Kandy, Sri Lanka Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Kandy isn't just another stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary — it's a magical blend of misty hills, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions.

In this ultimate Kandy Travel Tips guide, we’ll uncover what makes this city so special and how to experience it like a pro. Whether you're here for the culture, the views, or the elephants (yes, we said elephants!), Kandy will charm you in ways you didn’t expect.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Kandy, Sri Lanka!

Where to Stay

Amaya Hills – A Luxury Escape Above the Clouds

Looking for the perfect hotel in Kandy with jaw-dropping views and a peaceful atmosphere? We stayed at Amaya Hills, and it quickly became one of our favorite stays in Sri Lanka. Nestled high in the hills above Kandy, this hotel offers a unique blend of luxury, nature, and culture—making it an ideal base for exploring the region. You can book it HERE.

📍 Location: Stay Above the City, Close to the Action

Amaya Hills is perched on a serene hillside overlooking the lush Hanthana Mountain Range, just a short drive from Kandy city center. The views? Absolutely unreal —especially during sunrise and sunset.

Even though it feels like a peaceful retreat, Amaya Hills is still close to Kandy’s major highlights:

• Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

• Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

• Kandy Lake

• Kandy Cultural Center

💡 Travel Tip: Ask for a room with a balcony facing the valley. The early morning mist over the hills is pure magic. You can book it HERE.

🛌 Accommodation: Space, Style & Stunning Balconies

Amaya Hills features 100 beautifully designed rooms, each with a private balcony or terrace—perfect for sipping your morning tea while gazing at the hills. You’ll enjoy:

• ❄️ Air conditioning

• 📺 Flat-screen TVs

• 📶 Free high-speed Wi-Fi

• ☕ Tea/coffee making facilities

• 🛏️ Comfy beds with elegant decor

The rooms of Amaya Hills are both spacious and stylish, with wooden accents that give a warm, natural feel. The atmosphere is calm and cozy—ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone needing a recharge. You can book it HERE.

🍽️ Dining: Fresh, Flavorful & Full of Variety

One of the things we loved most? The food! Amaya Hills has multiple dining venues to choose from:

• 🍛 Main Restaurant – Local and international dishes made with seasonal, fresh ingredients

• 🍹 Poolside Bar & Grill – Great for snacks and cocktails with a view

• ☕ Coffee Shop – For light bites and a chill vibe

💡 Foodie Tip: Don’t miss the Sri Lankan curry buffet! It’s rich in flavor and offers lots of vegetarian options too. You can book it HERE.

🧘‍♂️ Facilities & Experiences: More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Amaya Hills isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience. Here's what you can enjoy during your stay:

• 🏊‍♀️ Large outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views

• 🧖‍♀️ Spa with Ayurvedic treatments & massages

• 💪 Fitness centre

• 🎾 Tennis court

• 💃 Traditional dance shows in the evenings

• 👩‍🍳 Sri Lankan cooking classes with local chefs

💡 Bonus Tip: Join a cultural night at the hotel—it’s a great way to learn about local traditions in a relaxed setting. You can book it HERE.

🌱 Why Choose Amaya Hills?

✅ Stunning views you’ll remember forever
✅ Peaceful hilltop location, but still close to all the action
✅ Eco-conscious & sustainability focused – perfect for mindful travellers
✅ Authentic cultural experiences without leaving your hotel
✅ Warm Sri Lankan hospitality that makes you feel at home

Amaya Hills opened in 1997 and is part of the reputable Amaya Resorts & Spas group. Over the years, it has become one of the most sought-after hotels in Kandy—for good reason. You can book it HERE.

📍 Where is Kandy, Sri Lanka Located?

Kandy is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, surrounded by lush mountains and tea plantations.

🏔 Altitude: Approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level. Thanks to this elevation, the climate is cooler and more refreshing than on the coast.

🔽 It’s around 115 km (71 miles) from Colombo and about 3.5 hours by car or train. You can enjoy scenic mountain views and lush greenery all along the way.

💡 Tip: That higher elevation means cooler temperatures – pack a light sweater for the evenings! Don’t forget sturdy shoes for temple visits and nature walks.

🌟 What is Kandy, Sri Lanka Known For?

Kandy is known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is home to one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics.

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
• The famous Esala Perahera Festival with parades, elephants, dancers, and fire-breathers
• Botanical gardens, spice gardens, and stunning lakeside views

Once the last kingdom to fall to British rule, Kandy’s royal history still echoes through its colonial buildings, palaces, and ancient rituals.

💡 Fun Fact: Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Many believe the city holds strong spiritual energy.

✈️ How to Travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka

You can reach Kandy from almost any part of Sri Lanka – it's very well connected!

• 🚆 By train: The scenic ride from Colombo or Ella is legendary. Expect waterfalls, tunnels, and jaw-dropping views. The journey is slow but incredibly memorable.
• 🚗 By car or taxi: Takes around 3.5 hours from Colombo. Great if you want to stop at sights like Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
• 🚍 By bus: Budget-friendly, but less comfortable and slower than trains or cars.

💡 Pro Tip: Book train tickets in advance, especially for 1st or 2nd class on scenic routes. Use sites like 12Go Asia to check availability and reserve your seat!

📆 How Many Days to Spend in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Ideally, spend 2 to 3 days in Kandy to enjoy both cultural sites and nature.

• Day 1: Temples, museums, and a peaceful walk around the lake
• Day 2: Day trip to the Botanical Gardens, visit a spice garden, or tour a tea factory
• Day 3: Enjoy a spa day, local markets, or take a short hike into the hills

💡 Extra Tip: Staying longer? Use Kandy as a base for exploring the Knuckles Mountain Range or visiting nearby villages like Hantana.

☀️ When to Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy has a tropical climate but is cooler than the coast.

• ✅ Best time to visit: December to April (dry and sunny)
• ☔ Rainy season: October to November and May (bring a light rain jacket!)
• 🌡 Average temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)

💡 Travel Tip: Weather can switch quickly, so carry an umbrella or poncho and wear breathable clothes for temple visits.

🌍 What to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

There’s no shortage of things to see in this hill-country gem. Here are the top 3 must-do routes:

🏫 Cultural Circuit

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit during the morning or evening ceremony for a truly spiritual experience.
• Royal Palace of Kandy: Wander through the historic halls where kings once ruled.
• Kandy National Museum: Dive deep into the city's royal and colonial history.

🌿 Nature & Relaxation

• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: Perfect for a picnic, flower spotting, or monkey-watching!
• Udawatta Kele Sanctuary: Hike through this peaceful forest reserve with ancient meditation caves.
• Kandy Lake Walk: A leisurely stroll with benches, birds, and views of the Temple of the Tooth.

🚚 Scenic & Adventure

• Day trip to Knuckles Mountain Range: A UNESCO-listed biosphere for hiking, waterfalls, and villages.
• Visit a tea plantation: Learn about Ceylon tea and sip it straight from the source.
• Take the train toward Ella: Even just part of the journey gives you those postcard views!

💡 Tip: Catch a Kandyan dance performance in the evening for fire-walking, drumming, and costume art.

🍽️ What to Eat in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

Kandy offers a delicious mix of traditional flavors and international bites.

• 🍛 Rice and curry: A daily staple, with endless spicy combos to try.
• 🍽 Lamprais: A colonial-era favorite, baked in banana leaves.
• 🍜 String hoppers and coconut sambal – perfect for breakfast or dinner.
• 🥣 Kottu roti: Chopped roti stir-fried with veggies, eggs, or meat.
• 🥚 Buffalo curd with treacle – a must-try dessert!

💡 Tip: Try the Kandy Muslim Hotel for cheap eats or head to Cafe Secret Alley for fusion bites in a hidden courtyard.

🚗 How to Move Around in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

• 🛺 Tuk-tuks: The easiest way to hop between sites. Always agree on price or use the PickMe app.
• 🚌 Local buses: Cheap and frequent, though not the comfiest.
• 🚶 On foot: Ideal around Kandy Lake, the temple district, and the city centre.

💡 Tip: Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline. Some hilly areas lose signal.

⚠️ How Safe is Kandy, Sri Lanka?

Kandy is generally safe and tourist-friendly.

• Locals are welcoming and helpful.
• Keep valuables close in busy areas and markets.
• Petty scams are rare but stay alert, especially around major attractions and train stations.

💡 Tip: Avoid walking alone in remote areas after dark. Stick to tuk-tuks or arrange a hotel transfer at night.

Conclusion

With its scenic charm and deep-rooted culture, Kandy deserves a spot on every Sri Lanka itinerary. Follow these Kandy Travel Tips, and you’ll experience the best the city has to offer — from sacred temples to jungle trails, lakeside strolls, and flavorful meals.

🌎 Ready to explore the cultural soul of Sri Lanka? Kandy is calling!