Kandy

Understand

This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the British around 1815 you can still see the living traditions. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage. Since the western elements has played a comparatively little role in the city most Kandyans uphold Buddhist values. Since it is in the cultural triangle the authorities try to retain this values as much as possible. However, don't expect to find the honest Kandyans they describe in the colonial literature now. Be careful with your belongings and the people whom you associate with. But this is a peaceful city compared to most other parts of the country with a lower crime rate.

Get around

The local "Three-Wheelers" (Tuk-Tuk) are an amazingly cheap (if you know how to haggle! If you can get them for Rs 60-70 per Km you are doing well) and exciting way of seeing the city, and they run virtually all night long. However, beware of the Tuk-Tuk mafia at the Kandy railway station – they are likely to rip you off (and they threaten Uber or PickMe drivers when they collect passengers near their stand).

Walking is also recommended - the centre is not that large - as a way of seeing temples, shops, shopping area and other sights around the lake. You can visit the Temple of the Tooth by on foot as well but you'll have to ask for directions.

There are plenty of suburban buses that pass through the city center.

See

300px|thumb|The Temple of the Tooth entrance portal

Do

Kandyan dancing — traditional form of dancing, which can be seen at multiple venues including that the "Kandy Cultural Centre" near the Kandy lake. As of 2024, expect prices to range from 2000 to 3500 per ticket for about 1 hour performances, not including intermission time.

Buy

thumb|300px|A bright display of spices at the Kandy Central Market There are quite a few road side shoe repairers here. Very skilled, fast and cheap. So if you have any damaged footwear now is a good time to fix them.

Drink

There are two popular bars on the main street (Dalada Vidaya), The Pub and The Pub Royale. The former serves quite good (but pricey, perhaps Rs 700) meals, has a large screen for sports inside and a 1st floor outside verandah. There are a number of cheap bars (Rs 100 or less for a 650 ml bottle of beer) scattered throughout the sidestreets near the town centre. They can be rather seedy and unaccompanied women could be made to feel very uncomfortable. (Usually Local women do not drink) Victory Hotel, 79 Colombo Road. This bar is a great way to see real Sri Lankans and what they do, downstairs is full of locals knocking back Arrack, the atmosphere may be less than salubrious, in fact it gives the Sidney Hotel, Galle a run for its money, but the people are friendly. Upstairs is slightly less dingy as it serves food, Arrack starts at Rs 700, beer Rs 195 and a cigarette from a waiter Rs 30.

Sleep

There are many hostels, budget, midrange and splurge hotels in Kandy, where you can stay the night and rest easily.

Go next

Dambulla - 72 km north of Kandy, minibus ("A/C bus") No. 43 to Dambulla departing from SWRD Bandaranayake rd (here) before T-junction with Keppeticola st, ticket 470LKR (Oct 2024), at irregular times when seats are filled up, duration 2hr to reach Dambulla, setting down at near Cargill Dambulla 1 (here). With a driver it is possible to do a day trip to Sigiriya (2.5 hour from Kandy)- Dambulla - Matale. Knuckles Mountain Range and its forest trails are the most suitable for trekking in Sri Lanka. It has many nature trails cleared through the forest by forest department with campsites. Matale is 25 km north of Kandy and connected by train Take the scenic train to Ella (or stop at Nuwara Eliya or Haputale along the way)