Start your afternoon with sweeping panoramic views of the city from the Kandy View Point before visiting the giant Bahirawakanda Big Buddha Statue and the peaceful hilltop Asgiriya Stupa. Descend to enjoy a relaxing walk around the scenic Kandy Lake. Later, experience an energetic Kandyan Cultural Dance Show filled with traditional drumming and fire-walking. Conclude your afternoon at the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to observe evening prayer rituals.
1) Start your afternoon at [ Arthur's Seat View Point ] Kandy along Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe Mawatha. The vantage point overlooks Kandy Lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa, and the surrounding hill country.
2) Visiting outlets like [ Hela Bojun ] Hala by Department of Agriculture gives visitors an authentic look into traditional Sri Lankan home-style cooking in an open, food-court-style setup.
Live Preparation: Cooking stalls allow visitors to see traditional grain processing, steaming, and flatbread roasting techniques in action.
Social Impact: Every purchase directly supports local female cooks and regional farmers, highlighting Sri Lankan hospitality and heritage.
3) Head up the hill to the giant white Bahirawakanda Vihara [ White Buddha Statue]. Walk up the steps behind the statue for elevated views of the city.
4) Discover the ancient art of [ Village Family Wood Carving ] during an authentic workshop visit. See local craftsmen use traditional hand tools—chisels, gouges, and mallets—to shape detailed statues and decorative pieces. Experience the patience, skill, and rich cultural storytelling woven into every carved detail.
5) Visit the serene [ Asgiri Maha Seya ]- Kandy, part of the historical Asgiriya Chapter monastery complex.
6) Take a shaded stroll along the edge of [Kandy Lake] towards the cultural hall.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the temperature cools down and wildlife around the lake becomes active.
7) [Gem Museum] is one of Sri Lanka's premier destinations for gemology and jewellery, offering a fascinating look into the island’s rich mineral heritage. It blends an educational museum experience with a high-end showroom.
Replica Gem Mine: Features a realistic underground simulation that walks visitors through traditional Sri Lankan mining techniques and pit structures.
Exhibits & Collections: Showcases a vast array of rare minerals, rough stones, and precious gems native to Sri Lanka, including world-renowned blue sapphires, rubies, and star stones.
8) Watch the energetic Sri Lankan tradition [Kandyan Cultural Dance Show]. The 1-hour performance highlights traditional drumming, mask dances, and fire-walking.
Best Time to Visit: Shows start daily at 5:00 PM (Dance seat reservations can be provided)
9) Finish your tour at Sri Dalada Maligawa [Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ] to experience the evening Thevava (prayer/offering ceremony).
Essential Visitor Tips
Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for all temple visits