Travel Tips 24 > South Asia > Sri Lanka > Central (Sri Lanka) >
Kandy
Kandy is located at the center of Sri Lanka and is generally recognized as the island nation's cultural capital. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Culture and History
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was concurred only 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 are upholding Buddhist values. Since it is in the cultural triangle the authorities try to retain this values as much as possible. Situation had changed recently because of many immigrants coming from other parts of the country. So 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 lesser crime rate.
Be respectful in the religious places and wear long light colored clothes to them.
Travel to Kandy, visa requirements
- Train (from Colombo) - hassle free and scenic. But make sure you book the intercity express train in advance (at least one week ahead). Other trains are overly crowded and late. There is an observation saloon (first class) in this particular train which is highly recommendable.
- Intercity air-conditioned bus (from Colombo) is the next best option to the train. But if you are a single girl make sure that you sit away from men to avoid unnecessary surprises. The best is to sit with a lady.
Get around
- The local "Three-Wheelers" (Tuc-Tuc) are an amazingly cheap and exciting way of seeing the city, and they run virtually all night long.
- 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.
- Avoid people who attempt to offer their services to guide/help you to see or buy what is perfectly feasible by yourself.
Kandy attractions and sightseeing
- The Temple of the Tooth houses a tooth that came from the mouth of Lord Buddha, and is consequently considered one of Sri Lanka's most holy shrines. The temple is open from dawn to dusk.
- The Pinawela Elephant Orphanage has about seventy semi-tame elephants roaming freely around this wonderful sanctuary. Feeding and bathing times are especially enjoyable.
- The Royal Botanical Garden [1] is the best botanical garden in Sri Lanka and one of the best ones in the region. Dates back to the ancient kings of the country. British colonials have changed the looks of it. You will be able to see many of the species in the region. Has a nice orchid house and a forest garden. If you happen to visit the place don't forget to drive through the University of Peradeniya [2] the most scenic and the largest university in the country.
City tours
- Perahera is the most famous festival in Kandy usually in August. It's a pageant where many elephants participate. You can buy expensive seats or can see it with the crowd. Buy a seat from the Queens hotel. This will be around $40. Buy the tickets from the officials or otherwise through middlemen you will be paying exorbitant prizes.
- Kandyan dancing you can see this traditional form of dancing in the "Kandyan Cultural Center" near the Kandy lake.
- Buddhis Publication society this is located near the lake. You can participate in discussions about Buddhism, meditation or you can buy some introductory materials about Buddhism.
- Nilambe meditation center have to take a "Galaha" bus passing Peradeniya (Get down from Nilambe "office junction". Is a Buddhist retreat which offers experiences of a monastic lifestyle. You can engage in daily activities which involves yoga classes, meditation and discussions. [3]
Shopping, Kandy souvenirs
- Laksala is the state owned handicraft shop. you will be able to buy a lot of genuine handicrafts made by traditional artisans (don't be deceived by the fake products available with most tourist shops)
Good restaurants and cheap meals
- Rams Restaurant - located in front of the Pizza Hut (near the temple of tooth) offers nice south Indian food.
- The New Rams Restaurant is in the Colombo Street. Both places try to be the original "Rams" but all are descendants from the original famous restaurants. One should try both.
Kandy nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
- Highest View Guest House - The best option in town, the rooms are clean, the smart roof top restaurant has very nice south Indian and Sri Lankan food and the city view is amazing. Rates around US$15. The owner Tony is very friendly and always ready to help in all the guests needs.
Mid range
Splurge
The Queen's Hotel is one of Asia's Grand old hotels, built when Queen Victoria's empire included Sri Lanka.
Get out
Respect
- Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of religious sites.
- Circumambulate sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
- Preserve the peace and tranquility.
- Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.
- Remove shoes before entering sacred sites.
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