How to Get Around Kandy

The hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a mountain citadel set amidst stunning natural beauty. The journey to this city that was the last ancient kingdom of Ceylon is one that is truly awe-inspiring as you travel past mist shrouded mountain ranges and hills carpeted in emerald green. Of course once you get here, there is much to see and do from visiting the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to indulging in a shopping spree at the lively Kandy City Centre mall. There are several options when it comes to getting about the city each providing a different experience worth trying out for a captivating holiday in Kandy.

Step 1: By Foot

Since Kandy, especially its town centre, is so compact, the best way to explore it is by foot. Kandy town is almost always bustling with lively activity with a mix of locals and foreigners going to and fro. The roads are narrow and traffic can get quite bad, which makes walking an even more attractive option. Walking around the town is part of the charm and many places are within easy reach of the Kandy Lake; it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll under the shade of the trees that encircle it. Part of the fun of exploring the town is also getting "lost" as you wander around the streets and byways, since you never know what new surprise awaits you behind each corner be it a quaint local eatery or a local boutique where you can purchase an interesting keepsake or memento. Of course it helps to be based at a centrally located hotel Kandy has to offer since you can easily explore areas by foot or access local transport. Earl's Regent Kandy is an ideal option in this regard.

Step 2: By Bus

The easiest form of public transport within Kandy is undoubtedly the bus. Most visitors will want to head to the town and since this is a central part of the city it is relatively easy to find a bus that is headed that way. Bus fare is comparatively cheap and though most bus signage is in the local 'sinhalese' you can always ask the conductor or commuter at the bus stand if it is headed to Kandy town. A good place to catch buses in town is from the main Clock Tower bus stop.

Step 3: By Tuk-Tuk

A unique mode of transport in Sri Lanka (and other parts of Asia) is the ubiquitous tuk-tuk; this three-wheeled vehicle has become not only a convenient mode of transport within cities and towns, but a sort of tourist attraction as well, offering visitors a one of a kind journey, as drivers weave in and out of traffic! Unlike most such vehicles in the commercial capital Colombo however, tuk-tuks in Kandy do not run on meters so do remember to negotiate your fare before hopping aboard to your destination. Ideally use them for travelling short distances though since Kandy is in the heart of the mountains, travel can sometimes include quite steep climbs and twisting roads up hill.

Step 4: By Hiring a Vehicle / Bike

For those who wish to brave the traffic and want independence when travelling around Kandy there is always the option of renting a vehicle (though you will need an international driver's licence if visiting from abroad). The myriad of streets and byroads could prove difficult to navigate for first-timer drivers in Kandy, so do look at a map beforehand or have a navigator with you; Google Maps helps to an extent! For those with a more adventurous streak there is always the option to rent a scooter and embark on a two-wheeled Kandy adventure!