Frequently asked questions
Kandy: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is January-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kandy: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.9°C, during the day — up to +27.2°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kandy: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +15.5°C, during the day — up to +24.5°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kandy: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-December. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kandy: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $69.00 (≈ 5 790 ₽ · ≈ 21 390 LKR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the
trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kandy: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kandy: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.40. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kandy: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $50.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.75, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kandy: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — The main shrine of Sri Lankan Buddhists, housing the tooth of Buddha. A UNESCO site and the heart of Kandy.; Kandy Lake — A picturesque artificial lake in the city centre, surrounded by palm trees. A popular place for walks.; Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya — One of the best botanical gardens in Asia with a collection of orchids and giant bamboo.; Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue — A huge white statue of the seated Buddha on a hill with a panoramic view of the city.; Udawattakele — A forest reserve in the city centre with walking trails and diverse flora and fauna.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kandy: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Kottu roti — Chopped roti with vegetables, egg and meat, fried on a griddle. Popular street food.; Chicken curry — Spicy chicken curry with coconut milk and spices. A classic of Kandyan cuisine.; Fish ambul thiyal — Fish stewed in a sour-spicy sauce with goraka (dried fruit). A signature dish.; Hoppers — Bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. Served with egg or sweet syrup.; Kiribath — Rice porridge with coconut milk, cut into diamonds. A traditional dish.; Ceylon tea — The famous Ceylon tea, grown in the surroundings of Kandy.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kandy: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic Centre — The heart of Kandy with the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the lake and markets. Ideal for sightseeing.; Peradeniya — A suburb with the botanical garden and university. A quiet green area.; Hill Country — The area around Kandy with tea plantations and panoramic views.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kandy: is a visa required?
Visa: ETA required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kandy: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени Бандаранаике (code CMB). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $50.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kandy: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — LKR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $69.00 (≈ 5 790 ₽ · ≈ 21 390 LKR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kandy: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kandy: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Kandy: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Sigiriya — An ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO site. 2.5 hours away.; Nuwara Eliya — A mountain resort with tea plantations. 3 hours away.; Peradeniya — A botanical garden right next to Kandy.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.
