Kandy, Sri Lanka

A lively and beloved local institution sitting right in the heart of Kandy town, The Pub serves generous portions of Sri Lankan staples and wood-fired grills. The casual rooftop seating offers charming views over the bustling streets below. It's the perfect place to wind down with a cold Lion beer after a day of sightseeing.

Tucked above a busy street near the lake, Slightly Chilled is a favourite among travellers for its relaxed vibe and flavourful Sri Lankan rice-and-curry platters. The banana leaf spreads piled with curries, sambols, and hoppers are colourful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Friendly staff and honest prices make it an easy, feel-good choice.

Empire Café is a charming heritage-style spot that serves some of the best Sri Lankan breakfast in Kandy, including string hoppers, pol sambol, and treacle with buffalo curd. The colonial-era décor and slow ceiling fans give it an endearing old-world atmosphere. Arrive early as the fresh hoppers tend to sell out before mid-morning.

The hilltop restaurant at Theva Residence serves refined Sri Lankan cuisine with a contemporary flair, using garden-fresh herbs and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like slow-cooked black pork curry and coconut-glazed sea bass are elegantly presented with stunning valley views as the backdrop. Reserve a sunset table for an unforgettable fine-dining experience high above Kandy.

A beautifully restored 19th-century colonial manor nestled among spice gardens just outside Kandy. Each suite is uniquely decorated with antique Sri Lankan furniture and hand-loomed textiles. The infinity pool overlooking the misty hills makes every morning feel like a quiet dream.

Perched dramatically on a hilltop with sweeping panoramic views of the Kandy Valley, Theva Residence is a design-forward boutique retreat. The open-plan suites blend minimalist architecture with warm local materials and private plunge pools. Personalized service and a serene rooftop terrace elevate every stay.

Set across a lush hillside with terraced gardens and cascading water features, Earl's Regency offers a grand yet relaxed Sri Lankan hospitality experience. Rooms feature warm wood accents and large windows framing the surrounding greenery. The outdoor pool and Ayurvedic spa are particularly beloved by guests.

One of the most eccentric and magical guesthouses in all of Sri Lanka, Helga's Folly is an explosion of bohemian art, antiques, and theatrical décor. Every corridor tells a story, adorned with paintings, old photographs, and dangling curiosities collected over decades. Staying here feels less like a hotel and more like sleeping inside a living museum.

The most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, Sri Dalada Maligawa houses a venerated tooth relic of the Buddha within its gilded inner shrine. The complex glows with the warmth of oil lamps, lotus offerings, and the haunting sounds of traditional drums during morning and evening rituals. Witnessing the Puja ceremony here is a deeply moving and unforgettable spiritual experience.

Spread across 147 acres beside the Mahaweli River, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is one of the finest tropical gardens in all of Asia. A magnificent avenue of royal palms, giant java fig trees, and a spectacular orchid house make every walk through the grounds a botanical revelation. The gardens are at their most magical in the soft golden light of early morning.

Built in 1807 by the last Kandyan king, this serene artificial lake sits at the very heart of the city and is perfect for a peaceful early morning or evening stroll. The cloud-reflected water, flocks of water birds, and views of the temple and surrounding hills create a truly calming atmosphere. The cloud wall pathway on the southern bank is a particularly scenic and historically interesting stretch.

Rising directly behind the Temple of the Tooth, this ancient forest reserve is a green sanctuary of rare birds, giant trees, and quiet jungle trails just minutes from the city buzz. The misty canopy is alive with the calls of endemic species including the Ceylon whistling thrush and brown-capped babbler. It's an ideal escape for nature lovers wanting a breath of cool forest air between cultural visits.