Surrounded by steep green mountains and centered on an ornamental lake, Kandy served as the final stronghold of the Sinhala kings before falling to British colonial forces in 1815. It remains the spiritual heart of the island, drawing pilgrims from across the Buddhist world.

Witnessing the Thevava at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

The primary reason travelers come to Kandy is the Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), which houses the sacred tooth of Gautama Buddha.

Visiting during the middle of the day often leaves travelers caught in generic sightseeing groups. To witness the temple's true cultural significance, schedule your visit during the Thevava—the daily ritual offering ceremony held at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM.

Attending the 6:30 PM evening service is mesmerizing. The rhythmic thunder of traditional Kandyan drums (hevisi) echoes off intricately painted wooden beams, and the fragrance of jasmine and purple water lilies fills the air as worshippers assemble. When the golden doors of the upper inner chamber swing open, you catch a glimpse of the jeweled, bell-shaped stupa casket housing the relic.

The Hidden Sanctuary: Udawatta Kele Royal Forest

When the noise of urban Kandy becomes fatiguing, walk directly up the hill behind the Temple of the Tooth into Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Originally protected as an exclusive pleasure garden and retreat for the Kandyan kings, this 104-hectare ancient rainforest canopy sits right above the city center. The shaded, cool gravel paths run beneath towering mahogany trees, giant climbing lianas, and bamboo thickets. It is an extraordinary sanctuary for birdwatchers, where you can easily spot endemic Layard’s parakeets, yellow-fronted barbets, and Sri Lanka hanging parrots without hearing city traffic.

Local Guide Tips from Sam Tours

• Temple Dress Rules: Temple security strictly enforces dress regulations. Both shoulders and knees must be completely covered with modest clothing. Pure white or light pastel clothes are traditional and signify cultural respect. Avoid wearing dark clothes, shorts, or sleeveless shirts.

• Socks for Hot Pavements: Visitors must leave shoes at the main footwear counter outside. By mid-morning, the outdoor stone pavements leading between shrines can become uncomfortably hot. Keep a spare pair of thick socks in your daypack to walk across the sunny courtyard comfortably.

• Market Treat: Head behind the bustling Kandy Municipal Market and seek out the street carts selling warm helapa. Made with nutrient-rich finger millet (kurakkan) flour, grated coconut, and sweet kithul treacle, it is wrapped in kanda leaves and steamed fresh.

Discover the living heritage of Kandy with an experienced, private English-speaking chauffeur. Plan your journey with Sam Tours Sri Lanka.