The short answer
- How long
- 1 to 2 nights
- Must see
- Temple of the Tooth
- Esala Perahera 2026
- 18 to 28 August
- Altitude
- About 500 m
What's changed recentlyShow
- 2026The Esala Perahera ran from 18 to 28 August 2026: the Kumbal processions from 18 to 22 August and the larger Randoli processions from 23 August, ending with the water cutting ceremony on 28 August.
- Oct 2026Trains cannot yet reach Kandy station: the short branch from Peradeniya is closed for bridge repairs. Arrive by road.
Kandy sits around a lake in a ring of green hills, a natural stop between the Cultural Triangle and the tea country. It was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until 1815, and its Temple of the Tooth houses a relic of the Buddha that draws pilgrims from across the country.
What to see
- Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Visit during a puja, when drums sound and the inner shrine opens, usually early morning, late morning and evening. Dress modestly.
- Kandy Lake: A gentle walk around the lake, best at sunset.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Orchids, spice trees and a huge Javan fig, 15 minutes from town.
- Kandyan dance shows: Evening performances of drumming, dance and fire walking near the lake.
- Bahiravokanda Buddha: A big white Buddha on the hill above town with views over the city.
The Esala Perahera
Every July or August, Kandy hosts one of Asia's great festivals. For ten nights, processions of dancers, drummers, fire performers and dozens of elephants in glittering cloth parade through the streets, building to the Randoli processions in the last five nights. The relic casket is carried by the temple's lead elephant.
In 2026 it ran from 18 to 28 August. The temple announces each year's dates a few months ahead, usually tied to the Esala and Nikini full moons.
Tip: Hotels in Kandy fill up and double in price during the Perahera. Book months ahead, and buy reserved seats along the route rather than standing in the crowds.
How long to stay
| Time | What fits |
|---|---|
| 1 night | The Temple of the Tooth, the lake and a dance show |
| 2 nights | Add the Peradeniya gardens, a spice garden and the viewpoints |
| 3 nights or more | The Perahera, or day trips to the Knuckles range for hiking |
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Kandy Esala Perahera?
Every July or August. In 2026 it ran from 18 to 28 August. The 2027 dates are announced by the Temple of the Tooth a few months beforehand.
How many days do you need in Kandy?
One or two nights for most visitors, or three if you come for the Perahera.
Can I take the train to Kandy?
Not at the moment: the branch from Peradeniya is closed for bridge repairs. Trains from Colombo run as far as Peradeniya, a short drive away.
Sources we checked
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