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The best time to visit Kandy is from February to March, when rainfall is lowest and temperatures are warm, around 29-31°C. April marks the start of the wet season, with heavy rains continuing through November, especially in May and October. The Esala Perahera festival in July or August is famous, but expect frequent showers during that period. For drier sightseeing, plan for February or March.

Stay near the lakefront for easy access to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the city's main sights; it suits first-time visitors. The hills around Heerassagala offer cooler air and views, ideal for a quieter stay. Peradeniya, near the botanical gardens, is a green, relaxed option. The Mahaweli Reach Hotel and Queen's Hotel are on the lakefront, while Amaya Hills Kandy sits in the hills.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is Kandy's spiritual heart and most significant site. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya are famous for their vast orchid collection and avenue of palms. The Sacred City of Kandy itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses the temple and lake in a historic setting. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary offers a forested retreat with walking trails right above the city, while the Ceylon Tea Museum tells the story of the island's tea heritage. For city and lake views, Arthur's Seat View Point is a short climb with rewarding scenes.

Take a day trip to Nuwara Eliya for its tea estates and cool highland air. The combined tour to Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya covers the rock fortress, cave temples and a national park with elephants. Trincomalee offers a coastal escape with a safari drive. These are all bookable full-day tours from Kandy.

Plan 2 to 3 days in Kandy. In two days, you can visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Sacred City of Kandy, and Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, plus the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. Add a third day for the Ceylon Tea Museum and Arthur's Seat View Point. If you want a day trip to Nuwara Eliya or Sigiriya, add one more day.