Kandy
Kandy is a scenic city nestled in the hills of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is the second-largest city in the country and holds immense cultural and historical significance. Kandy served as the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is renowned for its rich heritage, religious sites, and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
Kandy, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with relatively stable temperatures throughout the year, ranging between 18°C and 30°C (64°F and 86°F). However, the city experiences two monsoon seasons, which can significantly influence the timing of your visit.
The best time to visit Kandy generally falls between December to April when the weather is mostly dry and sunny. This is considered the peak season, where you can enjoy exploring the city, including the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the Royal Botanical Gardens, under pleasant weather conditions.
December - April: This is the dry season in Kandy. The weather is typically warm and sunny, and this is a great time for outdoor activities such as visiting the botanical gardens, exploring the city's temples, and going on hikes in the surrounding countryside.
May - August: This period marks the start of the Yala Monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall to Kandy and the southwestern part of the country. However, rainfall usually occurs in the afternoon and evening, leaving mornings for sightseeing. Moreover, the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants, typically takes place in July or August. Despite the potential for rain, many travelers still visit during this time to witness this magnificent event.
September - November: This period is considered the inter-monsoon season, where thunderstorm-type rain can occur across the island, but usually, these are short and intense, rather than lasting all day. Some travelers prefer this time as the city is less crowded, and the landscapes are lush and green after the monsoons.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Kandy, depending on where you're coming from. Here are a few common options:
From Colombo: Kandy is about 115 kilometers away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
By Car or Taxi: The drive takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic. You can hire a private vehicle or take a taxi from Colombo.
By Train: The train ride from Colombo to Kandy is scenic and enjoyable, taking about 2.5-3.5 hours. There are several trains per day, but it's recommended to book in advance, especially for the observation car or first-class tickets.
By Bus: Regular buses from Colombo's Central Bus Stand run to Kandy. It's an inexpensive option but can be crowded and less comfortable, especially during peak hours. The journey takes around 3-4 hours.
From Bandaranaike International Airport: Kandy is approximately 104 kilometers from the airport.
By Car or Taxi: Taxis or private transfers can be arranged from the airport directly to Kandy, and it takes about 3-4 hours.
By Bus: There is no direct public bus from the airport to Kandy. However, you can take a bus or taxi to Colombo and then proceed to Kandy by bus or train.
From Other Cities in Sri Lanka: If you're coming from other parts of Sri Lanka like Galle or Anuradhapura, the most common way to get to Kandy is by road, either by bus or private vehicle.
How to get Around
Once you arrive in Kandy, there are several ways to get around the city and explore its many attractions:
Walking: Kandy's city center is relatively compact, and many attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the local markets are within walking distance of each other.
Tuk-Tuk (Auto-rickshaw): Tuk-tuks are a quick and convenient way to get around Kandy, especially for short distances. Always negotiate the price before starting your journey. Some drivers might also act as informal guides, taking you to various points of interest.
Taxi: Taxis can be hired for trips within the city or for day trips to attractions located outside the city center. You can ask your hotel to arrange one for you, or use a ride-hailing app like PickMe (popular in Sri Lanka).
Buses: Public buses are an inexpensive way to get around, but they can be crowded and might not be as convenient if you're not familiar with the routes. Buses can also take you to attractions located further afield, like the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens.
Bicycle Rental: If you're up for a bit of physical activity, consider renting a bicycle. This can be a fun way to explore the city, especially the area around Kandy Lake. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy and the city is hilly.
Private Car Hire: If you prefer comfort and convenience, consider hiring a private car with a driver for the duration of your stay. This gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Train: For trips to destinations further afield like Nuwara Eliya or Ella, consider taking the train. The journey offers some of the most scenic views in Sri Lanka.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Top 10 Attractions in Kandy
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and unique cultural heritage. Here are some of the top attractions you should consider visiting:
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): This is the most famous landmark in Kandy and one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. It is believed to house the tooth of the Buddha. The temple complex is a mix of Sri Lankan, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Just outside Kandy, these stunning gardens are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including a remarkable collection of orchids.
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda): This artificial lake in the heart of Kandy offers a peaceful escape. A walk around the lake at sunset is highly recommended.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve: Located on a hill ridge in the city, this forest reserve is great for a peaceful hike amidst nature. It's home to many species of birds and monkeys.
Kandy City Centre: A modern commercial and shopping complex where you can shop, dine, or just enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre: Here, you can watch traditional Kandyan dance performances and also buy local handicrafts.
National Museum Kandy: Located next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it showcases artifacts from the Kandyan era (17th–19th century), providing an understanding of the city's rich history and culture.
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue: A massive Buddha statue overlooking Kandy. You can climb up to the statue for a panoramic view of the city.
Commonwealth War Cemetery: A well-maintained cemetery that serves as the final resting place for soldiers from the British Commonwealth who died during World War II.
Gadaladeniya Temple: Located a short drive from Kandy, this ancient Buddhist temple offers a glimpse of the Sinhalese architecture of the Gampola era.
Top 10 Activities to do in Kandy
Kandy offers a variety of activities catering to diverse interests. Here are some top activities to do when you're in Kandy:
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Witness the evening 'Thevava' ceremony, which includes drumming, dancing, and the revealing of the shrine room where the Tooth Relic is stored.
Stroll Around Kandy Lake: Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake in the city center, and enjoy the beautiful and serene environment.
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Spend a day in this expansive garden, home to an impressive collection of orchids, a palm avenue, and an enormous Javan fig tree.
Hiking in Udawattakele Forest Reserve: Explore the nature reserve, spotting diverse flora, fauna, and bird species, and get a great view of Kandy city from above.
Attend a Kandyan Dance Performance: Visit the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre to experience traditional Kandyan dance and music.
Visit the National Museum Kandy: Learn about the rich history and culture of the Kandyan era through artifacts and exhibits at the museum.
Cooking Class and Market Tour: Take part in a cooking class and market tour to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine, its spices, and cooking techniques.
White Water Rafting and Adventure Sports: If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can head to Kitulgala, about two hours from Kandy, for white-water rafting, trekking, bird watching, and more.
Train Ride to Ella or Nuwara Eliya: Experience one of the world's most scenic train rides from Kandy to Ella or Nuwara Eliya, winding through lush green hills and tea plantations.
Visit Tea Plantations and Factories: Tour a tea plantation and factory in the surrounding highlands to learn about the tea-making process and taste some of the world's finest tea.
Best Shopping
Shopping in Kandy provides an excellent opportunity to buy a wide variety of Sri Lankan goods, from spices and tea to handicrafts and gems. Here are some popular places to shop in Kandy:
Kandy City Centre: This is a modern, air-conditioned shopping complex in the heart of Kandy. It's home to various shops selling clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and more. It also has a food court offering a range of dining options.
Kandy Central Market: For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the Kandy Central Market. Here, you can find local produce, fresh spices, traditional Sri Lankan sweets, and more. It's a bustling, colorful place to explore and experience local life.
Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre: This is a great place to buy authentic Sri Lankan handicrafts. You can find beautiful wood carvings, batik textiles, brass works, silver jewelry, and other handcrafted items. It's an excellent place to find souvenirs or gifts.
Jayamali Batiks Studio: If you're interested in batik, visit the Jayamali Batiks Studio. They sell beautiful batik items, from clothing to wall hangings, all hand-made with unique designs.
Waruna Antiques: This is a unique antique shop that sells a variety of old and new items, from jewelry to artifacts. It's a fascinating place to browse, even if you're not planning to buy anything.
Tea Shops: Kandy is surrounded by tea plantations, and there are many shops in the city where you can buy high-quality Ceylon tea. Some popular ones are Mlesna Tea Centre and the Tea Lounge by Dilmah.
Gem Lapidary: Sri Lanka is known for its precious stones. There are several lapidaries in Kandy where you can watch gem-cutting and polishing and purchase gemstones if you wish. Be sure to research and choose a reputable dealer if you're interested in buying.
Remember to haggle when shopping at markets and smaller shops, as it's a common practice in Sri Lanka. However, prices at shopping centers and larger stores are usually fixed. As always, it's best to compare prices before making a purchase, especially for more expensive items like gems.
Entertainment & Nightlife
As the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy has a slightly quieter nightlife compared to the larger cities like Colombo, but there's still plenty to do once the sun goes down:
Cultural Shows: The most popular evening activity in Kandy is to attend a traditional Kandyan dance and music show. These shows usually take place daily and are held at several locations, including the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre and the Red Cross Society auditorium.
Dining: There are many restaurants and cafes in Kandy serving a variety of cuisines. The Empire Café, near the Temple of the Tooth, is a popular spot, as is the slightly more upscale Royal Bar & Hotel. Many restaurants also offer beautiful views of Kandy Lake.
Bars and Pubs: While Kandy isn't known for its nightlife, there are a few bars and pubs where you can relax and enjoy a drink. The Pub is a popular expat hangout, and the Royal Bar offers a colonial ambiance.
Night Markets: Occasionally, night markets pop up in Kandy, offering a wide range of items for sale, from food to handicrafts. The Kandy City Centre also stays open late and can be a great place to shop and eat in the evening.
Lake Round Walks: The scenic path around Kandy Lake is well-lit and makes for a peaceful evening stroll, offering beautiful views of the Temple of the Tooth and the city lights.
Movies: Kandy City Centre has a cinema that screens the latest international films. Watching a movie can be a nice way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Local Cuisine
The cuisine in Kandy, like the rest of Sri Lanka, is an exciting mix of flavors influenced by Indian, Arab, and Malay cuisines. Here are some traditional dishes and local treats you might encounter in Kandy:
Rice and Curry: The staple meal, which typically includes a mound of rice surrounded by various curries and side dishes. These could include dhal (lentil curry), pol sambol (coconut relish), and a variety of vegetable and meat curries.
Kottu Roti: A popular Sri Lankan street food, made by stir-frying chopped flatbread (roti) with vegetables, eggs, and/or meat.
Hoppers (Appa): A kind of pancake with a thick, soft center and crispy edges, often eaten with a fried egg inside (egg hopper) or with coconut sambol and seeni sambol (a sweet, spicy onion relish).
String Hoppers (Idiyappam): These are small, steamed rice noodles shaped like a small pancake. They're typically served for breakfast or dinner with curries and sambols.
Lamprais: Originally from the Dutch Burgher community, this is a fragrant dish of rice, meat curry, two frikkadels (meatballs), ash plantain curry, and sambol, all wrapped up in a banana leaf and baked.
Watalappan: A rich, spiced custard made with coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. This dessert is particularly popular among the Sri Lankan Muslim community.
Curd and Treacle: This is a popular dessert made from buffalo curd served with a generous pour of kithul treacle, a sweet syrup made from the sap of the kithul palm.
Street food in Sri Lanka is also a delight for food enthusiasts. Stalls sell snacks like vegetable rotis, samosas, and various sweets. Remember, the local food can be quite spicy, so you may want to ask for less spice if you have a milder palate. In terms of drinks, don't miss out on trying the famous Ceylon tea.
Accommodations
The best areas to stay in Kandy depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the activities you plan to do. Here are a few options:
Kandy City Centre: This is the heart of Kandy, close to many of the city's main attractions including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, and the Royal Palace Park. Staying in the city centre is convenient as many restaurants, shops, and cultural shows are within walking distance.
Aniwatte & Hantana: These are residential areas located on hills surrounding Kandy. They offer a quieter environment with some stunning views over Kandy and the surrounding countryside. Several boutique hotels and guesthouses are located here.
Peradeniya: This area is located a bit outside of Kandy city, but it's a good location if you're planning to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is one of Kandy's main attractions. There are also a few accommodations here that are close to the University of Peradeniya.
Katugastota: North of the city centre, Katugastota is another good option. It's close enough to the city for convenience but far enough away to escape the noise and traffic.
Digana & Kundasale: East of Kandy, these suburbs are closer to the Victoria Golf Club and Victoria Reservoir, and offer a peaceful atmosphere away from the city hustle.
