Sri Lanka

Day trips from Kandy

Places you can visit in a day from Kandy and be back by evening. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

Best day trips

1

Sigiriya Rock Fortress
73 km from Kandy
Ancient palace on a lion-shaped rock, offers panoramic views and frescoes.
2

Dambulla Cave Temple
63 km from Kandy
A series of Buddha statues in five caves, notable for murals and stone carvings.
3

Knuckles Mountain Range
25 km from Kandy
Rugged peaks with trekking routes and diverse wildlife, great for day hikes.
4

Nuwara Eliya
16 km from Kandy
Cool highland town with tea plantations and colonial architecture.
5

Ramboda Falls
27 km from Kandy
Waterfall dropping 30m into a lush valley, accessible via short walk.
6

Hunnas Falls
19 km from Kandy
Cascade near a tea estate, easy trail and picnic spot.
7

Victoria Reservoir
17 km from Kandy
Large reservoir surrounded by hills, popular for birdwatching and boat rides.
8

Mihintale
119 km from Kandy
Historical hilltop site, birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with ruins.
9

Pundalu Oya Waterfall
30 km from Kandy
Small waterfall in a forested gorge, reachable by a brief hike.