12 THINGS TO DO IN KANDY THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF SRI LANKA
If you are interested in visiting Sri Lanka, you should consider going in deep in the local culture. Visit Kandy for a full immersion in the history of an amazing Country. This post will inspire you to organize an amazing trip in the middle of the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Those are the best 10 things to do in Kandy, the cultural Capital of Sri Lanka.
Nestled in the green hills of Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains and embellished by a lake that enhances unique and unspoiled landscapes, Kandy is a place to visit in Sri Lanka.
This city has been the Capital of Sri Lanka for over 200 years, today is the second-largest city after Colombo. This is your Ultimate Kandy Travel Guide. We will help you to plan your trip to Kandi ahead. With more than 10 things to do in Kandy, this is one of our best guides of Sri Lanka.
Things to know before visiting Kandy
Once upon a time, this strip of internal land inside this beautiful country was a Kingdom itself. When the rest of Sri Lanka was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch colonisers through the 1500s and 1600s, Kandy could hold off the advancement of both sides.
The protected geographic position of the city made it difficult to access from the outside, giving it a chance to proliferate undisturbed. In those years, Kandy was the last standing place of Independent Ceylon. When the British ruled the country, even Kandy fell.
Despite this, Kandy has preserved its peculiarities and is today one of the country’s most active and exciting cultural centres. Over than just the attractions you can find in this guide to Kandy, Sri Lanka, it is worth visiting the city for its vibes.
There are so many attractions in Kandy from different times, very well preserved. From the most important, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, to the Botanical Garden of Kandy. But the authenticity of this place is something to experience.
Kandy is today considered a must-do on your trip to Sri Lanka. Tourists are attracted here by one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the Kandy to Ella Blue Train. Besides that, the city in the middle of the hill has many things to visit.
5 Interesting things about Kandy, Sri Lanka
THE NAME OF THE CITY
Kandy is the result of “Kanda” which means “hill” in Sinhalese.
KANDY LOCATION
Kandy is nestled in the hills, at an altitude of 488 metres. Thanks to this position the weather condition can change quickly.
KANDY WAS LAST CAPITAL BEFORE BRITISH RULE
Kandy is what many assume as the last very Capital of Sri Lanka. The Sinhala Kingdom lasted over 2,300 before being embedded in the British Colonies in 1815. Interestingly, the name of this city was given from the word ‘Kanda’ (means a hill) in Sinhala by the colonial rulers.
RESPECTED RELIGIOUS SITE
It is a sacred place for Buddhists. A holy city, pilgrimage destination to the Temple of The Tooth Relic.
KANDY IS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Temple of the sacred tooth of Buddha has also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is part of the 8 Sri Lankan Sites awarded with this honour.
Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Places to see in Kandy | MAP
Best things to do in Kandy
Get lost in the magnificent Kandy Botanical Garden
This is one of the most interesting things we have seen on our visit to Kandy. The city’s Botanical Garden is the best example of the mixed culture on the Island. This place has been built-up by the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka as a personal garden, and then it was refurbished by the British, adding more species and making it look like a proper garden.
This is a considerable place in Peradeniya. It has to be essential for your visit to the city. The largest green park consists of many flowers and tree species, over 4,000. In addition, you should look for the incredible bamboo forest, the orchid house, the suspension bridge and the tea house.
Things to know about Kandy Botanical Garden
Entrance fee | 1,500 LKR, about 8 $ USD | Buy your ticket!
Location | Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya
How to get to the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya
BY BUS | From Kandy’s clock tower take the Bus 644, and stop at the gardens. Bus tickets cost 20 LKR 0,10$ USD.
BY TUK-TUK | The ride will take about half an hour and will cost about 400 to 600 LKR, about 2-3$ USD
SUGGESTED TOURS | Gardens + Tooth Relic Temple
Stroll around the busy streets of Kandy Old town
The best thing you can do once you arrive in Kandy is to have a little stroll around the old town. Other than just the amazing heritage of this place, it is well to get in touch with locals soon you arrive. This city is amazing and rich in architecture and history.
The Old town opened just 15 years ago, in 2005 after 12 years of construction. This is the best place to do some shopping and get souvenirs back home.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KANDY OLD TOWN
Location | Kandy old town
Kandy is one of those places that you can’t miss in your Sri Lanka bucket list! If you want to discover all the unique experiences to do in this beautiful country ready our ultimate guide.
OLD ROYAL PALACE OF KANDY
You can’t miss visiting the Royal Palace of Kandy. Often placed among the other many things to do in Kandy, for us visiting this compound is an awesome spot in the city.
You can visit this palace, getting into the many rooms, once the Royal residence of the Sinhalese Monarchy during the Kingdom of Kandy. Today this palace is continued to the Temple of the Tooth.
A fun fact about this place is that by ancient tradition, who was in possession of the Tooth Relic had claimed the throne. You can’t miss visiting this place, because in a complex of warships, museums and historical landmarks. You can walk by the Royal Palace of Kandy toward the Dalada Maligawa.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KANDY OLD ROYAL PALACE
LOCATION | Royal Palace of Kandy
ENTRANCE FEE | 1000 LKR – 5$ USD
Cultural experiences you must do in Kandy
VISIT THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH RELIC
Once you step forward from the Royal Palace of Kandy, you will see how many locals are queuing to get into the white stunning temple. This is one of the most significant attractions of Kandy. Inside the worship is kept the Buddha’s teeth, making it a pilgrimage site.
You can visit this temple at certain times of the day. During the Puja, daily offerings and prayers time it is open to worshippers and also tourists. Bear in mind that the place gets crowded soon. If you want to see Buddist functions you should head here before they open the doors of the guarded room where is enshrined the sacred tooth of Buddha.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to see the tooth, which is actually kept in a gold shaped stupa. The atmosphere instead is unique, making your experience a once lifetime memory.
Enjoy the view from the Big Buddah Statue (Bahirawakanda)
If you are a fan of beautiful views and an amazing scenario, hiking up the hill will not be a problem for you. The big Buddha of Bahirawakanda is on top of a hill with the mountain ranges in the background, the city and the lake just in front.
The beautiful Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue is on top of Bahirawa Kanda Hill and oversees the city and the faithful below.
This statue was built in 1972 and is one of the most impressive statues in the country, standing 27 metres. The monument and worship can be seen from anywhere in Kandy. It is a temple, so you should follow the rules entering here, like remove the shoes, cover your shoulders, don’t take selfies with the statue at your back.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BIG BUDDAH STATUE IN KANDY
LOCATION | Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
ENTRANCE FEE | 200 LKR – 1$ USD
SUGGESTED TOURS |Kandy City Tour with a local guide
Relax walking along Kandy Lake
Seems so real this lake, surrounded by mountains and incredible architecture. The Kandy Lake is instead an artificial dock right next to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth.
We suggest you get a stroll around and relax a bit here while visiting Kandy. You can also organize your daily itinerary in Kandy, passing here before heading to the Temple complex.
Sri Lanka is the perfect place for nature love travellers
THREE TEMPLE LOOP | Jump from a temple to a temple
Arriving in Kandy, you will definitely feel a different atmosphere surrounding you. This is because the daily life of the city and the people are altogether interconnected with religion.
Of every place we visited in Sri Lanka, Kandy was the first city we felt that. Despite being one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, Kandy still preserves its status as a cute little town. Despite the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic being the most important worship place in Kandy, there are other temples worth visiting.
The three temple loop is a common way to jump from one temple to another. In one of the most hidden parts of Kandy, there are authentic gems of the Kandyan era. A series of temples were relegated to a few tourists because of their position outside the city centre.
Those temples are standing despite being really old. The Gadaladeniya Viharaya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are the “three temple loop” paths.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT KANDY FAMOUS THREE TEMPLES
LOCATION | Gadaladeniya Viharaya – Embekke – Lankathilaka
SUGGESTED TOURS | Temples tour of Kandy
Visit Kandy tea plantations
As you can understand, all around Kandy, there are tea fields, and the best thing you can do in Sri Lanka is experience how tea is made by a local. It is insane how they make it, and the taste is unique, the best we had in our life.
Sri Lanka is the leading producer of quality tea in the World. Kandy is one of the best places to try this variety, thanks to the many renowned tea gardens.
In these kinds of tours, you don’t just try tea but learn how it is delivered, the way locals sustain their economy and how old the production of this precious spice is. Check for a day trip to Nuwara Eliya Tea Factories.
Watch the spectacular Esala Perahera
It may be something we don’t want to include in our tour guide. Neither we want to see humans using animals for religious traditions or making business. While we explored Sri Lanka, in a fantastic 10 days itinerary, we were introduced to the most important festival for the country.
Often associated as the “Festival of the Tooth”, it is an annual procession held in Kandy from the 1st to the 15th of August. The Esala Perahera Festival is how faithful pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
This festival is believed to be dated back to the 3rd century BC and was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. When the Teeth of Buddha were brought back from India in the 4th Century BC, they became the actual Esala Perahera.
The procession goes along the streets of the city centre of Kandy. If you want to see the best of this festival, take your place early in the morning and wait until evening. You will see typical local dancers, flag bearers, Kandyan Drummers and fire games.
Our experience at Esala Perahera Festival in Kandy
The famous Esala Perahera is held annually in August and calls local worshippers and tourists alike. We were reluctant to experience this festival because the millennial tradition provides for the use of elephants. Alessia was in the hotel while I was under the pouring rain, just outside of the temple of the tooth of Buddha.
My personal opinion is that the festival itself is impressive, and you will feel the power of a millennial tradition and the grasp on the locals.
From a western point of view, it is hard to understand why elephants need to be treated like that, forced by chains to slide through the city. But, for locals, this is a way to demonstrate powerfully, Elephants despite the chains, they are revered and protected.
When visiting a country, we have to choose if we want to take our western inheritance with us or do tabula rasa and open our arms to a new culture. That time, despite being reluctant, I was open to a new culture. Today I don’t regret it, I wanted to experience Sri Lanka as much as possible, and I did.
Explore Kandy Local Market
The local market of Kandy is a mix of colours, flavours and smells. Like every same place in the rest of the country, it is where you can meet locals in their everyday life. In our guides of Sri Lanka, we always invite you to visit the local market. This is not just in search of products unique for the region but also to see how local life goes.
An open-air space with many foods stands, we suggest you check out the local handicrafts stalls, which are the perfect way to take unique pieces back home.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KANDY MARKETS
LOCATION | Kandy Market Hall
OPEN HOURS | Every day from 7 am to 9 pm.
HOW TO REACH KANDY MARKET | From Kandy Train Station, you can follow the main road toward the city centre. Within 10 minutes of walking, you will be at the local market of Kandy.
Seeking spices at the Kandy spice gardens
Kandy is renowned for lots of spice gardens. Sri Lanka is not just tea, but in ancient times was well known for its high-quality cinnamon.
Visiting a spice garden, you will learn a lot about the natural property of usual plants and spices. We didn’t know before that some can be good for typical migraines or pains. You will find cinnamon, aloe vera, Fennel, Garlic, paprika, saffron, and many others in a spice garden.
SEE THE TEMPLE OF TOOTH RELIC AT NIGHT
Already mentioned in many parts of this guide to the best things to do in Kandy, you can’t miss visiting the Temple of Tooth Relic at night.
This worship is amazing during the day, with a pure white that gives it a surreal atmosphere. But, it is during the night that the scenario changes, giving a completely different atmosphere to this awesome spot of Kandy.
Strolling around the streets of the old town of Kandy is completely safe to walk around in Sri Lanka. If you are a passionate photographer like us, you will love this spot so much. Come here at sunset to see the best lights. Check when the sunset is in Kandy.
Watch a Kandyan Dance Performance
If you don’t have the pleasure to be in Sri Lanka in August, during the Esala Perahera, you are missing one of the most incredible cultural experiences in Sri Lanka. But don’t worry there is a way to enjoy the local performances even out of the festival period.
Watching a Kandyan dance performance is one of the best things to do in Kandy. Some of them are coming from a generation of dancers, growing up in the most remote villages on the island. There are many tours that will take you to a local performance. Check it out.
Planning a trip to Kandy? This are essential things to know before your trip
Book your scenic Blue Train ride from Kandy to Ella in advance
Nowadays travels dreams are persuade by contents shared on Instagram, most of the time. Some of the best contents creators in the world have been inspired by the train track from Kandy to Ella. The instagrammable blue train that is passing by one of the most beautiful scenarios in the world, the Nine Arch Bridge.
In the middle of the green Sri Lankan Jungle, there is a long path of nine arches. This bridge is gorgeous and has quickly become one of the photos on the cover of the Sri Lanka guides. We have been on that train too, which pass also by Nuwara Eliya, the central region famous for tea fields. This just to give you a clear idea of what your trip would look like.
WHERE IS KANDY?
You can’t miss Kandy from your travel guide of Sri Lanka. The city itself is stunning but is then surrounded that makes it incredible. Kandy is located in the central province of Sri Lanka, which can be assumed as the hearth of the country.
The position of this city, that counts 110,000 inhabitants, has favoured exchanges with the other cities of the island, making it an economic, cultural and political hub in the country for centuries.
From Kandy, you can reach Colombo in about 3 hours and a Half. This city is also the main gateway to amazing experiences in Sri Lanka, like the Pidurangala Rock Hike, or the climb of Sigiriya, the Unesco World Heritage Site. Other places easy to reach from Kandy are Polonnaruwa and Dambulla.
WHEN TO VISIT KANDY SRI LANKA, SRI LANKA
It is easy to say that travelling to Kandy in August will give you the chance to meet local traditions. Despite that, what we will suggest here is to travel when the weather conditions are at the best. The location of Kandy in the middle between hills and mountains and the elevation of over 500 mt above sea level, making it an unpredictable place to visit in Sri Lanka.
Despite the rest of the country, Kandy experiences the dry months from December to April, with average temperatures never over 30 degrees, a bit chill at night. During the Monsoon season, from May until August (when we have been here), the temperature is still high with an average of 25° C to 27° C.
Below we have targeted the seasons in three different periods, hoping this can make a huge difference planning your trip to Sri Lanka. It is also better to have a clear idea of the weather beforehand, so check this before heading to Sri Lanka.
Best time to visit Kandy
JAN-APR | For many, this is the perfect time to visit Kandy. Mostly dry during the first period of the year, you should consider February or March for your visit. It will also be the best time to go for an adventure and visit Sigiriya, Pidurangala or the National Park of Minneriya.
MAY-SEPT | This is the period when the weather is more unpredictable than never in Kandy. Those five months coincide with the Yala monsoon. It says that it is not raining heavily, but still, we experienced mid-august and was pouring. I had to throw away a pair of shoes.
OCT-DEC | You should not consider visiting Kandy in this period. It is the wettest time of the year in Kandy.
How to reach Kandy?
We have already mentioned before that the position in central Sri Lanka, advantage Kandy to gather with the rest of the country. There are many options to reach Kandy from the airport, and below you will have all the information about.
BUS | Cheap and easiest way to reach Kandy from the Bandaranaike International Airport of Colombo. From the Bus Terminal of the airport to the city centre of Kandy, you have to change buses. Take the bus 5/245 directed to Kurunegala, then change with the No.609 to Kandy.
The journey will take around 3 hours and a half. The ticket will cost you around 400 LKR which is 2.5$ USD. There are many other options to reach Kandy but will take longer and the service is not that frequent. From the arrival terminal, there is a free shuttle to the bus terminal of the airport. The ride will take around 20 minutes.
TRAIN | While travelling by bus is cheap and adventurous, you can easily switch to travel by train to reach Kandy, which is way cheaper and comfortable. This is also the fastest way, reaching Kandy travelling by train, and it will be far easier.
You will start your adventure in Sri Lanka onboard on a scenic train ride through the green hills of Sri Lanka. You can book your seat in advance. It will cost you 750 LKR, about 4$ USD for a first-class ticket. If you are on a budget, the price will be far cheaper in second class, which costs 220 LKR – 1,20 $ USD.
Expensive way to reach Kandy
TAXI | Going up prices, the taxi is the most comfortable and quick way to go from the airport of Colombo to Kandy. You can hire a taxi from the terminal of the International Airport to your accommodation in Kandy.
We suggest you book in advance for your transport, don’t waste your time and energy after a long flight to deal with a local taxi. The price can easily increase. It will be expensive, but booking in advance can save you some bucks. The estimated journey will cost you from 6,000 LKR to 8,000 – 30$ to 40$ USD. Your journey with the car will take around 3 hours. Check availability and prices.
Related
HOW TO GET FROM COLOMBO TO KANDY, SRI LANKA
After the transport from the Airport, the other main request is how to go from Colombo to Kandy. Like before there are many ways to reach the beautiful city in the middle of Sri Lanka. We have tried to help you to choose the one you would like at the most.
BUS | The bus is the most affordable way to reach Kandy from Colombo. The journey will be a bit harder compared with the train, but absolutely worth it. There is a direct bus from Colombo which takes three hours and 15 minutes, running through the dusty and hot roads of Sri Lanka.
You can catch bus number 1 from Mawatha Central bus station and it departs every two hours more or less every day. You can catch this bus even at night, which we will suggest you avoid, you will miss a lot of your trip during dark hours.
Around Pettah Bus Station there are many shops, we suggest you take water and a few snacks, sometimes the bus will take a bit longer to reach the destination.
YOU SHOULD KNOW…
LOCATION | Mawatha Bus Station
PRICE | 140 to 190 LKR – 0.80 to 1$ USD
DEPARTURES | Every day, every two hours approximately. It makes two stops in Nittambuwa and Kegalle
From Colombo to Kandy by train
TRAIN | We have to start saying it is not easy and is not for all. The main train station of Colombo Fort is one of the busiest in Asia. This railway takes onboard over 2million travellers every day and you can understand how crowded your train can be to Kandy.
Despite that, the journey from Colombo to Kandy is the most scenic one. This is the main gateway to start your fabulous experience on board of the instagrammable blue train from Kandy to Ella. You will pass by tea fields, spectacular narrow bridges and impenetrable dark green forests. An incredible view for over 3-hour journey.
If you want to experience the best of this country you have to take a train. This is the main transport way of locals, and far easier compared to buses. Your journey from Colombo to Kandy by train will cost from 180 LKR to 500 LKR.
YOU SHOULD KNOW…
LOCATION | Colombo Fort Railway Station
Below is the cost per class.
1st class | 500 LKR – 2.5$ USD – Air-con and assigned seat
2nd class | 280 LKR – 1.5$ USD – No assigned seat
3rd class | 180 LKR – 1$ USD – Busy class, you could be standing
DEPARTURES | every day at : 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:35, 12:40, 15:35, 16:35, 17:45
TICKET | Colombo to Kandy by Train
Private transport from Kandy to Colombo
TAXI | If you have a bigger budget than just a backpacker has, there is a way more comfortable to reach Kandy from Colombo via taxi, or private transport. To be honest, if you are looking for holidays we can understand the expenditure, but if you are in Sri Lanka for an adventure, you take off a lot from your trip going for a private taxi instead of train or bus.
However, if you want to reach Kandy by private transfer there are ways to book your trip in advance. Check this. Alternatively, you can deal with a local taxi, but the fee will be high, anywhere between 30$ and 40$, which are 6,000 LKR and 8000 LKR.
How to get around Kandy
BUSES | This is the most common way to travel everywhere in the country. It is the best alternative to tuk tuks and also the cheapest one. You will find many buses running through the streets of Kandy. You can reach the remote sightseeing of Kandy by bus just going to the main bus station in the city. From there you can grab any bus going in the westbound direction. The ride will take about 10-15, and will cost about 150-200 LKR, 0.80$ to 1$ USD, per person.
TUK TUK | The picturesque way to travel through the country is also our favourite way to get around Kandy. Thanks to Pick Me App and Uber you will be able to hire a tuk tuk for your trip. It is the safest way to go around Kandy without crashing your budget.
WALKING | There is no cheapest way to go around cities than walking. Kandy is a really enjoyable city while walking. If you want to appreciate the best things to do in Kandy you should go walking, at least through the streets of the old town and lakeside. Kandy is a safe city, apply just common sense while travelling, like any other city.
Where to stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka
There are many accommodations in Kandy for every pocket. Unfortunately, this city is not cheapest like other places in the country. For sure the best accommodation at the right price is to look around the Airbnb options. If you are looking for unique accommodation, Kandy has got some of the most gorgeous locations in Sri Lanka.
Being a well-known spot through backpackers, the city is full of hostels. Below you will find our suggestions for every kind of accommodation.
Kandy best hotels
There are many hotels in the city and is often the best way to combine an adventure with comfortable accommodations. The city has got mid-range hotels, and high-end accommodation, which makes you choose just regarding prices and amenities. If you have a budget, Sri Lanka is maybe the best place to spend luxury accommodation.
We have been just a bit outside of Kandy Center. This was one of the favourite hotels for Toti. The Mahaweli Reach Hotel is stunning with an amazing pool and continental cuisine. It also offers shuttles from the airport which is really good if it is your first time in Sri Lanka.in one of the best hotels Check the best options in the city using hotels.com.
MID-RANGE HOTELS
KANDY VIEW GARDEN HOTEL | The best view of Kandy, just outside of the chaos of the city centre. Check availability and prices.
MY CITY HOTEL | This is one of the highest-rated hotels in Kandy. Thanks to the central location it is one of the favourites by travellers. Within minutes walking you can visit the main things to see in Kandy. Check availability and prices.
Kandy unique hotel experiences
OZO KANDY | The most incredible view of the city and an amazing pool. The Ozo Kandy should be your first choice while looking for accommodation in Kandy. Check Availability and prices.
QUEEN’S HOTEL | This is the most scenic hotel in the whole city. The classical style and the good restaurant make it one of the first choices for travellers. It is an old hotel, in colonial style within a few minutes from Kandy Lake. You can also enjoy the hot weather in the outside pool. Check availability and prices
MAHAWELI REACH HOTEL | This was our accommodation in Kandy, and was a 10/10 stay. The incredible feature of this hotel is going directly in the best experiences ever in a hotel for Toti. See prices and rooms.
Kandy cheap hostels and budget accommodations
This is the cheapest way to stay in Kandy, there are so many hostel accommodations in the city that it wasn’t easy to choose. The Hostel is always the best way to go for an adventure in a new country. Often while in a hotel you will meet like minded travellers, many are becoming friends for life. We sorted a few hostel options ready for you. The average price is going from 5$ in a bunk bed in a shared room to 30$ for a private room.
Jay’s Bunks-Kandy Hostel | (wi-fi)
The Village Hostel | (wi-fi and Breakfast)
Hipsters Hideout Lounge | (one of the best – wi-fi)
Day trips from Kandy
Day trip to Sigiriya from Kandy
Visiting Kandy without winking at another amazing piece of history of this country. Visiting Sigiriya from Kandy is easy. If you are keen to take side trips from Kandy it is suggested to stay in the biggest city and afford travelling in central Sri Lanka for your adventures. The ruins of the Royal Palace of Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress sitting on top of a monolith in the middle of nowhere.
Surrounded by grassland, forest and jungle, this rock is 200 metres high. To climb to the top of Sigiriya you should go up to over 1,000 steps. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Check out our dedicated post on how to climb Sigiriya Rock.
Visit Pidurangala from Kandy
Just in front of Sigiriya, there is another monolith similar to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pidurangala is a sacred rock, which at the entrance there is a Buddist Temple. This place is becoming popular among travellers, for the wild path to reach the top, the stunning view and the cheap entrance. If you are interested in a trip to Pidurangala from Kandy, you might be interested in reading our guide to Pidurangala Rock Hike.
You can combine your hike to Pidurangala with a visit later on to the ruins of Sigiriya Rock. We have done it in a day, watching the best sunrise over Sri Lanka, from the top of Pidurangala.
Safari at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park
After a busy morning with early wake up to watch the sunrise over the jungle from the top of Pidurangala, and midday from the summit of Sigiriya, we spent our afternoon on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. It was an amazing day in Sri Lanka and we had a close view of wild Asian Elephants.
Minneriya National Park is just next to Kaudulla National Park, the Elephants will cross the line between the two parks following the dry season. Check out when is the best time to go for a Safari in Sri Lanka in our guide.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is close to Kandy. Just 2 hours drive from the main city in the centre of Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Cave Temple is a well-preserved site in Sri Lanka, it is a connected network of caves, popular for the presence of 153 Buddha statues and the painting that shows the whole life of Buddha.
This site is covering an area of about 2,100 square metres. It is a unique masterpiece in Sri Lanka, and we wish you could visit it while staying in Kandy. You can also combine this visit on your trip to Sigiriya, while the two sites are just half an hour away from each other.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Continuing our suggestions on Trip from Kandy, you can’t miss in your tour to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was once a Capital of the Country, so you will understand the importance of the archaeological site for Sri Lanka.
Like the others in this area, Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can reach through a 4 hours bus from Kandy. We suggest treating it as a one day trip from Kandy due to the distance. Or alternatively, you can combine it with a visit to Dambulla Caves, while both centres are just an hour and a half away, served by frequent buses.
How to apply for an ETA to Sri Lanka
So far Sri Lanka has opened the door to travellers, giving free visas to many countries in the World. We are Italian and had the chance to apply for a free visa, but unfortunately, we requested it before that was going on and paid 35$ for our access to the country.
Generally, a Sri Lanka online Visa will give you access for 30 days to the country but is renewable two times for another 30 days each. Even if your country is on this list of free visas, you must request it. Applying for an ETA to Sri Lanka is easy, Getting a Visa for Sri Lanka is easy. Just follow the steps on the local government website.
We did apply for our ETA online and within half an hour we had it accepted. It is so easy and quick that we suggest you do it prior to your trip. There is a chance that you can do a Visa on Arrival at the airport, but obviously it will cost you a bit more, 40$ and you should queue for it.