Are you planning a visit to Sri Lanka? The town of Kandy should absolutely be in your bucket checklist because it is likely one of the most fascinating locations within the nation.
UNESCO has listed Kandy amongst the world heritage websites, and your 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 previous capital of Sri Lanka earlier than Colombo. I’m glad I visited Kandy once I travelled to Sri Lanka because it gave me a very 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 quick on time, you possibly can plan your journey for 2 days and nonetheless uncover many of the elements of the town. If in case you have time, discover the Ella to Kandy prepare (or vice versa) – it’s unbelievable!
So, right here’s how I spent my days on this stunning metropolis.
How I Explored Kandy in 2 Days
There are two methods by which you’ll discover the town, both rent a taxi or a tuk-tuk. I felt this is likely one of the finest methods to work together with the locals since they offer you extra details about the place you’re visiting. Among the locations we visited on our arrival since we had employed a cab from Colombo to Kandy. It price us round 5000 LKR for your complete journey.
The following day, I employed a tuk-tuk for roughly 6 hours per day and it price me roughly 2500 LKR. The taxi prices nearly double the quantity of the tuk-tuk, but it surely all will depend on your bargaining expertise. I personally most popular exploring the town via tuk-tuk because it offers me that feeling of being part of the town as an alternative 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 price range. In case you’re searching for bigger accommodations or among the best ones, they’re principally close to the town centre. However for those who’re on a price range, you’ll discover accommodations and even hostels which are situated close to Kandy Lake.
I truly stayed at a gorgeous resort, Amaya Hills, which, not surprisingly, is on a hilltop a long way away from the town. You possibly can rent a taxi or a tuk-tuk to succeed in the resort you want to keep in. It wouldn’t price you a lot. I’ve just a few suggestions of accommodations for each sort of price range in case you need to think about them.
1. Price range accommodations
Really feel House is likely one of the finest choices for those who’re on a price range. It’s situated 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.
Take pleasure in a full English/Irish and Asian breakfast choices with heat dishes, fruits and juice. There may be additionally an on-site lounge, and a grocery supply service and packed lunches are additionally out there upon request.
Many Journey Dudes vacationers have booked to remain at Really feel House in Kandy!
2. Mid-range accommodations
In case you’re searching for a extra comfy stick with just a few extra facilities, you possibly can think about mid-range accommodations like Lodge Lakefield and Mount Blue Kandy.
With a picturesque terrace inviting you to unwind, Lodge Lakefield is your gateway to the guts 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 Lodge Lakefield, hospitality takes middle 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 personal balcony, a rejuvenating bathe, and complimentary toiletries. Keep seamlessly linked with complimentary WiFi, and bask in fashionable comforts like air-con and a flat-screen TV.
Embark on an opulent escape within the coronary heart of Kandy at Mount Blue Kandy. This 4-star gem gives air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and complimentary personal parking, setting the stage for a seamless mix of opulence and comfort. Experience breathtaking river views from each room, indulge within the outside swimming pool, and discover the luxurious 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 bogs, flat-screen TVs, and security deposit bins. Whether or not you’re unwinding by the pool or venturing into the 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 accommodations
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 middle stage. This beautiful Kandy retreat not solely boasts free WiFi but additionally treats company to a year-round outside pool, transcending the peculiar to create an unforgettable keep. Immerse your self within the lap of luxurious as you discover the resort’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 out there on-site.
Every room at Kings Pavilion is a sanctuary of consolation and magnificence, that includes a flat-screen TV on your leisure. Choose models go above and past with cozy seating areas, providing the right spot to chill out and luxuriate in a cup of tea whereas taking in breathtaking views of the mountains or the inviting pool. The personal bogs are adorned with considerate extras, together with plush slippers and complimentary toiletries, making certain your keep is nothing in need of 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 singular expertise with well-appointed tents that includes a terrace, inviting seating space, and en suite bogs the place cold and hot water flows seamlessly. Keep linked 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 charming Hatale Waterfalls, gives a sanctuary away from the town bustle. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Website, Knuckles Mountain Vary, with a mere 40-minute drive. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge transcend standard stays, inviting company to bask within the outside pool’s embrace or have interaction in personalised experiences crafted by the pleasant employees—whether or not it’s a comfortable campfire below the celebs or an illuminating go to to the close by tea manufacturing facility. For the adventurous souls, embark on invigorating treks and curated day journeys, creating recollections that echo the distinctive rhythm of Madulkelle’s pure wonders.
Issues To Do in Kandy
The town of Kandy has just a few standard 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 main a part of the town, and it is best to positively go to it (and can most likely see it just a few instances throughout your 2 days in Kandy)! It’s certainly one of my favorite locations on the subject of 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 may trigger a little bit of chaos throughout the busy hours of the day, however within the peaceable morning hours, it is likely one of the finest locations to spend time with your self and chill out.
2. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
This stunning Buddha statue is one of many largest statues within the nation, and for those who’re visiting Kandy, you will need to not skip visiting this place. The massive 88-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha sitting within the Nirvana place is kind 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 stunning throughout the night, and that’s once I visited. It was totally lit with lights and lamps, and I might see a mesmerising panoramic view of the town from the highest.
The place is open 24 hours however one of the best time to go to is early morning or sundown. Additionally, it price me round 200 LKR to see the statue.
3. Kadugannawa Tea Manufacturing unit
I used to be stunned to know that Sri Lanka is ranked 4th on the earth on the subject of the most important producers of tea! Kandy metropolis has some wonderful tea factories and fields, so I believed I’d go to one since I’m a die-hard tea lover! I went to Kadugannawa Tea Manufacturing unit to be taught extra concerning the tea-making course of.
Embilmeegama is one other well-known tea manufacturing facility in Kandy that you would be able to go to. I took a tour across the manufacturing facility, discovered about some machines and their workings, and lastly, had a tremendous cup of certainly one of their well-known teas. It was attention-grabbing to know that your complete process of choosing up the tea leaves to packing them takes 24 hours, with nearly all of work finished by equipment. You possibly can go to this place too for those who’re a tea lover like me. The go to to the manufacturing facility is free too!
It’s a must-do in your 2 days in Kandy!
4. Conventional Dance of Kandy
I personally wish to be taught 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. Nevertheless, 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 important 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 yet one more place to go to in case you are spiritual and like visiting temples. I’m personally not very spiritual and was quick on time, so I truly skipped this one. However I heard from an area that it is likely one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It’s stated that certainly one of Buddha’s enamel was taken throughout his funeral ceremony and is hidden in a golden casket within the temple.
Individuals come to go to the shrine and worship Buddha. The native Buddhists imagine that after of their lifetime, they have to full a minimum of one pilgrimage to this temple.
6. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is likely one of the largest botanical gardens within the nation. It has a wide range of timber and crops and for those who wish to know extra about them you possibly can go to the place. Though the tuk-tuk driver could let you know 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 suggest you visiting in case you are on a shorter journey.
Finest Eating places in Kandy
Kandy has all kinds of eating places for all foodies (learn extra concerning the Sri Lankan delicacies) with so many alternative dishes and cuisines. Listed below are a few of my suggestions that you would be able to check out to provide your self a deal with throughout your 2 days in Kandy.
1. Café Divine Road
It’s a small café however has respectable and cost-effective dishes. You possibly can strive the native specialities in addition to western dishes right here. You get an honest amount of meals and it was good consuming right here.
Handle: 139 Colombo St, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
2. Barely Chilled Lounge Bar
In case you’re craving a night beer, this place is likely one of the finest bars. You’ll get to relax together with your glass of beer with a rooftop view of sundown, which is so mesmerising!
Handle: Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
3. Cool Nook Ice Cream Parlour
Properly, who doesn’t love ice cream? That is certainly one of my favorite locations for ice cream as a result of they served me with such large parts that I discovered it troublesome to complete after a full, heavy dinner! And the menu card contained three complete pages of various ice cream flavours! That’s simply insane! Additionally, the value is respectable in comparison with the amount, so that you may give this place a shot for ice cream.
Handle: 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 for those who love procuring. It’s also possible to discover the 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 gorgeous place to go to in Sri Lanka for those who’re planning a visit to the nation. I had a tremendous time right here, and I’m positive you’d have too! You’ll love exploring the place and studying and interacting with the locals; it will be a lifetime expertise!
