Kandy View Point Arthur's Seat
Iconic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy Lake, city, and hills. Famous for its single chair photo spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical city lights appear
Kandy View Point Arthur's Seat
Best Time
Magical city lights appear
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy Lake, city, and hills. Famous for its single chair photo spot.
"A must-stop viewpoint to truly admire the beauty of Kandy from above, especially at sunset."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The single chair is a must for photos! Arrive early or on a weekday for unobstructed shots.
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit around 5:30 PM to catch both day and night views as the city lights up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Chair
Main viewpoint
The single, symbolic chair offers the ultimate photo opportunity with Kandy Lake and the city as your backdrop.
Panoramic Cityscape
Overlooking Kandy
A breathtaking 360-degree view of Kandy Lake, Temple of the Tooth, and lush green hills.
Sunset Spectacle
Arthur's Seat
Witness the city transform as lights twinkle like stars after the sun dips below the horizon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Photo Ops
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The single chair is a must for photos! Arrive early or on a weekday for unobstructed shots.
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit around 5:30 PM to catch both day and night views as the city lights up.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
A short walk from Kandy Lake, or a quick drive up the steep road. Be cautious if walking.
✨ Admire the Vista
Take your time to soak in the stunning panoramic views of Kandy and its surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The single chair is a must for photos! Arrive early or on a weekday for unobstructed shots.
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit around 5:30 PM to catch both day and night views as the city lights up.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
A short walk from Kandy Lake, or a quick drive up the steep road. Be cautious if walking.
✨ Admire the Vista
Take your time to soak in the stunning panoramic views of Kandy and its surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arthur's Seat (Kandy View Point) is widely praised for its breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy Lake, the city, and surrounding hills. Visitors love the iconic photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the city lights create a magical ambiance. It's considered a peaceful escape and a must-visit for appreciating Kandy's beauty.
"Arthur’s Seat, also known as Kandy View Point , is one of the most captivating and cherished vantage points in the historic city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Gracefully situated along Rajapihilla Mawatha and rising approximately 550 meters above sea level, this scenic spot offers a truly mesmerizing panoramic view that captures the soul of the hill capital.
From this serene overlook, visitors are treated to a sweeping vista of the vibrant city below—highlighted by the shimmering waters of Kandy Lake, the sacred silhouette of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the rolling hills cloaked in emerald green. It’s a place where nature and heritage come together in perfect harmony.
Whether you visit in the golden glow of sunrise, the soft hues of sunset, or the gentle mist of early morning, Arthur’s Seat promises a moment of peace, perspective, and beauty that lingers long after you leave. It's more than just a viewpoint—it’s a window into the heart of Kandy."
SAKI
"The Kandy View Point is a perfect spot to take in the beauty of the city from above. Located just a few minutes from the city center, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the surrounding hills. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the city lights start to glow. There are a few vendors nearby, but it’s not too crowded if you go early or during weekdays. The road leading up is a bit steep, so be careful if you’re walking. Great for photography and a peaceful break from the busy streets below!"
Madhuka Arunodya
"Arthur’s Seat offers one of the best panoramic views of Kandy city and the lake. It’s an easy spot to reach and perfect for photos, especially at sunset. A must-stop viewpoint to truly admire the beauty of Kandy."
Syed Asif Iqbal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arthur's Seat, also known as Kandy View Point, is easily accessible from Kandy city center. You can take a short tuk-tuk ride or a taxi up Rajapihilla Mawatha. For the more adventurous, it's a pleasant walk from Kandy Lake, though the road is steep.
No, Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a famous hill and dormant volcano. The Arthur's Seat in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a popular viewpoint overlooking the city. +1
Yes, you can walk to Arthur's Seat from Kandy Lake. It's a scenic route, but be prepared for a steep incline. It's a great way to experience the area if you have the time and energy.
A tuk-tuk is a convenient and popular option for reaching Arthur's Seat. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Driving your own vehicle is also possible, but parking might be limited.
The road is generally safe, but it is steep and can be busy with vehicles. It's advisable to walk on the side of the road and be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Arthur's Seat (Kandy View Point). It is a public viewpoint and free to access for everyone.
Arthur's Seat is generally accessible at all times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for the best views and safety. Sunset is particularly popular.
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or weekdays. Weekends and sunset hours tend to be the busiest times for visitors.
There are no specific restrictions, but it's a natural viewpoint. Please be respectful of the environment and other visitors.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended for safety reasons and because the primary draw is the panoramic daytime and sunset views.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photography as the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings also offer soft light and potential mist.
The iconic single chair is a prime spot for photos. The entire viewpoint offers various angles to capture Kandy Lake, the city, and the surrounding hills.
No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate to capture the stunning views. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities will enhance sunset and evening shots.
Experiment with different angles, use the iconic chair for unique shots, and try to capture the transition from day to night during sunset.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
From Arthur's Seat, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the city of Kandy, and the surrounding lush green hills.
Yes, it's considered a serene overlook offering a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Kandy, especially during less crowded times.
While there are no major facilities, you might find some local vendors selling snacks or drinks nearby. Restrooms are generally not available at the viewpoint itself.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy the views, take photos, and relax. If you're there for sunset, you might stay a bit longer.
The main viewpoint area is relatively flat, but the access road is steep. If walking up, it might be challenging. Tuk-tuks can take you closer to the top.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a stroll around Kandy Lake, which is also family-friendly. The relatively short duration of a visit means it won't tire out little ones too much, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing in Kandy. The visual spectacle of the city from above can spark curiosity and conversation about geography and urban planning.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The sunset view, with the city lights coming alive, is particularly spectacular and highly sought after for capturing the essence of Kandy after dark. Experiment with different times of day to capture varied lighting conditions. Early mornings can offer a serene, misty atmosphere, while the golden hour before sunset provides warm, flattering light. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive panorama, and a tripod can be beneficial for low-light sunset shots. Be mindful of other visitors when setting up for photos, especially around the popular chair spot.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
This viewpoint offers a high-impact experience without a high cost, making it a perfect way to enjoy stunning scenery and capture memorable photos without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic way to see the beauty of Kandy from a different perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Kandy View Point
The primary draw of Arthur's Seat is its commanding view. From this elevated position, you can clearly see the shimmering expanse of Kandy Lake, the sacred and iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the undulating, emerald-green hills that cradle the city. This harmonious blend of natural scenery and cultural landmarks makes it a photographer's delight and a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Kandy. The viewpoint is often described as a window into the heart of the city, offering moments of peace and reflection.
Whether you visit during the soft glow of sunrise, the vibrant hues of sunset, or the gentle, misty atmosphere of early morning, Arthur's Seat promises a memorable experience. The changing light throughout the day dramatically alters the mood and appearance of the cityscape, offering unique perspectives at different times. It's more than just a viewpoint; it's a place to connect with the spirit of Kandy and appreciate its enduring charm.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
+1The best time for photography is undoubtedly sunset. As the sun descends, the city begins to illuminate, transforming the view into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights that resemble a starry sky. This magical transition from day to night offers a unique photographic opportunity, capturing both the natural beauty and the urban vibrancy of Kandy. Early mornings are also excellent, often presenting a softer light and a chance to capture the city shrouded in a gentle mist, adding an ethereal quality to your shots.
Beyond the iconic chair, the entire viewpoint offers numerous angles to capture the essence of Kandy. Experiment with wide-angle shots to encompass the full panorama, or focus on specific landmarks like the Temple of the Tooth. Remember to check local regulations if you plan to use a drone, as seen in some content capturing aerial views of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit