Are you planning a visit to Sri Lanka? The town of Kandy should absolutely be in your bucket listing because it is among the most fascinating locations within the nation.
UNESCO has listed Kandy amongst the world heritage websites, and the complete metropolis is constructed round Kandy Lake. Sounds attention-grabbing, proper? In case you’re touring round Sri Lanka, 2 days in Kandy is sufficient to cowl the highlights.
Kandy was additionally the outdated capital of Sri Lanka earlier than Colombo. I’m glad I visited Kandy after I travelled to Sri Lanka because it gave me a completely totally different expertise. I spent two days there, which I really feel is greater than sufficient to discover many of the locations and expertise their native tradition. In case you’re brief on time, you possibly can plan your journey for 2 days and nonetheless uncover many of the components of town. When you have time, discover the Ella to Kandy train (or vice versa) – it’s unimaginable!
So, right here’s how I spent my days on this lovely metropolis.
How I Explored Kandy in 2 Days
There are two methods by which you’ll discover town, both rent a taxi or a tuk-tuk. I felt this is among the finest methods to work together with the locals since they provide you extra details about the place you’re visiting. A few of the locations we visited on our arrival since we had employed a cab from Colombo to Kandy. It price us round 5000 LKR for the complete journey.
The following day, I employed a tuk-tuk for about 6 hours per day and it price me roughly 2500 LKR. The taxi prices virtually double the quantity of the tuk-tuk, however it all is dependent upon your bargaining expertise. I personally most popular exploring town by tuk-tuk because it provides me that feeling of being part of town as a substitute of a traveller.
Additionally, it’s extra enjoyable and cost-effective!
The place to Keep in Kandy
There are quite a few locations to remain in Kandy relying in your finances. In case you’re in search of bigger inns or among the best ones, they’re largely close to town centre. However in case you’re on a finances, you’ll discover inns and even hostels which might be positioned close to Kandy Lake.
I truly stayed at a phenomenal resort, Amaya Hills, which, not surprisingly, is on a hilltop a ways away from town. You possibly can rent a taxi or a tuk-tuk to succeed in the lodge you want to keep in. It wouldn’t price you a lot. I’ve just a few suggestions of inns for each sort of finances in case you need to contemplate them.
1. Funds inns
Feel Home is among the finest choices in case you’re on a finances. It’s positioned inside 2.8 km of Kandy railway station and three.5 km of Bogambara Stadium in Kandy and lodging consists of air con, a toaster, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. It has a comfy homestay really feel, however with sufficient privateness.
Get pleasure from a full English/Irish and Asian breakfast choices with heat dishes, fruits and juice. There’s additionally an on-site lounge, and a grocery supply service and packed lunches are additionally accessible upon request.
Many Journey Dudes vacationers have booked to remain at Feel Home in Kandy!
2. Mid-range inns
In case you’re in search of a extra comfy stick with just a few extra facilities, you possibly can contemplate mid-range inns like Hotel Lakefield and Mount Blue Kandy.
With a picturesque terrace inviting you to unwind, Hotel Lakefield is your gateway to the center of Kandy’s cultural treasures. Immerse your self within the metropolis’s vibrant power, simply moments away from landmarks like Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy Museum, and the scenic Kandy View Level.
At Resort Lakefield, hospitality takes heart stage. From personalised room service to a devoted tour desk, each element is thoughtfully curated to raise your keep. Retreat to rooms designed for each consolation and magnificence, every that includes a non-public balcony, a rejuvenating bathe, and complimentary toiletries. Keep seamlessly related with complimentary WiFi, and bask in trendy comforts like air con and a flat-screen TV.
Embark on an expensive escape within the coronary heart of Kandy at Mount Blue Kandy. This 4-star gem presents air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and complimentary personal parking, setting the stage for a seamless mix of opulence and comfort. Enjoy breathtaking river views from each room, indulge within the outside swimming pool, and discover the plush backyard—a sanctuary that goes past conventional lodging.
At Mount Blue Kandy, every room is a haven of consolation and class, that includes mountain-view balconies, personal loos, flat-screen TVs, and security deposit bins. Whether or not you’re unwinding by the pool or venturing into town, this city retreat ensures a memorable stick with airport transfers and a handy automobile rental service. Elevate your Kandy expertise at Mount Blue—the place each second is a chance to immerse your self in luxurious and tranquility.
3. Luxurious inns
In case you love staying at luxurious inns, among the finest ones are Kings Pavilion and The Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge.
Take pleasure in a regal expertise at Kings Pavilion, the place world-class service takes heart stage. This beautiful Kandy retreat not solely boasts free WiFi but additionally treats friends to a year-round outside pool, transcending the extraordinary to create an unforgettable keep. Immerse your self within the lap of luxurious as you discover the lodge’s barbecue and solar terrace, savor delectable meals on the on-site restaurant, or unwind with a drink on the trendy bar. Plus, relaxation straightforward with complimentary personal parking accessible on-site.
Every room at Kings Pavilion is a sanctuary of consolation and magnificence, that includes a flat-screen TV to your leisure. Choose items go above and past with cozy seating areas, providing the right spot to loosen up and luxuriate in a cup of tea whereas taking in breathtaking views of the mountains or the inviting pool. The personal loos are adorned with considerate extras, together with plush slippers and complimentary toiletries, guaranteeing your keep is nothing wanting indulgent. At Kings Pavilion, each element is crafted to raise your expertise, making your go to greater than only a keep—it’s a celebration of unparalleled luxurious.
Embark on a journey of unparalleled hospitality at The Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, nestled amidst the picturesque expanse of rolling inexperienced hills and the enchanting Madulkelle Tea Property. Immerse your self in a novel expertise with well-appointed tents that includes a terrace, inviting seating space, and en suite loos the place cold and hot water flows seamlessly. Keep related with wired web entry as you soak within the tranquility of this nature-infused haven.
This serene retreat, only a 15-minute stroll from the fascinating Hatale Waterfalls, presents a sanctuary away from town bustle. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Knuckles Mountain Vary, with a mere 40-minute drive. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge transcend standard stays, inviting friends to bask within the outside pool’s embrace or interact in personalised experiences crafted by the pleasant workers—whether or not it’s a comfortable campfire underneath the celebrities or an illuminating go to to the close by tea manufacturing unit. For the adventurous souls, embark on invigorating treks and curated day journeys, creating reminiscences that echo the distinctive rhythm of Madulkelle’s pure wonders.
Issues To Do in Kandy
The town of Kandy has just a few common locations to see. Properly, I used to be on a shorter journey, so I spent my time experiencing and exploring among the finest locations within the metropolis and skipping those I felt wouldn’t curiosity me.
1. Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake occupies the key a part of town, and you must positively go to it (and can in all probability see it just a few occasions throughout your 2 days in Kandy)! It’s one in all my favorite locations with regards to Kandy. I walked by the lake early one morning, and it was a really nice expertise. I got here throughout individuals who have been practising the Buddhist method of meditating within the areas close by.
The lake runs parallel to the roads, which might trigger a little bit of chaos in the course of the busy hours of the day, however within the peaceable morning hours, it is among the finest locations to spend time with your self and loosen up.
2. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
This lovely Buddha statue is one of many largest statues within the nation, and in case you’re visiting Kandy, you need to not skip visiting this place. The massive 88-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha sitting within the Nirvana place is sort of a sight to behold. However I climbed to the highest of Bahirawa Kanda Hill, and the view from the highest was so breathtaking!
I had heard that the statue seemed lovely in the course of the night, and that’s after I visited. It was absolutely lit with lights and lamps, and I might see a mesmerising panoramic view of town from the highest.
The place is open 24 hours however the most effective time to go to is early morning or sundown. Additionally, it price me round 200 LKR to see the statue.
3. Kadugannawa Tea Manufacturing facility
I used to be shocked to know that Sri Lanka is ranked 4th on this planet with regards to the biggest producers of tea! Kandy metropolis has some wonderful tea factories and fields, so I assumed I might go to one since I’m a die-hard tea lover! I went to Kadugannawa Tea Manufacturing facility to study extra concerning the tea-making course of.
Embilmeegama is one other well-known tea manufacturing unit in Kandy you could go to. I took a tour across the manufacturing unit, discovered about some machines and their workings, and lastly, had an incredible cup of one in all their well-known teas. It was attention-grabbing to know that the complete process of selecting up the tea leaves to packing them takes 24 hours, with the vast majority of work carried out by equipment. You possibly can go to this place too in case you’re a tea lover like me. The go to to the manufacturing unit is free too!
It’s a must-do in your 2 days in Kandy!
4. Conventional Dance of Kandy
I personally wish to study extra concerning the cultures and traditions of the locations I go to, so I went to see the conventional dance present of Kandy. It is called The Kandyan Dance, which occurs in many alternative locations within the metropolis. Nonetheless, the one I noticed was close to the Kandy lake, on the Kandy Lake Membership, which is finally one of many metropolis’s finest. It was an excellent expertise to see the colorful costumes and distinctive Srilankan dance varieties! The dance ends with a efficiency the place artists stroll on hearth!
The present often begins at 5:30 pm, however I went about quarter-hour early in order that I get a seat within the entrance rows. It lasts for about an hour. Additionally, it price me roughly ₹ 500 for the present, however I felt it was price experiencing as soon as.
5. Sacred Tooth Relic Temple
That is one more place to go to if you’re spiritual and like visiting temples. I’m personally not very spiritual and was brief on time, so I truly skipped this one. However I heard from a neighborhood that it is among the most well-known Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It’s mentioned that one in all Buddha’s enamel was taken throughout his funeral ceremony and is hidden in a golden casket within the temple.
Folks come to go to the shrine and worship Buddha. The native Buddhists consider that when of their lifetime, they need to full a minimum of one pilgrimage to this temple.
6. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is among the largest botanical gardens within the nation. It has a wide range of timber and vegetation and in case you wish to know extra about them you possibly can go to the place. Though the tuk-tuk driver could inform you that it’ll take 4-5 hours to discover the backyard, we managed to wrap it up in an hour. It was an ok-ish place and I wouldn’t advocate you visiting if you’re on a shorter journey.
Greatest Eating places in Kandy
Kandy has all kinds of eating places for all foodies (learn extra concerning the Sri Lankan cuisine) with so many alternative dishes and cuisines. Listed here are a few of my suggestions you could check out to present your self a deal with throughout your 2 days in Kandy.
1. Café Divine Avenue
It’s a small café however has respectable and cost-effective dishes. You possibly can attempt the native specialities in addition to western dishes right here. You get an honest amount of meals and it was good consuming right here.
Deal with: 139 Colombo St, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
2. Barely Chilled Lounge Bar
In case you’re craving a night beer, this place is among the finest bars. You’ll get to sit back along with your glass of beer with a rooftop view of sundown, which is so mesmerising!
Deal with: Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
3. Cool Nook Ice Cream Parlour
Properly, who doesn’t love ice cream? That is one in all my favorite locations for ice cream as a result of they served me with such enormous parts that I discovered it tough to complete after a full, heavy dinner! And the menu card contained three entire pages of various ice cream flavours! That’s simply insane! Additionally, the value is respectable in comparison with the amount, so that you can provide this place a shot for ice cream.
Deal with: 114 Peradeniya Rd, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Locations To Store in Kandy
Central Market and Kandy Metropolis Middle are among the finest locations to buy in case you love buying. You may also discover town’s native markets round Kandy Lake, the place you’ll discover some equipment, handicrafts, designer put on, and a lot extra!
Kandy is a phenomenal place to go to in Sri Lanka in case you’re planning a visit to the nation. I had an incredible time right here, and I’m positive you’ll have too! You’ll love exploring the place and studying and interacting with the locals; it could be a lifetime expertise!
