How to Spend 24 Hours in Kandy as a Traveller - Everything you can do in Kandy!

 Known as the "Lost City," Kandy was the final capital of the Sinhalese monarchy, and its fortitude allowed it to withstand assaults from the Portuguese and Dutch, who had taken over the rest of the nation but not Kandy. In 1815, the city was finally conquered by the British. This place has also been utilised as a film set, most notably for the action blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

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Get up and shine! 

After a well-rested sleep and an authentic tropical breakfast, it will be time to start your day! Make sure you book your accommodation at properties like Earl's Regency Kandy, which is close to most tourist attractions and activities. You can always check out hotel offers in Sri Lanka to save some cash! Now, let’s take advantage of the cool morning air by visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a neighbouring university town. These enormous and well-managed gardens are home to a wide range of native medicinal herbs, aromatic flowers, and spices, as well as soaring rows of palms and gigantic bamboo, making them a nature lover's heaven. The orchid nursery, which features hundreds of exquisite orchids from throughout the globe, is a must-see. As you feel, and smell, your journey through unique local spices, a trip to the spice garden is a must. Botanists who are well-versed in the subject might be hired to take you through the intriguing facts and ayurvedic applications of the plants. Spend many hours walking the network of walkways through this 147-acre botanical marvel if you want a more relaxing adventure. 

A walk in the middle of the morning 

Tour Kandy Lake which is the city's beating heart. The protected lake, which was built in 1807 by the Sri Lankan King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha sits smack-bang in the midst of the city and is buried in mystery and folklore that local people are always eager to impart. Enjoy a stroll around the 3.4km circumference of the lake, which is shaded by frangipani trees, to get a sense of the frenetic metropolis. Take a break and cool yourself with pineapple or other fruit snacks drenched in chilli, salt, and pepper; a popular local delicacy sold by mobile street sellers.

Afternoon pleasure 

When it is time for lunch, stop by the Empire Cafe, a laid-back eatery on Temple Street. The café is located in an UN-designated historic site that dates back to the 1890s. The menu features a variety of fresh Western cuisine, Empire classics with a Sri Lankan twist, and delectable rice but also curry spread, all created with local produce and seasonal ingredients. Sit back down on the breezy porch overlooking the Temple of the Tooth and observe the lotus vendors go around with their daily business. In the immediate vicinity of the café, there are a number of stores worth visiting. A particular favourite among tourists is Selyn which is a fair-trade certified handloom business. The store is well-organized, with bright fabric options and take-home memories such as sustainable jewellery, children's toys, keychains, and unique dinnerware. The Kandy market, a bit farther out, offers a unique shopping experience with sellers selling exotic fruits, textiles, spices, and leather products – but be prepared to haggle! 

Twilight 

Kandy's most revered site is the Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. The Buddhist temple is a magnificent complex of gardens and atrium, with the most venerated and ornately designed chamber allegedly housing the Buddha's precious tooth relic. Take a dusk guided walk around the aromatherapy grounds of this historic site with hundreds of worshipers clad in white, delivering their daily offerings, after purchasing a lotus from Temple Street merchants. Regular cultural entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on the temple grounds, providing an excellent chance to see masked Kandyan dance, traditional drumming, and captivating fire twirling. If you happen to be here in August, get your tickets to Esala Perahera in advance for a jaw-dropping, vibrant procession of cultural and historical importance that begins at dusk.