Kandy

Asia

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Sri Lanka

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Kandy

The hidden city of Kandy, nestled in the mountains of Sri Lanka, offers unparalleled historical charm and natural beauty. Known as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka before falling into the hands of colonizers, Kandy exudes an unshakable cultural wealth. Not only does it possess a rich historical heritage, but the city also offers a range of attractions that make it worth exploring. One of its main attractions is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which serves as a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists worldwide. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, with its enchanting botanical gardens, also offers breathtaking views.

However, Kandy's allure is not confined to its historical sites. The bustling traditional market in the city center offers an unforgettable shopping experience, indulging visitors with unique local crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Kandyan dance, a traditional performance that dazzles with graceful movements and colorful costumes. Additionally, Kandy's cuisine, such as curry and hoppers, will treat your taste buds to authentic Sri Lankan flavors.

With its magnificent history, captivating natural beauty, and rich culture, Kandy offers more than just a tourist destination. The city is an unforgettable experience that invites you to deeply explore Sri Lanka's charm.

Travel Tips for Kandy

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Kandy

A guide to Kandy's local transportation

Bus

Train

Taxi

Here, bus types are divided into two options you can choose from:

Public bus: One-way ticket from Pettah station to Kandy (bus number 1) is around LKR 155 (approximately $0.50 USD). This is a non-AC service.

AC bus: One-way ticket for AC service to Kandy is around LKR 3,300 (approximately $9 USD).

Traveling by public bus generally takes more than 4 hours, is very crowded, and makes frequent stops. The departure times for AC buses from the central bus terminal Pettah to Kandy are: 00:15, 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00. The AC bus generally takes 4 hours for the 160 km journey. Tickets for bus number 1 from Colombo to Kandy can be purchased directly from the conductor on the bus, so there's no need to be purchased in advance.

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the local cuisine like in Kandy?

Kandy's cuisine reflects the rich flavors of Sri Lanka with its enticing curries, offering spicy and tangy variations such as Chilli fish curry and Devilled sweet and sour curry. Kottu Roti, a dish of fried and sliced bread, entices with its diverse blend of flavors. Meanwhile, Hoppers, delicious pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, can be enjoyed in sweet or savory versions. Hoppers with egg, served with onion and chili are a favorite choice, offering a satisfying and varied culinary experience.

How long should I plan to stay in Kandy to explore the main attractions?

To explore the main attractions in Kandy, it is recommended to plan a stay for 3-4 days. During this period, you can engage in rich cultural experiences, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, enjoy traditional dance performances, explore the enchanting botanical gardens, and wander through markets to find unique items. This time allows you to experience the city's historical charm, explore the natural beauty of its surroundings, and savor the typical cuisine of Kandy.

Are there any traditional dance performances in Kandy, and where can I watch them?

In Kandy, you can enjoy captivating traditional dance performances, one of which is the Kandyan dance. Dance performances are often held at various locations in the city, including the Kandy Lake Club, near Kandy Lake.

What is the best time to visit Kandy?

The dry season, which lasts from January to April, is characterized by minimal rainfall and, more importantly, low humidity levels. This combination creates a very favorable time to visit the island and enjoy all its aspects, such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the city. Temperatures can range between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.

How is the weather in Kandy during the monsoon season?

During the monsoon season in Kandy, the weather tends to be humid and heavy rain often occurs. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, namely the Yala Monsoon Season occurring from May to September with lighter rain, and the Maha Monsoon Season occurring from October to December with heavier rain.