Top 20 Travel Places to Visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka
As a traveler and photographer in Sri Lanka, I've had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of Kandy. Here's a detailed guide to the top 20 places to visit in Kandy, including their importance, accessibility, popularity, cost, and travel ease. Whether you're traveling from Colombo to Kandy by train or exploring the city's vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone.
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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kandy, easily accessible by car or public transport. This site is very popular among tourists and pilgrims, with an entry fee applying. It is absolutely worth visiting for its spiritual and historical significance, and travel is easy and safe.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is home to a vast collection of plants, including orchids and medicinal plants. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, located about 5.5 km from Kandy city center, accessible by car or bus. This garden is popular among nature lovers, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for its beauty and biodiversity, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda)
Kandy Lake is a picturesque lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It is a central feature of Kandy, located in the city center, easily accessible on foot or by car. This lake is popular for leisurely walks and bird-watching, with no cost to visit. It is worth visiting for its serene environment, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda) Polina Kocheva on Unsplash
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a peaceful forest reserve with diverse flora and fauna. It is a historic forest reserve near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, accessible by car or on foot. This sanctuary is popular among nature enthusiasts, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for nature walks and bird-watching, and travel is easy and safe.
Royal Palace of Kandy (Maha Wasala)
The Royal Palace of Kandy is the former residence of the last king of Sri Lanka. It is part of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex, located near the temple, accessible by car or on foot. This palace is famous for its historical significance, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for its historical and architectural value, and travel is easy and safe.
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a massive statue of Lord Buddha offering panoramic views of Kandy. It is located on a hilltop, accessible by car or tuk-tuk. This statue is popular among tourists, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for the views and spiritual experience, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy View Point
Kandy View Point offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. It is accessible by car or tuk-tuk and is especially famous at sunset. There is no cost to visit, and it is worth visiting for the stunning views. Travel is easy and safe.
Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum offers insights into the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. It is located in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, accessible by car or bus. This museum is popular among tea enthusiasts, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for tea lovers and history buffs, and travel is easy and safe.
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Kandy Garrison Cemetery
Kandy Garrison Cemetery is a well-maintained colonial-era cemetery with historical gravestones. It is near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, accessible by car or on foot. This cemetery is famous for its historical significance, with no cost to visit. It is worth visiting for history enthusiasts, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy Market Hall
Kandy Market Hall is a bustling market offering fresh produce and souvenirs. It is located in the city center, easily accessible on foot or by car. This market is popular among locals and tourists, with no cost to enter. It is worth visiting for a local shopping experience, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy National Museum
The Kandy National Museum showcases artifacts from the Kandyan period. It is near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, accessible by car or on foot. This museum is famous for its historical exhibits, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for history buffs, and travel is easy and safe.
Commonwealth War Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Cemetery honors soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. It is located in Kandy, accessible by car or bus. This cemetery is famous for its historical significance, with no cost to visit. It is worth visiting for history enthusiasts, and travel is easy and safe.
Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana Mountain Range is popular for hiking and nature enthusiasts. It is accessible by car or bus, followed by hiking trails. This mountain range is famous among hikers and nature lovers, with no cost to visit. It is worth visiting for outdoor activities, and travel is moderate, requiring hiking.
Embekke Devalaya
Embekke Devalaya is known for its intricate wood carvings and unique architecture. It is located in Embekke, accessible by car or bus. This devalaya is famous for its craftsmanship, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for art and architecture enthusiasts, and travel is easy and safe.
Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka Temple is a magnificent Buddhist temple with stunning frescoes. It is located in Handessa, accessible by car or bus. This temple is famous for its architectural beauty, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for its historical and artistic value, and travel is easy and safe.
Gadaladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple known for its stone carvings. It is located in Pilimathalawa, accessible by car or bus. This temple is famous for its historical significance, with an entry fee applying. It is worth visiting for history and architecture enthusiasts, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy City Center
Kandy City Center is a modern shopping complex with various shops and restaurants. It is located in the city center, easily accessible on foot or by car. This center is popular among locals and tourists, with no cost to enter. It is worth visiting for shopping and dining, and travel is easy and safe.
Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya
Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is a serene Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue. It is located in Pilimathalawa, accessible by car or bus. This viharaya is famous for its peaceful environment, with no cost to visit. It is worth visiting for meditation and relaxation, and travel is easy and safe.
Asgiriya Stadium
Asgiriya Stadium is a historic cricket stadium hosting international matches. It is located in Kandy, accessible by car or bus. This stadium is famous among cricket fans, with an entry fee applying during matches. It is worth visiting for sports enthusiasts, and travel is easy and safe.
Kandy Esala Perahera
Kandy Esala Perahera is an annual cultural festival featuring traditional dances and processions. It is held in the streets of Kandy, easily accessible on foot. This festival is very popular among tourists and locals, with no cost to watch.
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Kandy Hotels and Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in Kandy, there are several excellent options to choose from. Some of the top hotels include:
The Grand Kandyan Hotel: A luxurious 5-star hotel known for its friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms, and mouthwatering food. (Website)
Thilanka Hotel - Kandy: Another 5-star hotel with a fantastic pool area and breathtaking views. (Website)
Café Aroma Inn: Located close to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this hotel offers well-furnished rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. (Website)
Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts: Known for its great views, professional staff, and lovely rooms. (Website)
Radisson Hotel Kandy: Offers modern elegance and breathtaking views in the hill capital of Sri Lanka. (Website)
These hotels provide a range of amenities and are conveniently located, making them ideal for travelers looking for comfortable and accessible accommodation in Kandy.
Travel Tips in Kandy
Colombo to Kandy Train:
The train journey from Colombo to Kandy is a scenic and popular way to travel. Trains run several times a day, with the journey taking around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Website: Online Advance Train Seats Reservation (Colombo to Kandy Train)
Kandy to Colombo Train:
Similarly, the return journey from Kandy to Colombo is equally convenient, with multiple daily departures.
Website: Online Advance Train Seats Reservation (Kandy to Colombo Train)
Kandy Weather:
Kandy enjoys a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Kandy Sri Lanka Nightlife:
While Kandy's nightlife may not be as vibrant as some other cities, there are still several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed evening.
Whether you're exploring the cultural heritage, enjoying the natural beauty, or simply relaxing in one of the many Kandy hotels, this city has something to offer every traveler.
For more blog articles related to wildlife, nature, photography, and traveling, you can visit my blog: Damith Danthanarayana's Blog.
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