Can You Enjoy Life in Kandy? Let’s Find Out!

Kandy, located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, is a highly popular tourist destination. Known for its charming landscape, rich culture, and historical significance, Kandy offers a unique experience for both locals and international visitors alike. But the question remains, can you enjoy life in Kandy? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the city and its offerings to help answer that question for you.

The Climate

Kandy’s climate is one of its biggest attractions. Due to its location in the central hills of Sri Lanka, the city enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. Temperatures usually range between 20-25 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal escape from the hot and humid weather that prevails across other parts of the island. The city’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities, like hiking and exploring the lush green forests that surround the city, making life in Kandy quite enjoyable.

The Culture

Kandy is known for its rich culture and historical significance. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a Buddhist temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic, the tooth of the Buddha. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Kandy Esala Perahera, an annual procession that takes place in July or August, is another significant cultural event that showcases the city’s vibrant and colorful traditions. Life in Kandy is an enriching cultural experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

The Food

Sri Lankan cuisine is a fusion of Indian, Dutch, Malay, and British cuisines. Kandy is no exception, and the city is filled with a variety of restaurants and street vendors offering some of the most delicious food you’ll ever try. From traditional Sri Lankan curries to fusion cuisines like Sri Lankan pizza, Kandy’s food scene can satisfy any craving. The city’s food offerings are diverse and affordable, making life in Kandy a gastronomical delight.

The People

Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. Kandy’s locals are no exception, and you’ll find that they are warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. Be it a shopkeeper, a taxi driver or a local resident, the people in Kandy make the city an even more enjoyable place to live or visit. Engaging with the locals can be an enriching experience that helps you learn about Sri Lanka’s culture, beliefs, and way of life.

The Activities

Kandy is filled with activities that are sure to keep you entertained throughout your stay. From hiking and exploring nature to visiting historical sites, there’s something for everyone here. The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a beautiful forest reserve that is perfect for nature lovers. The Knuckles Range, located near Kandy, offers excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. The Kandy Lake and its surrounding area are perfect for strolling and watching beautiful sunsets. Life in Kandy is full of exciting activities that promise to make your stay unforgettable.

Conclusion

Kandy is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. From its pleasant climate to its warm people to its delectable food offerings, living or visiting Kandy is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural experience, or an adventure-filled holiday, Kandy has something for everyone. So, the answer to the question of whether you can enjoy life in Kandy is a resounding yes!

An Insider’s Guide to Enjoying Life in Kandy

Kandy is a vibrant and ancient city located in the heart of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history, stunning landscape and cultural significance. This former royal city is full of attractions that are sure to engage and enchant any traveler. Here is an insider’s guide to enjoying life in Kandy, filled with local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

1. The Temple of the Tooth: The Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a must-see attraction in Kandy. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, and it houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, which is said to have magical powers.

2. Bahirawakanda Temple: The Bahirawakanda Temple sits on top of a hill overlooking the city of Kandy. The temple is famous for its towering Buddha statue, which is visible from much of the city.

3. Kandy Lake: Kandy Lake is a beautiful man-made lake in the center of the city. It is a great place to take a stroll, take a boat ride, or simply admire the stunning views.

Dining Spots

1. Helga’s Folly: Helga’s Folly is a quirky and unique restaurant in Kandy. The decor is eccentric, and the food is delicious. Try their signature dish of coconut soup.

2. The Empire Cafe: The Empire Cafe is a tranquil and stylish cafe in the heart of Kandy. The menu features a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. Don’t miss their crepes with local fruits.

3. Balaji Dosai: Balaji Dosai is a popular local spot for breakfast. They serve a variety of dosai, a South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentils, along with chutneys and sambar.

Cultural Experiences

1. Kandy Cultural Dance Show: The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a nightly performance that showcases Sri Lankan dance and music. The show includes traditional Kandyan dancers, fire dancers, and drummers.

2. Royal Botanical Gardens: The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is just a short distance from Kandy. The gardens were originally created as a pleasure garden for the Kandyan kings, and today they are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants.

3. Kandy Esala Perahera: The Kandy Esala Perahera is a ten-day parade that takes place in Kandy in July or August to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic. The festival includes dancers, drummers, and elephants adorned in bright decorations.

Local History

1. The Royal Palace of Kandy: The Royal Palace of Kandy was the last residence of the Kandyan kings. Today, the palace is a museum that houses artifacts and exhibits from the royal era.

2. National Museum of Kandy: The National Museum of Kandy is located next to the Temple of the Tooth. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

3. Embekke Devalaya: The Embekke Devalaya is a temple located about 10 kilometers from Kandy. The temple is famous for its intricate wood carvings that depict stories from Buddhist mythology.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Knuckles Range: The Knuckles Range is a mountain range located about 50 kilometers from Kandy. The range is full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning vistas.

2. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary: The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a forest reserve located in Kandy. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including monkeys, birds, and bats.

3. Kandy Railway Museum: The Kandy Railway Museum is a small museum that showcases the history of Sri Lanka’s railways. The museum is housed in a restored railway station building and includes exhibits on the construction, operation, and history of Sri Lanka’s railways.

In conclusion, Kandy is a city that is full of life and culture. With so many attractions, dining spots, and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this ancient city. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or local cuisine, Kandy is sure to be a memorable destination.