known about it nor visited it if he hadn't shown us. It's not huge, which means you can pay every grave the respect it is due by visiting and looking at the names of all the men buried here. It is genuinely moving to see the graves of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Jew and Sikhs side by side. A sad reminder that in death, we are all equal. The garden is impeccably kept, and it is one of the prettiest graveyards you will ever see. Worth taking the time to visit and experience some tranquillity.
7. Lankatilaka Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By isurupremaratne - Gampaha, Sri Lanka
This temple is one of the examples for early settlements of Kandyan kingdom dating back to 14th century. Since it is situated in a remote village, you can see the natural beauty of the environment. Fortunately this are is not urbanized. Around the temple, you can see the paddy fields, forests and rarely a vehicle. It feels like going to the Kandyan era. There's a large rock-writing which was written in both Sinhalese and Tamil. The main Buddha image house has a Buddha statue and paintings dating back to Kandyan era. Recommended for family trips with kids. This place has a value of archeology and history. 1.5 - 2 hours will be enough to spend. Access from Colombo - Kandy main road is very easy. If you are using public transport, get down at Pilimatalawa. Since the temple is located 4.5 km from the town, three wheeler (taxi) would be a good option. Otherwise, there's a bus (Kandy - Pilimatalawa - Daulagala raod) you can take from the Gadaladeni junction. Then, get down at Lankatilake junction and walk 300 m to reach the temple. If you are traveling by your own vehicle or taxi, use the other road which you can go to the top of the cliff. There is parking space available.
8. Udawattekele Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By 905niamhi
This sanctuary is pure beauty! It is so peaceful inside and a great escape from the bustling city. There are many different paths you can take in the park, some short for those not wanting to walk too far, and some longer ones for those after a longer walk. There is also a cycle path. There are also lots of monkeys, which are great entertainment! We also spotted a turtle in the river. This place is definitely underrated and should more a must see for anyone visiting Kandy!
9. Ceylon Tea Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By CSLouter - Amman, Jordan
This quiet museum is a hidden gem!! Absolutely underrated by guide books! It was fascinating to see traditional tea making equipment, and learn the history. Our entrance fee included a complementary guide who was professional and spoke excellent English. We finished with a delicious cup of tea in the café overlooking great views, and buying different types of tea from the shop for our friends and family.
10. New Ranweli Spice Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 460 reviews
New Ranweli Spice Garden is located near Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Send us an email for a pick up from Kandy town to the spice garden.
Reviewed By periwinkl - Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Asanka is a knowledgeable and personable host, from arranging a tuk-tuk pick-up to explaining all about the spices around the small garden that he manages. We had a fantastic time learning, and exchanging our own experiences on medicinal uses of spices and beyond. A highlight of our time in Kandy indeed.
