Kandy, Sri Lanka

1. How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?

The city center is 140 kilometers away from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, which is located in Negombo. The easiest way to get to the city center is by taxi. When you arrive at the airport, you can find registered taxi drivers at a taxi counter. There is also a train that travels to Kandy, but you will have to book your ticket ahead of time. The other international airport in Sri Lanka is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, but traveling from that airport to Kandy is not recommended.

2. What are some good places to visit nearby, and how can you get there from the city?

Some good places to visit nearby are Hulu Ganga waterfalls, which is a popular spot amongst locals, the Victoria Reservoir, which is Sri Lanka’s largest hydropower reservoir, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. To get to the reservoir, take the Kandy-Digana-Mahiangan Road and go through the Hittin Bends. The Knuckles Mountain Range is an hour outside of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. What's the most affordable way for tourists to get around the city?

The most affordable way for tourists to get around Kandy is by public transportation. There are government-run and privately-owned buses in the city. Red buses are generally public buses, but you should double-check with a local to be sure as most signage will be in Sinhala. Most locals speak English, so communicating shouldn’t be too difficult. Kandy also has a train service, but it doesn’t cover the entire country. To get to Kandy from the airport, you can take a train from a station near the airport to Colombo’s main railway station, and then from Colombo, you can take a train to Kandy.

4. Are there any travel passes or cards available for tourists to help save on transportation costs?

Unfortunately, there are no travel passes available for tourists in Sri Lanka.

5. Can visitors rent a car easily, and do they need an international driving permit for Kandy?

Visitors to Kandy can easily rent a car. An international driving permit must be verified at two locations around Colombo, so using a local travel agency to help with the process is recommended. Tourists also commonly rent tuk-tuks as they are small enough to weave through traffic. However, tuk-tuks are not the safest vehicles.

6. What are some of the safest and cheapest ride sharing apps travelers can install on their phone?

Uber and PickMe are safe and affordable ride-sharing apps available for travelers to download. You can even use Uber to book a tuk-tuk.

1. What are some of the best local food to try in Kandy?

Kandy offers a diverse range of cuisines due to the city’s mix of Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and other minority cultures. The local food in Kandy is not as spicy as the food in other parts of Sri Lanka, but it is still very flavorful. One of the things that makes the food unique is that the locals use ingredients from the forest, such as leaves, coconut, and sambol.

2. What are some of the best food markets and popular restaurants in Kandy?

Kandy City Center has a food court with a variety of food options, including Sri Lankan, Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese, Arabic, and European cuisine. There is also the Kandyan Arts Restaurant, which is a popular spot for local cuisine about 1.5 kilometers from the city center. Colombo Street, the main street near the Temple of the Tooth Relic, is another great place to try local food. Many of the restaurants on Colombo Street are owned by Muslim people and offer a range of spicy dishes. A few popular restaurants on Colombo Street are Bilal and Bilal.

3. Are there any convenience stores in the city to buy snacks and essentials?

Kandy has supermarket chains, including Cargills Food City, Keells, and Arpico Supercenter. There are also small convenience stores and boutiques around the city center.

4. Which food delivery apps are popular in Kandy?

Uber and PickMe have food delivery options.

5. Are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food easily available?

There are many vegan shops around Kandy, and several Indian restaurants offer vegan options. Kandy City Center also has a vegan shop.

6. Can you drink tap water in Kandy?

The tap water in Kandy is safe to drink since the city is known for having pure mineral water.

7. Should tourists make reservations in advance for popular restaurants in Kandy? If so, how can you typically book a table?

You do not need to book a table in advance for most local restaurants. However, if you want to eat at the Kandyan Arts Restaurant, you should call in advance and make a reservation.

1. What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Kandy?

Tourists can receive free healthcare at the government-run general hospital in Kandy. However, it may be difficult for tourists to navigate the hospital without assistance from a local as it can get crowded. Private hospitals, channeling centers, and dispensaries are also available. Pharmacists will provide simple painkillers and flu medicine if you explain your situation to them, even if you don’t have a prescription, unless your illness is serious.

1. Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?

You should buy a local SIM card with a data plan at the airport to ensure you have reliable access to the internet. Although Kandy has 4G and LAN connections, and most hotels, restaurants, and homestays offer Wi-Fi, internet speeds can be affected by the weather and the city’s location in the mountains.

1. Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in Kandy?

You can exchange foreign currency at a few places in Kandy. However, it’s safer and more convenient to exchange money in Colombo to avoid scams and traffic.

2. What works better for local transactions - cash or credit cards?

It’s advisable to use the credit card more to avoid any scams.

1. Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

You are not allowed to bring cannabis or drugs into the country along with cigarette. For a more comprehensive and updated list, take a look at the customs page of the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport: https://www.airport.lk/passenger_guide/arrival_info/customs

2. What are some common scams tourists should be aware of in Kandy?

Tourists should be wary of tuk-tuk drivers who charge inflated prices. Before getting in a tuk-tuk, agree on a price and provide the driver with specific directions.

3. Is Kandy safe for solo and female travelers?

Kandy is generally safe for solo and female travelers. At night time as well, solo travelers do not need to fear any trouble.

4. Are there any other important things to note about the area?

Sri Lanka has an Ayurveda tradition, and you can buy registered wellness medicines in Kandy.

1. Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Kandy

When visiting religious sites like temples in Kandy, it is respectful to wear light-colored clothing that covers your shoulders, and pants or a skirt that goes past your knees.

2. What are some places that both tourists and locals love to visit?

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, where one of Buddha’s teeth is kept, is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. Visitors can witness religious rituals and cultural events and see elephants. Another popular spot is the Royal Botanical Garden, which was created by British colonial rulers and has various plants and flower gardens. There is another temple called Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya or Bahirawakanda Temple which has a beautiful viewpoint which is worth visiting as well.

3. What hidden gems in Kandy do you recommend outside of the usual tourist spots?

For those seeking less-visited spots, you could visit some of the waterfalls near the city. The Kandy-Digana-Mahiangan Road, which goes through a narrow bend has many hidden gems, including at least 25 waterfalls. Hulu Ganga is a popular waterfall for locals but is less known by tourists. The Victoria Reservoir, Sri Lanka’s largest hydropower reservoir, is another interesting site. You can get a ticket for a small fee. The ruins of an old town submerged when the reservoir was created can be seen during the drought season.

4. What are some of the adventurous things to do in Kandy for thrill-seekers?

Thrill-seekers should visit the Knuckles Mountain Range, which offers hiking, camping, and white water rafting. You can also go swimming or abseiling in the area. The Ramayana Route, developed by the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, is another option. The route has 75 locations, most of which are around Kandy. Some of the stops along the Ramayana Route, such as the mountain where King Ravana kept his aircraft, are connected to the Ramayana story.

1. What are some unique or must-have souvenirs to buy in Kandy and where to buy them?

Sri Lanka is known for its sapphires, and Kandy has a large gem and jewelry market on High School Street. You can buy raw gems or custom-made jewelry. However, be aware of scams involving fake items and make sure to bargain. Kandy is also known for its wood carvings. You can find everything from small souvenirs to large wood carvings in craft centers around the city. Ceylon tea is another popular item to purchase in Kandy. The city is located in a region that’s perfect for growing highland black tea, and you can get it at a much cheaper price than you would pay in other countries. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and tea factories are good places to buy Ceylon tea.

1. What's the best time to travel to Kandy weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

You can visit Kandy at any time of year, although it’s especially beautiful during the rainy season. The Esala Perahera, a cultural festival, occurs in July and August.

2. How long is the ideal duration for travelers to spend in Kandy?

Two days is enough time to explore Kandy, but three days are recommended if you want to visit the surrounding areas. If you want to do adventure activities, plan to spend at least seven days.

1. Which neighborhoods offer the best shopping spots in Kandy?

The High School Street area is known for its gem and jewelry shops. The Kandy City Center is a popular shopping mall, and the Art and Craft Center offers local crafts and souvenirs. You can also find many shops and restaurants on Colombo Street, which is the main street near the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

2. Which neighborhoods have the best views or scenery? Can you recommend a beautiful place to stay with a view?

Bahiravakanda Temple is a popular spot for taking pictures. It has a large white Buddha statue, and you can see the entire city from the temple. The Kandy Viewpoint, which is a little higher than Bahiravakanda Temple, is another place that offers a scenic view. Several hotels are located in areas with beautiful views. The Amaya Hills hotel and the Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, both 5-star hotels, are located on a mountaintop with views of the city.

3. What area would be the best place to stay for families, solo travelers, or couples?

The Hantana mountain area, located on the eastern side of the city, has many small hotels and offers views of the city, forest, and mountains. There is The Grand Kandyan, another five star hotel, Earls Regency Hotel which belongs to another local hotel chain. There are plenty of boutique hotels like Simpson’s Forest - Luxury Boutique Resort & Spa - Kandy, and Mountbatten Bungalow - Thema Collection.

4. What's your favorite place to stay in Kandy, and why do you recommend it?

It is fun to stay at small hotels in the Hantana mountain area because it is cooler than the city. Hotels like the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, which has a traditional atmosphere, and the Simpson’s Forest - Luxury Boutique Resort & Spa - Kandy,, which is located near a forest reserve are also recommended.

1. Are there any annual festivals or special events in Kandy or nearby cities that tourists shouldn't miss?

Kandy’s most famous festival is the Esala Perahera, a cultural festival that takes place over several weeks in July and August. The festival culminates on the last full moon day of August. The Esala Perahera features dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. It is a UNESCO World Heritage event and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The festival celebrates Sri Lanka’s vibrant dance traditions, which include Kandy dancing, low country dancing, and mid-range dancing. The Esala Perahera has roots in ancient traditions and is linked to the agricultural cycle. It is thought to have originated as a way to ask the gods for rain to support the country’s crops.

1. Is tipping a common norm? If so, what's the usual tipping amount?

Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Lanka, as there is no established tipping policy. Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality and generosity and strive to offer visitors excellent service without expecting a tip in return. However, tipping is appreciated as a way to show gratitude for exceptional service. A tip of around 10% is considered standard.