Kandy - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Kandy

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kandy, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kandy and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kandy, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Kandy for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kandy

Kandy is a city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most important cultural and religious centers of the country. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a significant Buddhist temple that houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. The city is surrounded by lush green forests and tea plantations, providing stunning natural scenery. Kandy is also renowned for its vibrant festivals, such as the Esala Perahera, where thousands of dancers, drummers, and elephants parade through the city streets. The climate in Kandy is generally cool and pleasant, making it an ideal destination to visit throughout the year.

What to visit in Kandy

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kandy, Sri Lanka with some information about each of them: 1. Temple of the Tooth: This is one of the most famous and sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and is home to a tooth relic of the Buddha. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and attracts tourists from all over the world.
2. Kandy Lake: This man-made lake is located at the heart of Kandy and was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It is a beautiful spot to walk around and relax, with stunning views of the hills surrounding Kandy.
3. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: These gardens are over 150 years old and are home to over 4000 species of plants and trees. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the gardens, which are spread over nearly 150 acres.
4. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue: This is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, standing at 88 feet tall. Visitors can climb up the hill to get a closer look at the statue and enjoy panoramic views of Kandy.
5. Kandy View Point: This spot offers panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding hills. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the sunset.
6. Udawattakele Forest Reserve: This is a lush forest reserve located just outside of Kandy and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Visitors can go on guided nature walks to explore the forest.
7. Kandy Cultural Show: This cultural show features traditional Sri Lankan dances, music, and costumes. It is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions. I hope this helps you plan your trip to Kandy!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Kandy.

When to go on holiday to Kandy

Kandy is a popular destination in Sri Lanka that can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to go on holiday to Kandy is from December to April, which is the dry season. During this time, you can expect warm and sunny weather perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring the botanical gardens, visiting the temple of the Tooth Relic, and hiking in the surrounding hills. The temperatures during these months hover around 25°C (77°F), making it an ideal climate for most travelers. If you are looking to save money or avoid crowds, then the monsoon season (May to September) can be a good time to visit Kandy, but be prepared for higher rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kandy

There are several ways to get to Kandy, Sri Lanka. Here are some options: 1. By train: The train is a popular and scenic way to reach Kandy from Colombo. You can take the train from Colombo Fort station to Kandy station, which takes around 2-3 hours. The train ride offers stunning scenic views of the countryside.
2. By bus: There are bus services from Colombo to Kandy, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. You can catch a bus from the Colombo Central Bus Stand or the Pettah Bus Station.
3. By taxi: You can hire a taxi from Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport to Kandy. The journey takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic.
4. By private car: You can hire a private car with a driver to take you to Kandy. This option gives you more flexibility and allows you to stop at scenic places on the way. Whatever option you choose, make sure to check the schedules and prices beforehand and plan your route accordingly.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kandy, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kandy

Sure, here are some typical foods of Kandy, Sri Lanka with a short description for each of them: 1. Kandyan Chicken Curry - A spicy and flavorful chicken curry made with an array of spices, coconut milk, and tamarind. It is usually eaten with rice or roti.
2. Kiribath - A traditional Sri Lankan dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk. It is served in slices and typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
3. Parippu Curry - A lentil-based curry made with red lentils, coconut milk, and spices. It is usually served with rice, roti, or bread.
4. Pol Sambol - A spicy coconut relish made with grated coconut, red onions, chili, and lime. It is often served with rice, bread, or as a side dish.
5. Pittu - A steamed cylindrical rice and coconut mixture, often served for breakfast with curry, dhal, or coconut sambol.
6. Watalappan - A sweet dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, and spices such as cardamon. It's similar to flan or crème caramel.
7. Ambulthiyal - A sour fish curry made with a souring agent called Goraka, which gives it a distinct tangy taste. The fish is usually marinated with spices before cooking in a clay pot.
8. Gotu Kola Salad - A salad made with Gotu Kola leaves (a type of herb), grated coconut, onions, and chili. It is typically served as a side dish.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Kandy an expensive destination for tourists?

Kandy can be considered as a mid-range to expensive destination for tourists. Costs can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, type of accommodation, and activities you plan to do. However, generally speaking, Sri Lanka is a relatively affordable destination in comparison to other popular tourist destinations. In Kandy, you can find budget-friendly accommodations as well as luxurious resorts, and food and transportation costs are also reasonably priced. Attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens, and cultural shows may have entrance fees, but they are usually not too expensive. Overall, while Kandy may be more expensive than other places in Sri Lanka, it is still possible to have an enjoyable trip without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Kandy

For visiting Kandy, the best areas to find accommodation are around Kandy Lake, Kandy Central, Heerassagala, Katugastota, and Peradeniya. These areas are close to popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops. They offer a variety of accommodation options such as hotels, guesthouses, and homestays to suit different budgets and preferences.
You can check hotel prices at Kandy here:
Booking.com

Is Kandy a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Kandy is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any area, it is important to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or wearing flashy jewelry in public. Additionally, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and to avoid any areas that may appear unsafe or unfamiliar to you. Overall, Kandy is a popular tourist destination, and the local authorities take measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kandy.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kandy the most?

Kandy, Sri Lanka is a great destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Here are some reasons why: - Couples will love the romantic atmosphere of the city, with its beautiful botanical gardens, picturesque lake, and stunning views of the hills. They can enjoy a romantic walk around the lake or a visit to the stunning Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka.
- Young people looking for fun will enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Kandy, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. They can also explore the surrounding countryside on a bike or hike, or take part in adventure activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, or trekking.
- Families will enjoy the many family-friendly attractions in Kandy, such as the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the Kandy Garrison Cemetery, or the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. They can also take a train ride through the hills or visit a tea plantation to learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
Overall, Kandy is a great destination for all types of travelers, with plenty to see and do for everyone.

How to get around Kandy

There are several transportation options to move around Kandy in Sri Lanka: 1. Tuk-tuks - These are three-wheeled vehicles that are commonly used for short distances. They are easily available throughout the city.
2. Buses - Public buses are a cheap option for getting around Kandy but can be crowded and uncomfortable.
3. Private taxis - You can also hire a private taxi to get around Kandy. Notably, the best way to visit attractions outside of the city like Sigiriya or Dambulla is to book a private taxi.
4. Walking - Kandy is not a large city. Most sites are within walking distance, so this could be a good option if you like to explore the city on foot.
5. Train - Kandy is easily accessible by train, and many travelers prefer to see the city's highlights by train. However, train service is limited, and rail tickets can be hard to come by.

What to see around Kandy

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Kandy: 1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress located in the northern region of Sri Lanka.
2. Dambulla Cave Temple - Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern region of Sri Lanka with remarkable cave temples.
3. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - An elephant orphanage situated in the town of Pinnawala, which is about an hour away from Kandy.
4. Nuwara Eliya - A hill country town with pleasant weather, tea plantations and British colonial architecture.
5. Adam's Peak - A sacred mountain peak located in the southern region of Sri Lanka, which requires a bit of a journey but is worth it for the stunning views.
6. Kitulgala - A small town known for adventure sports such as white water rafting, which is only a couple of hours drive from Kandy.
7. Horton Plains National Park - A wildlife reserve with splendid views and diverse wildlife, including the world-famous World's End.
8. Kandy Botanical Gardens - A beautiful garden located within the city of Kandy that offers a variety of botanical marvels.
I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Sri Lanka you can click here.

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