Joanna James
The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy, is the jewel of the upcountry. Dotted with cultural sites, historic attractions, natural wonders, restaurants, and hotels, Kandy guarantees a memorable experience. If you are here for a short stay and want to know how you can make the most of that time, this guide is for you.
For the best experience, you should choose your accommodation wisely. There are three types of accommodation: budget, mid-range, and luxury. All deliver the best for the price you pay, so choose one based on your budget, and keep an eye out for vacation deals.
If you are, however, booking your vacation through a tour company like Walkers Tours, chances are your accommodation will be sorted for you. In Sri Lanka, vacations are as good as the accommodation you book, so do your research and find the best option for you.
December to April is the best time to visit Kandy. This period falls outside the two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, which means that you can spend most of your time exploring and visiting tourist attractions.
October to November is the worst time to visit Kandy; this is when the country experiences the ‘Maha’ monsoon. Trekking and hiking are not possible during this time, but accommodation rates hit rock bottom.
For a morning walk or an evening stroll, visit Kandy Lake. The surroundings are peaceful and photo worthy. If you are tired after your walk, you can pop into one of the small tea shops and enjoy a cup of Sri Lankan tea.
Located right opposite Kandy Lake is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. To Buddhists, this is the most important religious site in Sri Lanka as it houses Buddha’s tooth relic. Besides the tooth relic, the temple houses a variety of paintings and artefacts; there’s also a museum.
This is an absolute must-visit for every tourist visiting Kandy. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is the largest garden of its kind in the country. You can get here by tuk-tuk, and you need an hour or two to explore the garden.
Don’t forget to take pictures, and if you are visiting in the afternoon, make sure you take a bottle of water.
Kandy is one of the best places in the country to enjoy a traditional dance performance. If you head to Kandy Lake Club in the evening, you will bear witness to a Kandyan dance performance, which is one of the best the country has to offer.
Get here before 5.30 PM for the best seats.
Located at the top of a hill, Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a magnificent sight. There’s a staircase leading to the statue. From atop the hill, the views are amazing. For the best views, however, you should visit in the morning or evening.
From Colombo, you can get here by bus or train. You can also rent a car and drive all the way to Kandy. The journey will take about three to four hours.
Getting here by train is an experience in itself. The train journey takes place along a scenic route, and you will have many photo opportunities.
The weather in Kandy is milder than in other Sri Lankan cities, but the sun beats down hard in the afternoon. So, you definitely need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes as well.
Pack a couple of long-sleeved shirts, and you definitely need your camera. A backpack will come in handy if you are planning to explore the city.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
