Sri Lanka's ancient capital - a highland city famed for the Temple of the Tooth and surrounding tea estates. The reverence of the Temple of the Tooth with its sacred relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens' tropical collection, peaceful walks around Kandy Lake, and Sri Lanka's most scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy form the city's four draws. Timing a visit with the July-August Esala Perahera lets you see the elephant parade and traditional dances. Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy Buddhist culture and nature together.
Best Season
January-April (dry season) is best. The Esala Perahera festival in July-August is also worth planning around.
Budget
Daily budget around 30,000-80,000 KRW (lodging 15,000-40,000; food 10,000-20,000; transport and sightseeing 5,000-20,000).
Transport
About 3 hours from Colombo by train (a famously scenic route), or 3-4 hours by bus. Buy your SIM card at Colombo Airport in advance. Cash is the main payment method; hotels accept cards. Tipping is optional but about 10% at restaurants is common.
Visa
Korean passport holders need an ETA in advance - 30-day stay.
Safety
A safe, friendly city - but observe temple dress codes by covering knees and shoulders.
Popular attractions in Kandy
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist site, enshrining a relic tooth of the Buddha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya)
A 60-hectare tropical botanical garden especially renowned for its orchid collection.
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Kandy Lake
A man-made lake at the heart of the city, perfect for strolls and quiet reflection.
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Signature food of Kandy
Kiribath (Milk Rice)
🍱 TraditionalKiribath: a slightly sweet rice cooked in coconut milk, traditionally eaten on auspicious occasions. About LKR 100-300 per plate. Available for breakfast at local restaurants in Kandy.
Ceylon Black Tea
🍵 DrinkCeylon black tea: Sri Lanka's world-renowned tea grown in the highlands around Kandy. About LKR 50-200 per cup. Tea tasting is available at nearby plantations like the Loolawatte Tea Factory.
String Hoppers (Idiyappam)
🍱 TraditionalString Hoppers: steamed thin rice-flour noodles traditionally eaten for breakfast with curry. About LKR 200-400 per set. Enjoy with dhal curry and sambal at local restaurants in Kandy.