What To Do in Kandy in Two Days, Sri Lanka

This article provides information on what to do in Kandy in two days, where to stay in Kandy, and how to get around Kandy.

[For the first time, I’ve included black and white pictures for travel tips: I felt only black and white could do justice to Kandy’s historic heritage and elegance… not sure if I’ll do it again but I enjoyed the new experience – Rolling Coconut]

Kandy is a city included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is located at the center of the Sri Lankan island and considered its cultural capital. The city is located at a higher altitude offering cooler climate and green landscapes all around. We leisurely spent 2 days in Kandy, which included a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the most revered place of worship and religious site in Sri Lanka. Find out what to do in Kandy in two days here.

Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka

How To Get from Dambulla to Kandy

Local buses are the cheapest and easiest way to get to Kandy. We hopped on the bus on Kandy Road in Dambulla and made it to the Hills within a couple of hours. Cost was LKR 100 (USD $0.70) per person.

From Colombo to Kandy: you can take the bus or the train (about 3hrs travel time for both). The train is more comfortable and departs/arrives at Colombo Fort Train Station. Train ticket cost LKR 280 per person (USD $2).

People walk back and forth on the railway tracks by the Kandy train station, Sri Lanka

Where to Stay in Kandy: Kandy Hotels and Accommodations

This was probably one of our favorite hotels while in Sri Lanka – cheap and basic,  but we adored the architecture:

Olde Empire Hotel: we did not book in advance, we saw the hotel as we were dropped off in Kandy. It faces the Kandy lake with its colonial architecture, in the city center. We paid LKR 1,200 (USD $8.50) for a basic double room with outside bath. Hotel is located right next to the Temple of the Tooth.

Olde Empire Hotel, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Our double room with ceiling fan at the Olde Empire Hotel, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Perfect terrace overlooking the Kandy Lake and Temple of the Tooth at Olde Empire, Sri Lanka

Other options we considered included:

Expeditor: LKR 2,000 ( ~USD $14) for a double room, shared bath and free WiFi. Located in South Kandy, about a 10 minutes walk to Kandy Lake.

McLeod Inn: Excellent view of Kandy, LKR 2,000-2,5000( ~USD $14-18) for a double room with WiFi.

An elephant walking in the streets of Kandy, Sri Lanka

What to do in Kandy – Kandy Activities

Moat at the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Temple of the Tooth – a sacred destination to witness the tooth of the Buddha. Daily worships are conducted at the temple on three occasions: dawn, noon and evenings. We went at night and would highly recommend the experience. There’s a peaceful aura inside the temple. Wear appropriate clothes: covered legs and shoulders. Ticket cost LKR 1,000 per person (USD $7).

Kandy Lake – at the heart of Kandy, great to enjoy a nice stroll around the Lake or just sit down and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Views of the Hills from Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue – The Statue can be seen from many parts of Kandy. A bit of a climb but beautiful reward and great view of Kandy.

Tea Museum – Find out about Sri Lankan tea, its history and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea. You can also purchase tea there. Price: LKR 500 per person (under USD $4).

How To Get Away – From Kandy to Colombo

From Kandy to Colombo you can opt to go by bus or by train. The advantage with the bus is that you don’t have to purchase your ticket in advance and can hop on any bus available. The price is also cheaper by bus.

By train, unless you booked early, the best way is to go to Kandy train station and purchase your ticket directly there by checking availabilities. We paid LKR 280 (USD $2) for the train ride in 2nd class and enjoyed beautiful scenery from Kandy to Galle with a layover in Colombo. From Kandy to Colombo by train, expect to pay between LKR 105 (USD $0.75) for a 3rd class ticket to LKR 500 (USD $3.50) for a 1st class ticket.

Train schedule at Kandy, Sri Lanka

A well deserved rest in Kandy, which we thoroughly enjoyed after racing through the island in order to maximize our 12-day impromptu trip through Sri Lanka. Looking forward to more exploration and peaceful rest in the Galle Fort, our next destination.

Kandy is 72 miles away from Colombo

Did you go to Kandy? What did you do in Kandy? Share your travel experience with us! We love to hear from you.

Happy Travels !!xx

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