How to make your first visit to Kandy a memorable one – Time to enjoy the culture and history of an ancient kingdom

 Many cities in the world have been homes to kingdoms that have risen and fallen. However, within the tiny island nation of Sri Lanka, there is no more beauteous site of an ancient kingdom than the city of Kandy. Having been the home of the last king of Sri Lanka, it is now a stunning city with huge developments integrated into the surrounding lush landscapes.

Afbeelding van Mohamed Nuzrath via Pixabay 

Understanding the ETA process and travel restrictions

Due to the ongoing pandemic, world travel requires just a little bit more paperwork than usual. This means that you will need to complete your Electronic Travel Authorization if you are travelling to Sri Lanka. The process is relatively straightforward, and you will generally get a response back relatively fast.

When you have arrived in Kandy after completing the above process, you will need to ensure that you are well aware of the travel restrictions in the city. Due to the uncertain state of the pandemic within Sri Lanka, the limits may vary at any moment. However, plenty of platforms now offer these updates for your convenience, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

What is the best time to visit Kandy?

Given the position of Sri Lanka along the equator, it is faced with the two-monsoon season. One that takes place from May till August and another that occurs from October till January.

Given the central nature of Kandy, it is unfortunately affected by both monsoon seasons, albeit with less severity than the country’s coastal regions. This means that the best times to visit Kandy would be between mid-January and March, which will likely be the driest.

How to get to Kandy

When you are in the country and looking to visit Kandy, there are several options available. The choice you choose will have some positives that can be weighed before selection. If you are coming from Colombo, you can opt for taking either a hired cab, bus or train. However, if you are coming from Ella, it is recommended to take the trip as it will provide you with one of the most picturesque train rides in the world. The downside, of course, is that the journey will take you about 6-7 hours, but if you have time to spare, this will be well worth the experience. Not to mention it is also quite affordable.

Have dinner at Helga’s Folly

If you are looking for the most eccentric home, hotel and restaurant in Sri Lanka, you can find it in Kandy. It's very peculiar history and eclectic collections of artwork & décor make it a big attraction. However, the downside is that it is a little bit further away from the city, making the journey inconvenient for travellers.

If you are looking for other places to visit in Kandy, a resource like Kandy Escapes would be invaluable!

Best places to stay in Kandy

When you visit Kandy, there are various options to select from in terms of the areas you want to stay. For example, suppose you choose the Anniewatta area. In that case, you will be placing yourself within the heart of a peaceful and suburban part of the city. This area is filled with homestays that will give you a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Alternatively, you can stay in downtown Kandy. This part of the city will place you in close vicinity to popular attractions such as the majestic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Suppose you are hoping to explore the city and try out the local restaurants and teashops while meeting the community. In that case, this is the best option for you.