The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at puja time, when the inner shrine opens and the drums begin, is the experience that earns Kandy its place in every serious Sri Lanka itinerary. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens rounds out the day with orchid houses, giant bamboo avenues and riverside lawns across 147 acres. A walk around Kandy Lake and time in the city’s craft and gem showrooms complete a well-balanced cultural day. The evening 6.30pm puja ceremony is specifically worth timing the visit around.