bigtravelbuzzSri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, is surrounded by mountains and tea plantations. Kandy, three hours away from the capital Colombo, is a popular city for travelers who want to spend a day or two visiting the colonial buildings and religious sites. Most guidebooks list the city of Kandy as the main attraction, but the rainforest region has other notable attractions outside the city.
Things to do in Kandy
Apart from Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, it is also famous for its religious sites and spectacular train journeys. This is where Kandy’s role in Sri Lanka’s itinerary comes into play, both as the gateway to his one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys and as host of various cultural exhibitions.
- Visit Kandy Botanical Gardens
The Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens is a gathering place for people of all ages, especially on weekends. The garden is famous for its myriad (over 4000) species of plants and trees. A 15-minute drive west of Kandy, it’s the perfect place to escape the city. Take a stroll through the extensive gardens, grab a towel and lounge on the lawn or enjoy a drink at the café.
Admission fee:
LKR 2,000 (USD 10) – Expensive, but worth it if you spend a few hours there.
- Kandy streets
The streets of central Kandy are filled with old colonial buildings and food stalls. Depart from the Temple of the Tooth, stroll through ancient streets, and enjoy a fresh coconut from one of the colorful fruit stalls. Tips:
Don’t forget to look up to see the beauty of the historic building! - Day trip to Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a wonderful area about 3 hours drive from Kandy. He is one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to Lion His Rock, a must-see in Sri Lanka. Shishiiwa is a huge rock measuring 200 meters square that towers over the area.
One of the best ways to experience this natural phenomenon is to hike to the summit at sunrise. For this reason, we recommend spending the night in nearby Sigiriya or Habarana.
Tips:
Located opposite Sigiriya Rock, Pidurandhura is a great place to avoid the crowds at sunrise. You can see Sigiriya Rock directly as well as the same panoramic view as Sigiriya.
- Tooth Temple, Candy
The Tooth Relic Temple, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a beautiful golden-roofed Buddhist temple in the heart of Kandy. Plan your visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and see the legendary Buddha Tooth Relic (yes, a real Buddha!). No expense has been spared to protect the tooth, which is encased in some golden case encrusted with jewels.
In addition to its religious reputation as one of the most important shrines in Buddhism, this temple is a must-see for its beautiful interior.
Tips:
You don’t need a guide to enter the building, but the guide at the front desk does not.
- Stay at a rainforest resort
Kandy is truely beautiful because of nature and luxury. The nearby rainforest has a variety of resorts with pools overlooking the forest. Aarunya Resort is a sustainable nature reserve set within a 7-hectare plantation, harvesting fresh produce for its on-site restaurant. Your true Sri Lankan dining experience is without a doubt he one of the best Sri Lankan dishes. 6. Do not visit elephant orphanages
Visiting an elephant orphanage is very popular in Kandy, but it is not always a good activity. You might think that these facilities care for animals (which is partly true), but animals are more for entertainment than care. Here’s what you need to know about wildlife tourism and better alternatives.
Several animal groups, such as Born Free, have written about this, stating that these examples of animal activity are always prohibited. 7. Drive up the hill and visit the Kandy Buddha statue
Buddha Statue Bahirabokanda Vihara is the largest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. This 88-foot-tall statue is perched on Kandy Hills in the shadow of the Knuckles Range. The summit is easily reached by car or motorbike, and a short climb offers panoramic views of the city.
Eighth. Kandy Lake
Take a stroll around the tranquil Kandy Lake. It is centrally located and considered the heart and soul of the city for its undeniable beauty. In the middle of the lake is a small island with some palm trees, recognized as one of Kandy’s iconic scenes and featured on many postcards.
Tips:
When approaching the Tooth Temple, do not buy tickets from strangers on the street as all the scams of Sri Lanka happens in Kandy only.
- Train from Kandy to Ella
Kandy is his starting point for one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. A breathtaking 4-7 hour journey through the hills of tea plantations is a must on your Sri Lankan itinerary. Feel the breeze on your hair and skin as you dangle your legs in front of the open train door. It’s an exhilarating experience that allows you to see nature like never before.
Options and prices:
Nuwara Eliya is a 4 hour drive and Ella is a 7 hour drive. Tickets cost around 400 LKR, depending on class and destination.
Transportation to Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy is strategically located between all major attractions. The railway station connects the Central Highlands with Jaffna in the north, Trincomalee in the east and the capital Colombo. Option 1:
It takes 2.5 hours by train from Kandy to Colombo. Buy a ticket from Colombo to Kandy
Option 2:
It takes 3-4 hours from Colombo by direct bus or taxi.
Accommodation in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy has plenty of budget hostels and hotels. Stay in the city center and explore easily. Or stay on the hill and opt for tranquility.
Best restaurants in Kandy
As a popular travel center, Kandy has a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines. The incredible flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine are well preserved, Western recipes are introduced, and with a wonderful blend of East and West, Kandy has something for everyone. .These are our favorites:
Buono
banana chill
Vito oven-baked pizza
Indian summer