Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the centre of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colourful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
Area
Kandy and the Hill Country
Type
Community & Culture
History
Grade
Luxurious
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Although most well-known for the festival of Kandy Esala Perahera which takes place around July/ August time, Kandy is a year-round destination.
The Temple of the Tooth is at the epicentre of this vibrant city. Here find Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist shrine; the tooth of Buddha. Safely guarded in a golden casket, during the pujas devotees come to catch a glimpse of this sacred relic. Spend time here wandering around with your guide, learning about the temple's long history.
Next on to Kandy market, teeming with exotic fruit and other fresh produce. Your guide will take you round showing the different ingredients used in Sri Lankan cooking, including the array of aromatic spices used in a typical Sri Lankan curry.
The walk will finish up with a cup of tea at the historic Queen’s Hotel, which dates back over 160 years. A former Governor's residence, it is very colonial in style and sits in the centre of the city.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View Accommodation
Ceylon Tea Trails
Walk among emerald hills at Ceylon Tea Trails, where restored tea-planters’ bungalows, bespoke service and rich plantation heritage invite you to slow down, savour exquisite teas and live the timeless rhythm of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
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View AccommodationThotalagala
Thotalagala is a former 19th century plantation bungalow which has been lovingly converted into a luxurious boutique hotel in the east of the hill country.
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View AccommodationW15 Hanthana Estate Kandy
Recapture the nostalgia of the plantation era at this colonial bungalow set amid the tea plantations and lush green forests of the Hanthana Hills, enjoying the timeless elegance of the décor, butler service, pool, tennis court and drinks on the veranda.
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View AccommodationAdigar's Manor
Adigar's Manor is a restored ancestral home set in the hills on the edge on the historical city. Spend the days sightseeing in and around Kandy, or simply lazing in the tropical gardens by the infinity pool.
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View AccommodationStafford Bungalow
A lovingly restored planter’s residence set within a working tea estate, Stafford Bungalow offers an intimate glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past, where slow mornings, high tea rituals and sweeping hill country views define the rhythm of your stay.
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View AccommodationKings Pavilion Kandy
Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the centre of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.
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View AccommodationSantani Wellness Kandy
Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.
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Nine Skies
Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.
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View AccommodationThe Wallawwa
An airport hotel with a difference, this boutique gem is a destination in itself with stylish rooms, mouth watering food and an exquisite atmosphere.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceTemple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
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View ExperienceElla City Tour
Explore Ella with your chauffeur guide. Ella is blessed with some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular views. On this tour you will visit Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Cave and Bambaragala Park.
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View ExperienceExplore the Tea Plantations
During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.
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View ExperienceKandy by tuk tuk
Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.
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View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
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View ExperienceTrain from Kandy to Hatton
The 2 hour train journey to Hatton is a glorious way to see the rolling countryside from your observation car, as you climb into the hills and tea plantations.
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View ExperienceKandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
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View ExperienceThe Pekoe Trail
Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by a local expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
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View ExperienceTrekking in the Knuckles Range
This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning