Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, is a stunning city located in the central province of Sri Lanka. The city is known for its cultural and historical importance and is a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Kandy is also known for its natural beauty, with lush green hills, tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls. In this article, we will explore Kandy, Sri Lanka, and what makes it such a popular tourist destination.
Getting to Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy is located in the central province of Sri Lanka and is easily accessible by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital city. From there, tourists can take a taxi or a bus to Kandy, which is about 120 km away. Alternatively, tourists can take the train from Colombo to Kandy, which is a scenic journey that takes around three hours.
Attractions in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy has several attractions that are worth visiting, and some of them include.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and is located in the heart of Kandy. The temple houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is considered to be one of the most sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy is a beautiful garden that is spread over 147 acres. The garden has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including exotic plants, orchids, and palm trees.
Peradeniya University
The University of Peradeniya is one of the oldest universities in Sri Lanka and is located in Kandy. The university has a beautiful campus that is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to several faculties, including science, arts, and agriculture.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake is a beautiful lake located in the heart of Kandy, and it is surrounded by lush green trees and gardens. The lake was built in 1807 by the last king of Sri Lanka, and it is a popular spot for tourists to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana Mountain Range is a beautiful range of hills that surround Kandy, and it is a popular spot for hiking and trekking. The mountain range has several trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, and tourists can take a guided tour to explore the area.
Esala Perahera
The Esala Perahera is a grand procession that takes place in Kandy every year in July or August. The procession features elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers, and it is a colorful and vibrant event that attracts thousands of tourists.
Kandy Perehera
The Kandy Perehera is another grand procession that takes place in Kandy every year in August. The procession features the Temple of the Tooth Relic's sacred tooth relic, which is carried on a decorated elephant. The event is a celebration of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit for tourists.
Food and Drinks in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy has several restaurants and cafes that serve authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, and some of the popular dishes include:
Kottu Roti: Kottu Roti is a popular Sri Lankan street food that is made by chopping up roti bread, vegetables, and meat, and frying them with spices.
Hoppers: Hoppers are a popular Sri Lankan breakfast food that is made with rice flour and coconut milk. The batter is poured into a small wok-like pan and cooked until it forms a bowl-shaped pancake.
Curries: Sri Lankan curries are famous for their spicy and flavorful taste. Some of the popular curries in Kandy include chicken curry, fish curry, and vegetable curry.
Tea: Kandy is surrounded by tea plantations, and it is no surprise that Sri Lankan tea is a popular drink in Kandy. Tourists can visit tea factories and learn about the tea-making process or enjoy a cup of tea at a tea house.
Accommodations in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy has several accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular accommodations in Kandy include:
Luxury Hotels: Kandy has several luxury hotels that offer world-class amenities and services. Some of the popular luxury hotels include The Kandy House, Earl's Regent Hotel, and Amaya Hills.
Mid-Range Hotels: Kandy also has several mid-range hotels that offer comfortable accommodations and reasonable prices.
Budget Hotels and Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, Kandy has several budget hotels and hostels that offer basic amenities and affordable prices.
Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a beautiful and culturally rich city that is a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. From historical landmarks, natural beauty, cultural events, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations, Kandy has everything that tourists need to have an enjoyable and memorable trip. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Kandy has something for everyone, and it is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
Being an important and well-praised site among those of the Buddhist faith, Kandy is one of the favourites of our Sri Lanka tour packages. This historic city of majestic splendour will sweep you off your feet with its lush greenery and scenic mountain ranges. The mildly cool weather of the city refreshes you as you take a cheerful stroll through the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, appreciating its vibrant beauty. Home to a rich cultural heritage, Kandy will definitely provide you with a unique immersion into the local traditions, as you see the dancers dressed in colourful costumes with distinctive drums begin to perform the cultural dance, which is a unique and well-preserved aspect of Sri Lankan culture. After experiencing the mesmerising activities that the city has to offer, you will be spending the night in a Kandy hotel overlooking a magnificent city waiting to be explored. Kandy surely is a place that will be in your heart forever!
- Wake up to peacocks squawk early in the morning
- Try some mouth-watering fresh tropical fruits
- Checkout from the hotel
- Proceed to the city of Kandy
- En route visit Dambulla Golden Cave temple
- Take a part in Sri Lanka Spice Village Trip
- Enjoy a colourful Sri Lankan style village lunch
- Check in at a beautiful hotel in Kandy and relax
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Witness a Sri Lankan traditional cultural show
- Devour a Sri Lankan style grand dinner buffet
- Overnight stay and relax at the hotel in Kandy
- Accomodation: Mahaweli Reach (5 Star Hotel)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
- Travel Time: Dambulla to Kandy - 2 hours (approx.)
- Transfer Mode: Private Car (Air Conditioned)