Travel to Kandy
Kandy
Set on a high plateau in the midst of the thick tropical forests and the tea plantations is the city of Kandy, the second-largest city in Sri Lanka. More popularly known as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is known for its spirituality and laid-back charm due to which the colonial town is frequented by tourists as well as Buddhists, especially of the Theravada School. The well-planned town of Kandy added value to its legacy and never changed its roots for the sake of development. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1988.
The city and the region have been known by many different names and versions of those names. Some scholars suggest that the original name of Kandy was Katubulu Nuwara. However, the more popular historical name is Senkadagala or Senkadagalapura, officially Senkadagala Siriwardhana Maha Nuwara, generally shortened to ‘Maha Nuwara’. The name Kandy is derived from an Anglicized version of the Sinhala Kanda Uda Rata, meaning the land on the mountain or Kanda Uda Pas Rata (the five counties/countries on the mountain). The Portuguese shortened this to ‘Candea’, using the name for both the kingdom and its capital.
Kandy is renowned for being the site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, unarguably the most famous among all the temples of Sri Lanka. Kandy is also home to numerous remarkable museums, scenic attractions, meditation centers with dense nature around, and exciting trails. The National Museum of Kandy, the Dalada Maligawa Museum, the Royal Palace of Kandy, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, and Kandy Lake are some of the important landmarks in Kandy. The city is also rich in arts and culture.
Kandy always has a special place when it comes to festivities such as the Esala Perahara. During the festival, one of the inner caskets of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha is taken for a procession around the city on a royal elephant, followed by dancers, drummers, flag and torchbearers, all decked up in their traditional costumes. This ceremony which is annually held in the months of July or August attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.
Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for travel. But, like any other destination, it is always important to practice caution and take the necessary precautions. Since the end of its civil war in 2009 security and stability has improved. The government has implemented measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
The economic crisis that started after COVID has now diminished. Fuel and power availability have been restored.
We advise you to stay informed about the current situation before planning your trip. We recommend checking travel advisories and following the guidance provided by your government. Also, make sure you’re sufficiently insured for the duration of your tour.
Sri Lanka is a popular destination for families due to its beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, good food, and hospitality. There are many kid-friendly attractions and activities to experience. Hotels that cater to the needs of families as well. Sri Lanka offers a wide range of activities for kids.
When traveling with toddlers, make sure to get diapers and formula in major towns where supermarkets are available. Also, the kids should be vaccinated for rabies since there are many stray dogs around. Pack your mosquito repellents as well, since dengue is abundant. Consult with your hotel to confirm that they are baby- and child-friendly and can accommodate your special requests.
A few things to do with kids
- Boat trips
- Whale and Dolphin watching
- Seeing elephants on a wildlife safari in Yala or Udawalawe
- Visiting a sea turtle hatchery
- Visiting the Udawalwe Elephant transit home
- Discover the tea estates in Nuwara Eliya
- Visit Galle Fort
- Snorkeling in Pigeon Island
Since Sri Lanka is a small country, it makes it easier for kids as there is less time on the road.
- Tea
- Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world. The scenic tea plantations in the central highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella are popular tourist attractions.
- Beaches
- The country has beautiful palm-fringed beaches along its coastline. Particularly on the west coast, south coast, and east coast. There are ample surfing hotspots like Arugam Bay and Weligama. Southern beaches like Mirissa, Weligama, Tangalle, Hiriketiya are trending beach hotspots.
- Wildlife
- Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is known for its national parks, such as Yala, Minneriya, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe. Visitors can spot elephants, leopards, birds, and other wildlife. Whale- and dolphin-watching tours are also available in Mirissa, Kalpitiya and Trincomalee.
- Heritage Sites
- Sri Lanka has a rich archaeological heritage, with ancient cities and ruins. Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cultural Events
- With a recorded history spanning over 2000 years and a diverse cultural landscape, Sri Lanka commemorates numerous religious and cultural festivals all year round. Prominent events like the Esala Perahera in Kandy, Vesak festival and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year exemplify the rich traditions of the country.
- Ayurveda and Wellness
- Sri Lanka is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which focuses on holistic healing and wellness. Many visitors come to Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats.
- Adventures
- Sri Lanka is embraced by captivatingly beautiful beaches, green mountains, and untouched waterways. This enchanting paradise presents an array of thrilling prospects for both adventure enthusiasts and nature aficionados. Positioned as an island sanctuary, it is encircled by the azure expanse of the ocean and intertwined with a network of rivers, lakes, and mountains soaring to heights over 2500 meters above sea level.
These natural features provide an abundance of avenues for exhilarating activities such as deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, wind and kite surfing, flyboarding, paragliding, white-water rafting, canoeing, waterfall abseiling, river kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and canoeing. Moreover, boasting over 200 shipwrecks scattered around its coastline, the island offers an enticing prospect for diving enthusiasts as well.
