Make sure to purchase your eSim ahead of time so you don't lose data when traveling internationally!
Our Essential Travel Resources :
​There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip. For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination. Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international! We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) and NordVPN to stay safe when surfing the web. For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels. Getting to Kandy & Where to Stay
Luckily you have a few options of getting to Kandy. What we recommend is catching the train - even though what people consider "the most beautiful train ride" is the portion from Kandy to Ella, we felt that the train ride to Kandy from Colombo was equally as impressive. If you're not up for the train ride, you can always hire a private transfer car, or even book a day trip to Kandy from Colombo!
​Personally, we felt as though Kandy had the most cultural experiences for visitors during our time in Sri Lanka. From traditional dances to the incredible Temple of the Sacred Tooth - there's plenty of chances in Kandy to learn about a local's way of life.
If you're looking for a place to stay, we stayed at the Viyana Boutique hotel and loved it! It was located right on Kandy Lake, with incredible sunset views, and was within walking distance to the center of town. Plus they just finished updating their rooms and common areas! Best Things to Do in Kandy
1. Virtual Reality
Ok, so although this isn't a cultural experience, this was hands down one of the most fun experiences we've had in a while. At only $1 per game, you definitely can't beat the price, and when we were there it became almost like a community - where locals would watch you and then they would try - and everyone was laughing at everyone! We found this fun surprise in the upstairs of the Kandy City Centre, plus if you're hungry they even have a large food court with a great variety of food options! 
​2. Traditional Kandyan Dance Show
You may or may not be pressured into this Culutral Dance Show by the locals (in a single walk around the lake I think we were asked at least 5 times if we were going to the "special" dance that was "only tonight"), however we would honestly recommend it. The show started off a little slow, but by the end of the fire dance we were completely amazed! ​We recommend going a bit early to get good seats and bringing bug spray. Kandy was the only place we visited in Sri Lanka with a cultural dance show, and at only 2500 Sri Lankan Rupee each ($7.76 USD) for a one hour show, you really can't go wrong. The dance is each night from 5-6 pm, and depending on whether you book with a private guide or at the door you may or may not have reserved seats.
​3. Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)
This beautiful Buddhist temple could take you an entire day in itself to explore. Although you won't be allowed to see the tooth of Buddha itself, you can head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the intricate shrine that houses the tooth. It's important to note that your knees should be covered, and shoes will have to be taken off at the entrance. If you aren't able to wear anything to cover your knees, they will provide a covering at the gate as you enter. We recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon/evening to avoid crowds and the heat, and if you time your visit correctly you'll be able to witness one of 3 daily rituals (5:30 am, 9:30 am, and 6:30 pm). Tourists are charged 1500 Sri Lanka Rupee ($4.66 USD) and there is an area for you to leave your shoes at the entrance (donations accepted). Unfortunately, you may also see shackled elephants onsite - during our visit we also saw how aggressively they were treated. While you're here, you'll also have access to a few museums onsite, as well as the Royal Palace of Kandy. 
​4. Royal Botanical Garden
These Royal Botanical Gardens are truly beautiful with over 4,000 plant species - including spices and even medicinal plants! Located a bit out of town, you'll either have to take a Tuktuk or an Uber to get there. Prices are 2000 Sri Lanka Rupee ($6.21 USD) per adult, and while there you can also stop by the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka. 
​5. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Another day trip option from Kandy is the ever popular trip to Sigiriya, also called Lion's Rock. With over 1200 steps and incredible views from up top, we recommend going early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat, and if you're basing out of Kandy then the best option is to take a complete day trip. Sigiriya itself is an ancient, natural rock that was turned into an incredible fortress and then designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. 
6. Explore Kandy Lake
One of the most accessible things to see in Kandy is actually Kandy Lake - located right in the center of town! Whether you want to walk the entire loop, stop for a bit to feed the fish, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride, Kandy Lake has it all. The entire loop is just over 2 miles, with lots of shade, places to sit, and ducks to watch (and also a few bats if you happen to look up). If you do want to feed the fish in the lake, there are plenty of vendors that sell popcorn - which we saw locals throwing into the lake - causing a fish frenzy. The boat ride begins across the street from the Kandy City Centre, and costs 2000 Sri Lanka Rupee ($6.21 USD) per adult. 
7. Sri Lankan Safari
​Did you know Sri Lanka actually has some of the best safari experiences in the entire world? Although they don't have lions like Africa, they do have amazing elephant herds, leopards, water buffalo, and plenty of other animals you can see during your trip! When we went we based our safari out of Mirissa, Kandy also has some excellent safari options to the Kaudulla, Minneriya, or Hurulu National Parks depending on current animal patterns. If you do anything on our list, this is one thing I highly recommend you don't miss!
Watch our Adventures in Sri Lanka here!
Other Sri Lanka Blog Posts :
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We're Deborah & Tyler. After our move to Alaska, we decided to take a gap year and visited 30+ countries on a budget of about $100 per day! This blog shares our best budget saving travel tips & itineraries. 
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