About the Port
Set among misty hills in the island's interior, Kandy served for centuries as the last capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings and remains its spiritual heart. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house a relic of the Buddha, draws pilgrims and visitors alike to its lakeside grounds, while the surrounding hills preserve a slower, tradition-steeped rhythm of daily life.
Just outside the city, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens unfold along the Mahaweli River, with sweeping lawns, towering tropical trees, and collections of orchids and palms arranged for leisurely exploration. Because Kandy lies well inland, travelers typically arrive by road from the coastal port of Colombo, making an early departure worthwhile. The journey through terraced countryside is part of the reward, leading to a city where nature and heritage sit closely together.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Kandy.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Explore the lakeside complex enshrining Buddhism's revered tooth relic, with its ornate shrines and steady flow of devotees; allow about an hour to take in the architecture and rituals.
Wander Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Stroll riverside lawns and themed sections of orchids, palms, and medicinal plants across this sprawling 19th-century garden just outside town; a leisurely walk of an hour or two suits most visits.
Ride a Tuk Tuk Through the City
Hire a three-wheeler to weave through Kandy's hilly streets and lakeside promenade, an easy way to soak up the city's slower, tradition-steeped pace between main sights.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Kandy
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 22 | $17,358 | |
| Nov 15, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 22 | $17,358 | |
| Feb 22, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 22 | $18,427 |