Sacred City of Kandy is a heritage site in Kandy, in Sri Lanka's Central Province. It is also known as the Kandy World Heritage City, and it was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
The city's most important place is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site that gives Kandy its religious significance. Visitors come to see the temple as part of any visit to the city, and it is the natural centre of a trip here.
What to expect
- A former royal capital, shaped by its history as the seat of Sri Lanka's last kings
- A sacred Buddhist site at the heart of the city
- Traditional Kandyan culture, which remains part of daily life here
- Hills that surround the city and frame its streets and sites
The city sits among hills, so the setting is a large part of its character. Walking around the old centre and its sacred sites gives a sense of how the royal and religious life of the city has fitted together over time.
Planning your visit
Kandy is in the Central Province, which makes it a practical base for exploring the surrounding highlands and the wider region. If you want to visit, it is worth contacting the site directly beforehand on +94 81 2233226 to check details for your trip. Dress respectfully when entering the temple, as it is an active place of worship.
