Today, begin your journey south toward the hill city of Kandy, stopping along the way to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples (105km / approx. 3 hrs). This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1st century BC. Over time, ancient rulers expanded and improved the complex, and the caves now house more than 150 vivid Buddha paintings and statues painted directly onto the rock walls.
Continue your drive into Kandy. In the late afternoon, attend a local performance featuring traditional Sri Lankan music, drumming, and cultural dance. Afterward, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, widely considered the country’s most revered Buddhist shrine. The temple features beautiful Sri Lankan art and intricate wood carvings. Arriving during the evening ‘puja’ allows you to observe locals gathering to offer flowers and wait for a glimpse of the golden casket believed to hold the sacred relic.
Overnight: Kandy
