How to Spend Two Days in Kandy – a city of beauty and culture awaits

 Are you planning a trip to the central hills of Sri Lanka? Kandy is a place that you should visit. It is a unique city filled with beauty and culture. It is one of the iconic cities in Sri Lanka that every tourist should visit. The weather in Kandy is extremely pleasant and there is a special charm to the city itself.  Here are a few things to do in Kandy during your trip.

image via McKay Savage, Sri Lanka - 027 - Kandy lake and city centre, CC BY 2.0

1. What to know about Kandy

Kandy has been listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. This is because of its importance as a cultural and religious landmark in the country. The main attraction in Kandy is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. This is an important site for Buddhists from around the world. Other things to look out for include Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda Statue, and the Kadugannawa Tea factory. Getting to Kandy is a very easy task. You can simply drive or take a public bus or train. The train ride from Ella to Kandy is supposed to be one of the most picturesque train journeys anywhere in the world.

2. Kandy Lake

You will not miss the sight of Kandy lake when you get to the city. It occupied a major park in Kandy and is beloved by both locals and tourists alike. It is a wonderful place for a morning walk or an evening stroll. There are vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to local savouries that you can enjoy. Some people also use the vicinity of the lake to practice meditation. The road that runs by the lake can be a little chaotic. So it’s best to visit it early in the morning.

3. Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

This is one of the biggest statues found anywhere in Sri Lanka. Most of the hotels in Kandy have a view of this statue that is seen from most parts of the city. As soon as you enter the main city, you will be treated to a glaring view of it from a mountain top. During your stay at a property such as Amaya Hills, you can make a quick trip to see the wonder of this temple and statue. There is a short hike that takes you to the top of the mountain where the statue sits in Nirvana position. The view from the temple itself is breathtaking. It is a place that you should visit during your 2-day trip to Kandy.

4. Temple of the Tooth

The temple of the sacred tooth relic is a must-visit in Sri Lanka. It is believed that the tooth relic of Lord Buddha is kept inside the temple. People from all over the country visit the temple at least once a year to offer their prayers. The complex itself is massive and is adorned with beautiful architectural elements. There is a separate museum at the temple that houses a range of historical monuments. You can spend a whole day exploring the different parts of the temple and getting involved in religious activities.

5. How to get around

During your two-day trip to Kandy, it’ll be important to know how to get around. Kandy is famous for being a city with significant levels of traffic. Therefore, hiring and driving your vehicle may not be the best idea. Instead, hiring local tuk-tuks is the best way to get around the city. These are reasonably priced and the local drivers will know all the best places to take you. You can also ask the hotel to arrange transportation for you if you like. Kandy is a city with excellent connectivity, so you won’t have a hard time getting around.