5 Things to do in Kandy with the Family – Hill Country Discoveries

An ancient forest that was once part of a royal reserve, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a wonderful place to explore with kids. You can look to take a tuk tuk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to this forest which offers a captivating day in nature. Since the forest is relatively small (compared to say Sinharajah) the routes are not that long either. Though not very well marked with signage, the routes are easy enough to follow and the sense of journeying into the heart of an enchanting forest is bound to bring a sense of adventure. Keep on the lookout for you have a chance of seeing animals too be it nervous mouse deer to wild boars that can be glimpsed scurrying through the trees.

The large body of water that can be found in the heart of the main town is known as Kandy Lake and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family. One of the foremost Kandy attractions, this idyllic lake has walkways or pavements going around it, while the massive trees that border the banks do provide ample shade; unfortunately, those very trees are frequented by crows as well so beware of the odd "blessings" from above! A lot of the time you have a chance to see everything from bird life to water monitors and even monkeys which will be great fun for the kids. If you happen to be staying close by at places like Senani Hotel you can easily look to enjoy your mornings and evenings by the Kandy Lake.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in the locale known as Peradeniya is the largest of its kind in the country and offers the perfect setting in which to enjoy a day out and even a picnic. Providing a tranquil escape away from the busy streets, this expansive garden area offers plenty of space for kids to run around and lots of spots to explore. From Burmese bamboo trees that tower over the ground to a suspension rope bridge, there is much to discover here. Top it off with a laidback picnic enjoying the peace and cooling greenery.

Witnessing a cultural show in Kandy can be great fun for the kids; such performances can involve everything from elaborate dancing to fire juggling. Traditional style Kandyan dancing is a treat to watch and the animated drummers and accompanying dancers who perform acrobatic jumps will no doubt have the little ones (and their parents!) truly captivated.

While it may not be an action-packed rollercoaster ride, the mini rollercoaster atop the modern shopping complex known as the Kandy City Centre does offer a fun time for kids. The ride itself is relatively short, but the view of the city from up high is great and little ones are bound to love doing something different when in Kandy.