Why Visit Kandy and Around?

Kandy is Sri Lanka's second city and the capital of the so-called 'Hill Country'. Steeped in ancient history and legend, the city is known to have one of the most favourable locations and climates in Asia. Sat majestically at the foothills of the lush mountains, the town is diverse, creative and a must-see for many visitors to Sri Lanka.

Kandy is the great Sinhalese cultural capital and a unique Asian city, perched in the hills around the stunning Kandy Lake. It's home to beautiful temples and a bustling energetic atmosphere. The Botanical Gardens are wonderful, and few other world cities have a rainforest reserve right in their midst (The Udawattekele – or ‘The Forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy’). In August, Kandy hosts the Esala Perahera – Sri Lanka’s greatest, most colourful and magnificent festival; early booking is essential.

The tea-clad hills surrounding the city also offer several enticing accommodation options, which are remote enough to be considered genuine mountain escapes yet close enough to Kandy to make casual visits into the city.

Finally, for something completely different, the adventurous might want to consider a foray into the glorious Knuckles Mountains and stay at one of our most remote and wild options, the fascinating Abode Homestay Project.

Our guide to Sri Lanka has more information.