Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kandy is full of surprises waiting to be explored. It’s not just about temples and history—this city offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From watching traditional dancers light up the night to hopping on a train that winds through misty hills, there’s something magical around every corner – visit and see for yourself.
Caves and Cave Murals
Apart from the well-known caves at Dambulla and Ridigama, Degaldoruwa has some of the most stunning Kandyan-style murals around. It’s just a short trip from Kandy, but hardly anyone goes there—which makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Kingly Hideouts
Hanguranketa, once a safe haven for Kandyan kings during times of foreign rule, is home to a temple that holds a treasure trove of palm-leaf manuscripts and a big hall filled with vibrant Kandyan-era paintings – perfect if you’re looking for little-known places to visit in Kandy.
Sights hidden in the City
Just 3.5 km south of the popular Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the ancient Buddhist temple of Hindagala remains a hidden gem—which is pretty surprising given how close it is to central Kandy! It’s also easily reachable from a nice accommodation like the Kandy Myst by Cinnamon.
Image by Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Villages
The mountain village of Gomara, about 40 km northeast of Kandy, is the go-to starting point for hikes to some of the tallest peaks in the Knuckles Range—like Gombaniya, the iconic Five Knuckles, and the pyramid-shaped Tunhisgala. But Gomara isn’t just a base for treks—it’s also worth a visit on its own, thanks to the many waterfalls scattered nearby.