How to Spend 2 Days in Kandy, Sri Lanka - Travel Itinerary for Spending 48 Hours in Hill Capital
Ranked among Sri Lanka's top tourist destinations, Kandy is also the second largest city in the island nation. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic temples, the Sacred City of Kandy, as it is officially known, is perfect for a weekend getaway in the hills. The city is known for exploring the natural beauty of the Kandyan tea country. Here's how to spend two glorious days in this mountainous city in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Reserve a Strategic Resort Base
While there are a great many places to stay in Kandy, those who intend to spend only two days in the hill capital should secure a convenient base hotel. Whether it is the Earl's Regency Kandy or any similar resort, it is crucial to consider the hospitality hub's proximity to major attractions and activity bases around the city. Those who have only 48 hours at their disposal cannot afford to stay in an accommodation hotspot that's not centrally located or is more remote or time-consuming to reach. Hotels and resorts that are well-connected to local transport options are also ideal as they will make getting around a hassle-free experience for weekenders and short-stay visitors.
Day One Morning/Noon
Upon arriving in Kandy, your first order of business after checking in to your hotel of choice should be paying homage to the Temple of the Tooth. Considered the most sacred site in all of Sri Lanka, this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is an iconic landmark where the actual dental remains of Lord Buddha have been stored for centuries. Called the Dalada Maligawa in the local tongue, the complex is housed within a former royal palace near Kandy Lake. The morning hours are perfect for touring this popular pilgrimage site, as the crowds only increase as the days go on. After exploring the temple and its nearby museum, visitors can go cruising around Kandy Lake. Boat tours are available all day long, and those who wish to feed the ducks or enjoy a quiet stroll around the lake will also find it a relaxing way to explore its periphery.
Day One Afternoon/Evening
Your first afternoon in Kandy must be spent in the leafy and flower-laden confines of the Peradeniya Gardens. Also called Royal Botanical Garden, this horticultural highlight was set up in 1750 and is one of the country's first botanical attractions. Boasting 4000 plant species, the parkland is spread out across a whopping 146 acres and provides the ideal backdrop for picnics.
Day Two Morning/Noon
Kickstart your second day in captivating Kandy with a hiking excursion to the depths of the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. Occupying 257 acres, the idyllic environment is especially enchanting in the early morning hours. This protected reserve is also home to endemic birds and other species that hikers may come across on their journey. After grabbing lunch at a local restaurant or your base hotel, visitors can head out to the 14th-century temple known as the Lankathilaka Viharaya to admire the statues and murals that line its halls.
Day Two Afternoon/Evening
Prior to heading back to Colombo or the base hotel to pack belongings, tourists should spend their last few hours in Kandy engaging in a cultural tradition that dates back to the island's colonial era. Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition held daily in Kandy's finest hotels and bakeries. While it is an English custom, Sri Lankans have made it their own by serving Ceylon tea with an assortment of baked goodies and sandwiches made using local recipes. Indulging in a delightful afternoon tea session in Kandy allows tourists to savour the fusion of colonial influences with Sri Lankan flavours. It's a perfect way to unwind, reflect on the journey, and create lasting memories before bidding farewell to this enchanting city.