Personalized city tours with local hosts.
Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Kandy together
Very knowledgeable, took time to show us around and super friendly. We tried things we never had before. Great tour!
Our street food tour with Buddhima was wonderful. Buddhima is so lovely, generous and knowledgeable, it was like spending the evening with a good friend. Buddhima introduced us to lots of different foods, answered all our many questions, and shared so much about life in Sri Lanka. She also gave us some great tips for the rest of our trip. If we return to Kandy we would definitely do the tour again - there is always more food to discover - and we would recommend Buddhima as a guide without hesitation.
Buddhima is incredible. We throughly enjoyed our time with her. She is so knowledgeable and clearly has a passion for her work and her country. We were a family with young children and allergy concerns. Buddhima flawlessly navigated children and allergies， which allowed for a wonderful experience. She communicated ahead of time to make sure we were satisfied with the plans.
My mother and I were in Kandy for our first night in Sri Lanka so opted for a food tour with Chandana and had a lovely evening. Chandana is very knowledgeable, friendly and kind and his choice of food was perfect. We had the opportunity to try many local Sri Lankan dishes at a variety of restaurants and markets, learned a lot about Sri Lanka, the culture, people and history and enjoyed getting to know Chandana. By the end of the tour, we were full and happy!
Kandy is home to a World Heritage Site and is centrally located. It is therefore well-connected to the major cities in Sri Lanka. You will have a long list of things to do in Kandy ranging from visits to religious sites, trekking through amazing landscapes and truly exploring the hidden gems of the city with a local guide. We have listed down some of the best things to do in Kandy below.
Popularly known as the “Sri Dalada Maaligawa” by the locals, this Temple is famous for having the Tooth of Lord Buddha. Visiting this temple is one of the most popular things to do in Kandy. You will see several locals and tourists gathering to visit the shrine, which holds the Sacred Tooth.
Located in the Royal Palace Complex, your local host will explain the history behind the attraction and navigate you through the complex.
Of course, traditional Kandyan dancing can only be best experienced in Kandy. Attend one of the daily shows (usually in the evenings) and be mesmerized at the unique traditional dance show, as it is anything but dull.
You might want to attend the show at the Kandyan Cultural Center as it is the most popular one but surely you can ask local guides for their own recommendations. They will let you know the one most preferred by the locals. After all, they know best! Local tip: Drinks at the show are usually pricier, so you might want to get your own food and drinks to take to the show.
Visiting this garden is one of the most popular things to do in Kandy amongst both the locals and visitors. They are very well maintained and feature a wide-variety of plants, flowers, monkeys and birds. Do make it a point to captures some beautiful shots of the famous orchids, which are very well known in this garden.
You could also go on a picnic day with your family and friends in the evening with some locally prepared snacks, which your private guide can arrange for.
Cooking is definitely an art and there’s no better place to learn local cooking than from the locals themselves. Hence, this is listed as one of the top things to do in Kandy. A truly unique experience, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot from this class and come out as a pro!
On this hands-on experience, you can even go to the market yourself to pick the best fresh ingredients. Your local host will guide you and will help you choose your very own vegetables; then head back to the house to cook your very own local dish. How’s that for a truly local experience! It’s going to be unforgettable indeed!
Visit two of the most treasured historical UNESCO-sites of Sri Lanka by getting a local guide to take you on a day trip from Kandy. Two birds in one stone! Marvel at the Sigiriya Rock, which is considered to be one of the Wonders of the World.
Your local guide will take you through to the top while explaining the historical importance of it along the way. Head on to Dambulla to visit the temple-style caves! These are so important in terms of historical value that they are UNESCO-protected too.
Nothing can beat the quality of an authentic local meal at a local’s home! So why not savor some of the best rice and curries that your local host has to offer. No better way to appreciate local cuisines from the locals themselves, right?
It’s also a great opportunity to understand local living and what it means to live in a city like Kandy. You are very likely to hear first-hand accounts of their experiences, which no mainstream travel guides would explain. It is going to be one of the most enriching things to do in Kandy.
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is popular amongst several visitors. It’s a long but a scenic ride through the hills of Central Sri Lanka. Make sure you catch the window seat to capture some of the best views the ride has to offer. Alternatively, you could sit on the platform to enjoy the fresh air just how the locals do.
Your local guide will provide you with some of the best tips on how to capture some amazing shots during your ride. Once you get to the small town of Ella, treat yourself to some breathtaking views by trekking up the Mini Adam’s Peak. Tip: The best time to start the climb is before dawn so you could get to the top in time to catch the sunrise. Let your local guide know so they can make arrangements for the climb.
This has got to be in your list as one of the things to do in Kandy, because it provides its visitors with spectacular views of the entire city. The viewpoint is best visited during evening hours just before sunset, so you could watch along as the city goes to sleep during the golden hour.
Let your guide know of your interest of making this climb so they can make preparations accordingly. The climb itself is a bit steep so it may require some physical strength to get to the top. But you’re effort will be immediately paid off with some amazing panoramic views!
Take a scenic drive along the way to visit the town of Mahiyangana where you will engage with the primitive tribes of Sri Lanka. Go back in time to witness first hand, the way the indigenous citizens lead their lives and you’ll be truly amazed! It’s a tribe that still lives off land by hunting and farming.
Your local guide will also take you through to a museum that showcases their style of living over the years. Also, during the trip, you’ll be visiting some picturesque sites such as the Sorabora Wewa, Diyawanna Oya and Ulhitiya Resevoir. So, have your phones and cameras ready to snap some amazing shots along the way!
Savor the smells of fresh herbs and spices such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg and many others at this beautifully set up garden. This visit will take you back in time, as visitors are welcome to witness the age-old industry of spice production.
Don’t miss out on one of the very interesting things to do in Kandy. It’s centrally located and very convenient for you to make a visit here too. Let your local guide run you through the various herbs and spices that you witness here so you could truly appreciate the entire process.
The best way is the local way! From wandering through sprawling tea fields to hexploring idden temples, your local host will show you the best things to do in Kandy on your private tour. With so many activities, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the fun things to do in Kandy. Foodies will be delighted by the delicious street food. Discover beautiful temples and unique alleys as you taste your way through samosas, kasava chips and paper dosas. Nature lovers will be hitting the trails on foot or by bike, climbing Sigiriya Rock and exploring the Dambulla Caves. With your local host to show you where to go, you’ll be amazed by how many outdoor activities there are in Kandy. Simply let your local host know your personal hobbies and interests, and they will know just where to go to find the perfect things to see and do in Kandy! When you’re exploring a new city, it is so much more rewarding to travel with a local host who knows every corner of Kandy in depth. Whether you prefer to visit Nuwara Elliya to learn about the tea trade, take a private cooking class or stroll through the bustling markets, your local host will only show you the best things to see and do on your private tour! If you’re planning what to do in Kandy, a WithLocals private tour is the perfect way to discover the best activities. With your local host by your side to customize your tour, you’ll be exploring Kandy on your own terms. Let them know what suits you and they will sort it all out locally for you!