How to spend 1 week in Kandy

Kandy takes you away (somewhat) from the heat of Colombo and the coasts. The region is blessed with hills, waterways, and a unique cultural vibe. There is much to discover in Kandy, but you will inevitably do it slowly. That is the rhythm of the hills. Whether you get there by the scenic train route or use the uphill route, you’ll be in for a treat. Let’s talk about things to do in Kandy.

Image via Wikimedia Commons - Ruwangiudawattage, View of Knuckles Mountain range, CC BY-SA 4.0 

How to enjoy the Peradeniya Botanical Garden  

A visit to the Peradeniya botanical garden comes up at top of any list of activities in Kandy. The massive garden is a true treasure trove of rare trees, plants, and flowering vines. The garden is home to over 4000 species of plants and 10,000 varieties of trees. There are tree-lined paths, flowering shrubs, and an orchid hut with rare, exotic flowers. The Mahaweli River flows alongside the garden while bamboo trees sway in the breeze. Butterflies and insects hover around flowers. You can take a picnic on the grassy knolls and giant tree roots that create swinging chairs above the ground. If you are staying at the Earl's Regency , you can reach the gardens in under 40 minutes. You can dedicate half a day to the garden and explore Kandy Lake afterwards.

How to enjoy a stroll along Kandy Lake?  

The artificial lake in Kandy is now home to eager fish, comical ducks, egrets and nests, jet-black cormorants, and pelicans. Amidst the pulsating activity of the city, the lake provides a sense of serenity to onlookers. You’ll catch glimpses of pilgrims headed to the nearby temple of the tooth laden with sweet-smelling water lilies, and blue and red lotuses. You can buy slices of juicy pineapples from the street vendors balancing sunshine yellow slices of pineapple on their heads. The slightly ripe rondelles of pineapple taste sweet, and sour and oozing with juice along with a dash of salt, sugar, and red chilli powder. 

How to enjoy a hike to the knuckles range?  

The Knuckles Mountain range is a lush, green, and fragile ecosystem. There are torrential streams, cascading waterfalls, wild greenery, and a range of wildlife within this threatened haven of biodiversity. The mountain range spans across Matale and Kandy, and you can reach there from Kandy in under half an hour of travelling towards the northern hilly terrains. Contact a reputed travel agent or guide to accompany you along the hike. Prepare to catch glimpses of barking deer, giant squirrels, russet-hued mongoose and nosey, purple-faced monkeys. 

How to take a memorable trip off the beaten path in Kandy?  

Kandy is a hilly region. You can take a couple of days to explore the unexplored paths of rural Kandy. Rent a private car and take it for a drive along the hilly routes. It is best if you use a driver to accompany you as the roads can be hard to navigate. Look for hidden waterways, beautiful hills and roadside shops selling piping hot chilli sambol with roti and ginger tea. You’ll come across beautiful landscapes and get to watch local people living their life at its slow pace. 

How to spend your last day in Kandy?  

You can make a short visit to the Ranweli Spice Garden where the spice-infused breeze will enthral you. The spice garden is home to herbs and spices from vanilla, turmeric, cinnamon, aloe vera, cardamom, cloves, and even fiery peppercorns. You can gather much insight into cultivating spices and spend some wholesome hours amongst vines and trees. Once you get back to your hotel, book some spa time to seek bliss and then tuck into a sumptuous Sri Lankan meal with fresh vegetables infused with herbs and spices along with spicy meat curries and poppadom. You can finish the meal off with some sweet tea or coffee to bid a sweet adieu to Kandy.