Hotels in Kandy

The most convenient base in Kandy is the Lake Area, within walking distance of the Temple of the Tooth Relic; Hillside properties on Rajapihilla Mawatha offer quieter stays above the lake. Budget travelers favor guesthouses along Dharamapala Mawatha. Most visitors stay two to three nights; the scenic train from Colombo Fort takes roughly three hours.

Where to Stay in Kandy's Key Neighborhoods

The Lake Area puts guests within 500 m of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), Kandy's defining landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels here range from mid-range boutique properties to larger business-class rooms. Rajapihilla Mawatha runs along the southern ridge; hillside guesthouses here deliver lake panoramas and cooler air, with a 10-minute walk or tuk-tuk ride to the temple. Travelers seeking even more seclusion head 6 km west to Peradeniya, near the Royal Botanic Gardens — a 147-acre garden established in 1821, one of Asia's largest.

Getting Around

Kandy's compact center is walkable for temple, market, and lakeside visits. Tuk-tuks cover any in-city journey for under LKR 300. The Kandy Railway Station connects north to Colombo (3 hrs) and east into the tea country toward Ella (6 hrs) — a route rated among the world's most scenic. No metro or light rail operates in the city.

Practical Tips

• Dress code: Carry a sarong or scarf — shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Temple of the Tooth.
• Esala Perahera: Book well ahead if visiting in July–August; this 10-day festival fills every property in the city.
• Airport access: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is 115 km southwest; allow 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic.
• Currency: Pay in Sri Lankan rupees; ATMs are available on Dalada Veediya near the temple.