Kandy
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's hill capital of temples, tea and lake mist
Overview
Kandy sits at 500 metres in the central highlands, ringed by forested hills and centred on an artificial lake beside the Temple of the Tooth. It was the last independent Sinhalese kingdom, resisting European colonisation until 1815, and retains a dignity and cultural confidence that Colombo sometimes lacks. The Esala Perahera procession of elephants, dancers and fire twirlers each August is one of Asia's great spectacles. The surrounding tea country rises to 2000 metres, and the train ride to Ella through plantation hills is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Why Expats Love It
Cultural depth, cool highland climate, tea country beauty and a calm pace of life.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist shrine, housing a tooth relic of the Buddha, with daily rituals.
Kandy Lake Walk
A full circuit of the cloud reflecting lake in the centre of the city.
Esala Perahera
Ten nights of elephants, Kandyan dancers and fire in August, the greatest procession in Asia.
Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya
One of the finest tropical botanical gardens in the world, with giant bamboo and a spice section.
Kandyan Dance Performance
An evening show of traditional hill country dance and fire walking.
Train to Ella
A five hour ride through tea plantations, nine arch bridges and misty valleys.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A giant white Buddha on a hill above the city with panoramic views.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A patch of highland rainforest just above the temple, with walking trails and monkeys.
Gadaladeniya and Lankatilaka Temples
Fourteenth century stone temples in the countryside south of the city.
Embekka Devalaya
Extraordinary medieval wood carvings of dancers and animals on a remote village temple.
Hanthana Mountain Range
Forest trails and viewpoints above the city, quiet even on weekends.
Kandy Market and Pettah Bus Stand
The working heart of the city, far from the tourist quarter.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$200/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$420/mo
Restaurant Meal
$4
Monthly Groceries
$160/mo
Monthly Transportation
$18/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$40/mo
Climate
Tropical highland with cooler temperatures than the coast, two monsoon seasons and frequent mist
Best Time to Visit
January to April for dry warm weather in the central highlands
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
Most nationalities need an ETA applied for online, valid for 30 days and extendable. Longer stays use specific visa categories through Sri Lankan immigration.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Kandy is calm and friendly. Tuk tuk overcharging and aggressive gem sellers are the main annoyances.
Healthcare
Kandy General Hospital and private facilities handle routine care. Complex cases go to Colombo, and insurance is essential.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
Kandy is deeply Buddhist and traditional. Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes and hats, and do not turn your back on a Buddha statue.
Lifestyle
Morning walks around the lake, temple visits, afternoon tea estate tours. Weekends mean the Ella train, Sigiriya rock or white water rafting at Kitulgala.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil, with English widely spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Timezone
SLST (UTC+5:30)