Things to Do in Kandy – Explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital by Tuk Tuk
Nestled among lush green hills in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. As the island’s last royal kingdom and home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy is one of the most visited destinations in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Whether you’re fascinated by ancient temples, scenic mountain roads, peaceful lakes, or vibrant local markets, Kandy offers something for every traveler. While many visitors choose guided tours or taxis, the most exciting way to discover this beautiful city is by renting your own self-drive tuk tuk.
With Tuk Tuk Rental Holiday, you can enjoy complete freedom to explore Kandy at your own pace. Drive through winding mountain roads, stop at breathtaking viewpoints, discover hidden cafés, and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture without being tied to tour schedules.
Your adventure begins the moment you start your tuk tuk.
Why Explore Kandy by Tuk Tuk?
Kandy is a city best explored slowly. Its narrow streets, scenic mountain roads, hidden temples, and surrounding villages are perfect for self-drive adventures.
A tuk tuk allows you to travel beyond the popular tourist attractions and experience the real charm of Kandy. You can stop whenever you see an incredible viewpoint, enjoy fresh tropical fruit from a roadside stall, or spend extra time discovering places that aren’t included in ordinary tours.
Unlike buses or taxis, a self-drive tuk tuk gives you complete control over your itinerary.
With Tuk Tuk Rental Holiday, you’ll enjoy reliable vehicles, driving permit assistance, and friendly local support throughout your journey.
💡 Travel Tip
Book your tuk tuk before arriving in Kandy to save time and begin exploring immediately. Our team can arrange convenient pickup locations and provide a complete driving orientation before your adventure begins.
Top Things to Do in Kandy
🛕 1. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
No visit to Kandy is complete without exploring the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world.
The temple houses a relic believed to be one of Lord Buddha’s teeth and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Inside, you’ll discover beautiful Kandyan architecture, peaceful courtyards, traditional ceremonies, and rich cultural heritage.
Driving your tuk tuk here allows you to arrive early before large crowds gather.
Best Time: Early morning or evening ceremony.
🌊 2. Enjoy a Relaxing Drive Around Kandy Lake
Located in the heart of the city, Kandy Lake offers peaceful surroundings and spectacular views of the surrounding hills.
Park your tuk tuk and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake while watching local birds, fishermen, and traditional boats.
The lakeside becomes especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Travel Tip: Stop at one of the nearby cafés for authentic Sri Lankan tea.
🌺 3. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Just a short drive from Kandy city, the Royal Botanical Gardens is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions.
Spread across nearly 150 acres, the gardens feature:
- Giant bamboo forests
- Orchid collections
- Palm avenues
- Giant Javan fig trees
- Beautiful flower gardens
- Spice plants
Driving there in your tuk tuk lets you enjoy the scenic roads along the Mahaweli River.
Allow: 2–3 hours.
🙏 4. Climb to Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Standing high above the city, the giant white Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue offers one of Kandy’s best panoramic viewpoints.
The short uphill tuk tuk drive is an adventure itself, leading to breathtaking views across the entire city and surrounding mountains.
This is one of Kandy’s most Instagram-worthy locations.
Best Time: Sunset.
🌄 5. Visit Kandy View Point
A few minutes from the city centre, Kandy View Point provides stunning views over the lake, temple, and surrounding hills.
Drive your tuk tuk up the winding road and capture unforgettable photographs.
Early mornings often offer clear skies and peaceful surroundings.
🌿 6. Discover Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.
Located behind the Temple of the Tooth, this protected forest features:
- Walking trails
- Exotic birds
- Giant trees
- Small lakes
- Monkeys
- Peaceful jungle scenery
It’s a perfect escape from the busy city.
☕ 7. Experience Tea Plantations and Tea Factories
The hills surrounding Kandy are covered with beautiful tea plantations.
Drive your tuk tuk through winding mountain roads to visit traditional tea estates where you can learn how world-famous Ceylon Tea is produced.
Many factories also offer tea tasting experiences with spectacular mountain views.
🛍️ 8. Explore Kandy City Market
If you enjoy local culture, visit the bustling Kandy Central Market.
Browse through colourful stalls selling:
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Sri Lankan spices
- Handmade crafts
- Traditional sweets
- Local clothing
- Souvenirs
The market is a fantastic place to experience daily life in Kandy.
Don’t forget to try fresh king coconut.
🏰 9. Drive to Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex
One of the most popular day trips from Kandy is Ambuluwawa.
The scenic mountain drive passes through tea estates, villages, and breathtaking countryside before reaching the famous white spiral tower.
The panoramic views from the top are among the best in Sri Lanka.
Driving your own tuk tuk makes the journey even more enjoyable.
🚗 10. Take a Scenic Tuk Tuk Ride to the Knuckles Mountain Range
Adventure lovers should head towards the Knuckles Mountain Range.
This UNESCO-listed landscape offers:
- Waterfalls
- Forest roads
- Hiking trails
- Mountain villages
- Incredible photography opportunities
The journey itself is one of the highlights of visiting Kandy.
Taste Authentic Kandyan Cuisine
Kandy offers fantastic opportunities to experience traditional Sri Lankan food.
Popular local dishes include:
- Rice and Curry
- Kottu Roti
- String Hoppers
- Hoppers
- Pittu
- Wood Apple Juice
- Fresh Tropical Fruits
Driving your tuk tuk allows you to stop at small family-owned restaurants that many tourists never discover.
Best Scenic Drives Around Kandy
One of the greatest pleasures of renting a tuk tuk is simply enjoying the roads around Kandy.
Some of the most beautiful routes include:
- Kandy to Peradeniya
- Kandy to Ambuluwawa
- Kandy to Knuckles
- Kandy to Tea Estates
- Kandy to Victoria Reservoir
Every route offers incredible scenery and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Why Choose Tuk Tuk Rental Holiday?
We make exploring Kandy simple, safe, and enjoyable.
Our services include:
✅ Reliable Self-Drive Tuk Tuk Rentals
✅ Airport Pickup & Drop-off
✅ Driving Permit Assistance
✅ Free Driving Lessons
✅ Unlimited Kilometers
✅ 24/7 Customer Support
✅ Emergency Roadside Assistance
✅ Well-Maintained Vehicles
✅ Local Travel Recommendations
Whether you’re visiting Kandy for one day or beginning an island-wide road trip, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Nearby Destinations to Explore
After discovering Kandy, continue your adventure by tuk tuk to:
- Nuwara Eliya – Tea plantations and cool mountain scenery.
- Ella – Waterfalls, hiking trails, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
- Sigiriya – Ancient rock fortress and UNESCO heritage sites.
- Dambulla – Incredible cave temples and cultural attractions.
- Matale – Spice gardens and scenic countryside.
- Knuckles Mountain Range – Nature and adventure.
Each destination is easily accessible and offers unforgettable road trip experiences.
Traveler’s Tip: Take Your Time
Kandy isn’t a city to rush through. Some of its greatest experiences come from taking the scenic route, stopping at local cafés, chatting with friendly residents, or simply enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
With your self-drive tuk tuk, every road becomes part of the adventure.
Ready to Explore Kandy?
Kandy is much more than a cultural destination—it’s a city filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, welcoming people, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, driving through lush tea plantations, discovering hidden viewpoints, or enjoying authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, a self-drive tuk tuk gives you the freedom to experience Kandy your own way.
At Tuk Tuk Rental Holiday, we’re committed to making your journey safe, affordable, and truly memorable with reliable tuk tuk rentals, driving permit assistance, and friendly local support.
Book your self-drive tuk tuk today and discover why Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable destinations.