Kandy
Kandy, or Maha Nuwara, meaning “Great City” in Sinhalese, is an ancient city in the heart of Sri Lanka, dating back to the mid 14th Century. It was established by King Wickramabahu, and in 1592 became the capital city of the last remaining kingdom on the island.
The name Kandy is derived from the Sinhalese kanda uḍa pas raṭa, meaning land on a hilltop. The Portuguese shortened this to "Candea", using the name for both the kingdom and its capital Senkadagalapura.
The 116km drive up North from Colombo to Kandy is punctuated with scenic spice gardens, lush tropical vegetation, and winding mountain roads. Past the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the incredible Mahaweli River and famous Peradeniya Gardens lies Kandy.
The city, which is located in the centre of the island, sits at an elevation of 500m (1,640ft) above sea level and covers a total area of 1,940 km2 (749 Mi2). With a population of 111,000 people, it is the second-largest city in the country.
Kandy is locked with surrounding hills as barriers to expansion of the city. The view of the Dalada Maligawa from the Kandy Lake is magnificent. The heart of the city is a weave of pre-19th century as well as modern buildings that can be seen along the Dalada Vidiya, or winding walkway around the Kandy Lake.
While the island itself is a tropical climate, Kandy’s high altitude and inland location lends itself to cooler temperatures. The city is humid and subject to the monsoon season, which happens from May through July and again in December and January. The best times to visit are during the inter monsoon period, from March through the middle of May. Even at this time light rain and humidity is common.
Getting There
To travel to Kandy, the intercity express trains are hassle free and scenic. A reservation is required and it can be done just before the departure depending on the period. There is a great observation saloon (first class) in some trains. Lower-fare trains are generally overly crowded and slower. The trip from Colombo to Kandy costs approximately LKR 220 in second class.
If you're just arriving in Sri Lanka, heading for Kandy, you can hire a taxi from one of the stalls in the arrivals hall at Colombo Airport for about LKR 6,000. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
You can also hire a mini-van from Colombo through travel agencies, private companies and hotel concierges. They usually come with a driver though some have the option of just renting the vehicle.
Intercity air-conditioned busses are the next best option to the train. For ladies travelling unaccompanied, do try and sit by families or other women.
Getting About
The local tuk-tuks are an amazingly cheap and exciting way of seeing the city, and they run virtually all night long. Be prepared to haggle your way down to a reasonable price.
As the centre of the city is not that large, walking is another option for sightseeing.
Where to Stay
For a detailed list of hotels in Kandy, do visit our webpage.
What to do
Kandy, being a historical and cultural attraction is quite a sightseer’s paradise.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The city remains an important religious centre and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and is one of the most scenic cities in the country. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), where the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is said to be enshrined. It is one of the most revered places for the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka and around the world and was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Kandy Perahera
The annual Esela Perahera is the highlight of the year where a replica of the tooth relic is taken in procession, accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and some one-hundred elephants during ten glittering nights in July or August.
The Perahera begins with the Kap Situveema or Kappa, in which a sanctified young jackfruit is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four Devales (Hindu Kovil) dedicated to the four guardian gods Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and the goddess Pattini. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessings on the King and the people.
Peradeniya Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya are famous for its medicinal plants, palm trees and more than 300 varieties of Orchids. The gardens cover an area of 147 acres (0.59km^2), sits at 460m above sea level and receives a 200 day annual rain fall. The origins of the gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne.
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
The orphanage is situated northwest of the town Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and Kandy. Established in1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department, this 24 acre sanctuary is also a breeding ground for elephants. It has the greatest herd of elephants in captivity in the world and is currently home to over a hundred semi-tame elephants.
