How to Plan a Trip to Kandy - Travel Tips on Organising the Perfect Getaway to Kandy

 Tipped to be one of Sri Lanka's most popular travel hubs, the hill capital of Kandy is on the bucket list of tourists the world over. Occupying pride of place in the centre of the island nation, the city in the hills is both a heritage hotspot as well as a scenic getaway for those hoping to escape the heat and humidity. From staying in the right hotel to exploring all the area's main highlights, here are some tips on planning an unforgettable tour to Kandy.

Ji-Elle, Kandy Lake-Sri Lanka (2), CC BY-SA 3.0

1. Time the Trip

While Kandy is considered a holiday destination one can visit all year long, those who wish to enjoy a seamless holiday experience unhindered by bad weather and cancelled excursions should time their getaway. Unlike most of the island, the dry season is the best time of the year to visit Kandy as there's little chance of rain during the period from December to April. Do not plan a trip to Kandy in the months between May and August as this is when the monsoon rains hit the area. Travellers will be surprised to find that the climate is temperate and pleasant even during the dry period so outdoor hikes and other outbound activities are less strenuous.

2. Determining How to Reach Kandy

Those who are landing at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport will find that they need to head down to the Fort Bus Station or the Fort Railway Station in the capital to hop on a train or bus to Kandy. Taking the train and the bus are the most affordable means of reaching Kandy although the journey will take considerably longer than 3 hours, which is the driving distance between Colombo and Kandy.

3. Secure a Strategic Base

The next step in the planning process is finding a rest in the hill capital that affords easy access to the area's biggest highlights. Whether you select Amaya Hills or any one of the other hotels in Kandy, it is important to consider the location of the establishment and the distance to various points of interest such as the Temple of the Tooth. As a mountainous region, travelling around Kandy can be quite a hassle for those who are based too far away from the city centre, which is equally renowned for big traffic jams. This is why a strategically situated hotel can make a big difference.

 4. Create a Sightseeing Itinerary

Depending on the number of days you have at your disposal, it is necessary to plan out how to best spend time on the holiday. With so many cultural attractions occupying its confines, visitors must make it a point to explore the main highlights in Kandy. Starting with the Temple of the Tooth, travellers should consider whether they wish to visit the Royal Botanical Garden, tour Peradeniya University or the Malwatta Rajamaha Viharaya. Hatara Devales and Asgiriya Rajamaha Viharaya are some other highlights visitors can include in their itineraries apart from the Kandy Lake.

 5. Sign Up for Activities

Nature lovers will find that there are plenty of green spaces to explore in Kandy and none are quite as enchanting as the Udawattakele Sanctuary where tourists can go on long hikes and discover local flora and fauna. Trekking enthusiasts can also climb up to witness the Big Buddha or tour one of the many tea estates and factories located in Kandy. Kandy is also the perfect location to experience high tea as it was enjoyed during the colonial era as many local restaurants and bakeries serve up delicious treats for this English afternoon ritual with a local spin. Shopaholics heading to Kandy should also make the time to shop around the Kandy City Center, the city's biggest and most impressive retail complex.