Travel Guide of Kandy in Sri Lanka by Influencers and Travelers
Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Historically the local Buddhist rulers resisted Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial expansion and occupation.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Kandy
TRAVELERS TOP 9 :
1 - Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
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2 - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
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3 - Safaris in Kandy
We'll start by 11.30AM in the morning from where you staying in Kandy. Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will shift to an open concept 4×4 safari jeep and will reach the Kaudulla, Minneriya or Hurulu eco national park (based on the transitioning behavior of wildlife creatures) where the largest elephant gatherings are happening in Sri Lanka. Spotting them near the lake will be one of the most interesting highlights of your Sri Lanka trip. Other than that there are other wildlife creatures such as endemic Sri Lankan Sambar Deers, Axis deers, 02 types of endemic monkeys, wide range of birds and the list goes on. Our trekker will direct you to the spots where you can spot these creatures. Evening Snacks will be provided during the safari experience. In the end, we will drop you to Trincomalee, Niaveli and along the memories grabbed throughout the day.
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4 - Nuwara Eliya
26 km away
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is at an altitude of 1,868 m and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate – the coolest area in Sri Lanka.
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5 - Meemure
28 km away
Meemure is a village with a population of about 420 people living in it It is located near the border between Kandy District and Matale District in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
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6 - Archaeology Tours in Kandy
Enjoy a relaxing, and comfortable private transfer, both professional English guiding & safe driving by Buddhika Highlights • Visit Sigiriya rock fortress with king palace, a UNESCO world heritage site • Village tour with lunch • Explore the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka
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7 - Mountain Bike Tours in Kandy
This is an exclusive mountain biking experience offered only by us. We provide best bikes in Sri Lanka and our trails are very unique. we will be riding through gravel and concrete roads, forest covers abundant plantations. We will be visiting a panoramic view point near a lake.
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8 - Camping in Kandy
Knuckles is a world heritage forest in Sri Lanka and it offers magnificent views and harbors many species endemic to this forest range.Hiking in this World heritage Knuckles mountain range will be an experience of a lifetime. To name few of the animals endemic to this range: Crestless Lizard (Calotes Leocephalus), Pigmy Lizard (Cophotis ceylonica) and Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptus Wiegmanni) and are leaf nose lizard (Ceretophora Tennennti). On the ther hand it has many waterfalls and mountain peaks to climb and explore. Knuckles range is home to no less than 200 bird species. Fifteen of these species are endemic to Sri Lanka, they are: Spot Wing thrush, Sri Lankan blue magpie Jungle fowl, Yellow-fronted barbet, small barbet, Sri Lankan warbler, White faced starling, Sri Lanka white-eye, Black headed bulbul, Yellow eared bulbul, dusk blue flycatcher, brown capped babbler and Layard’s parakeet.
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9 - Climbing in Kandy
Experience the thrill of 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids along the Kelaniya river of Sri Lanka and then trek to to the famous Katarangala streams to find yourself sliding down streams and jumping off rocks!
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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Kandy here
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Pictures and Stories of Kandy from Influencers
6 pictures of Kandy from Alex Azabache, Andreas Wagner, Kavan Siridemuni and other travelers
- Walking down a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Alex Azabache | ©Unsplash
- Sunset from the mountains ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Kavan Siridemuni | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Kandy ?
Travel to Kandy if you like:
🏰 Temple 🐾 Wildlife ⛰️ Hill station 🌲 Nature reserve 🏖️ Beach ⛰️ CliffHow to visit Kandy ?
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the island nation. The city is home to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth of the Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Other attractions include the picturesque Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the annual Esala Perahera festival.
To get to Kandy, you can take a train or bus from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The train ride is particularly scenic and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, while the bus ride is slightly shorter but less comfortable. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or rent a car to drive to Kandy, which takes around 3 hours.
It is advisable to book tickets for the train journey in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. You can book tickets online or at the Colombo railway station. If you plan to visit during the Esala Perahera festival (usually in July or August), make sure to book accommodations and tickets for festival events well in advance, as they can be in high demand.
The costs in Kandy are generally affordable, with accommodations and food being inexpensive compared to Western standards. Entrance fees for attractions such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens range from $10 to $15.
Some of the best things to do in Kandy include visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, strolling around Kandy Lake, exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens, and attending a traditional Kandyan dance performance. You can also visit the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, which offers panoramic views of the city.
For dining options, consider trying local Sri Lankan cuisine at restaurants like Balaji Dosai for delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes, or Sharon Inn for traditional rice and curry dishes. For a more international fare, head to Café Aroma Inn, which offers a range of Western and Asian dishes.
When it comes to accommodations, there are several budget-friendly options such as Kandy City Hostel and Clock Inn Kandy. For a more luxurious stay, consider booking a room at the Earl's Regency Hotel or the OZO Kandy.
Off the beaten path: If you're looking for an unusual travel experience in Kandy, consider visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum, located a short drive away from the city center. The museum is housed in a former tea factory and offers a fascinating insight into the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the museum, which includes a tea tasting session at the end. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is trekking through the Udawattekele Sanctuary, a lush forest reserve located behind the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This serene escape from the city bustle is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as several Buddhist meditation hermitages.
Where to Stay in Kandy
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More Travel spots to explore around Kandy
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🗼 Landmark spots ⛰️ Hill station spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏰 Temple spots 🐾 Wildlife spotsTravel map of Kandy
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