The Call of Historical Galle
Places to Stay in Galle
The Galle Ramparts
Galle Fort
Places to Eat in Galle
Nic Nacs & Souvenirs
Other Things to do in Galle
Izhara Huzair
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Izhara Huzair
Take the morning train to Kandy; its the best and most enjoyable way to get there. You know you are close to your destination when the train heaves and snakes upwards along the mountainside, going through a series of dark, smoky tunnels. The air turns chilly - Kandy city is close by.
If you opt to see the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, you can get off at the Peradeniya Railway Station which is the town before Kandy (make sure you check that the train makes a stop there). From the station, the Gardens are less than 2 kilometres away and there are tuk tuks parked outside. Look out for those that come with a metre (my advice wherever you go) so that prices don’t have to be wrangled over.
Kandy’s 60 hectare garden has an impressive orchid collection, majestic palm trees, and the iconic giant Javan fig tree which stands on the great lawn with an astounding spread of branches. There’s also a suspension bridge at one end which crosses the Mahaweli river - for those who dare.
Food and drink are available inside the Gardens, as well as washrooms.
From here, Kandy city is about 6 kilometres away and you will know you are in the heart of Kandy city when you see the Kandy Ismail Clock Tower.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is central to Kandy city. The temple has daily rituals which can be observed. The temple has some intricately crafted chambers to see and there is also the inner chamber where the sacred tooth relic is kept.
It is required that clothing must cover the shoulders and knees to enter the premises.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Red Mosque and the Pillaiyar Hindu Temple are all significant places of worship with unique architectural features. They are all found within Kandy city and keep in mind, the layout of Kandy town is compact, so you can easily walk to all these locations.
Of course, a Kandy city tour cannot happen without going to the Kandy Lake. With mountains in its background, it is nice to walk around the Lake or sit and take in the view - especially at sunset, when birds make it to the island in the middle of the Lake, and the street lights bejewel the Lake right round. The generally cool climate is even more pleasant at this time of the day, with the breeze that comes across the Lake.
Take any street in Kandy and you will be spoilt for choice, with Sri Lankan food and other cuisine to be found within the same vicinity.
‘Foodlands’ serves tasty Sri Lankan food, from crispy short eats, koththu to rice and curry, ‘White House Restaurant’ has a nice lay out on two floors with a choice of short eats, cakes to Fusion, Chinese, Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. I in particular like White House as it is an airy and spacious, plus its in a central location to reach sites to see, the bus halt, railway station, etc..
But if you are looking for a sumptuous buffet, I recommend Cinnamon Citadel Kandy or Mahaweli Reach. The food, service and the ambience overlooking the Mahaweli River is excellent. Both hotels are close to Katugastota town, within 5 kilometres of Kandy town.
The Esala Perahera is an annual event that happens around July-August with an amazing procession of dressed up elephants, Kandyan dancers and artisans. It is fantastic to watch if you are on a Kandy city tour around this time. But if you want a good view, you will require either getting to the free seating alongside the roads really early, or booking through your travel agent.
Udawatte Kele, is a 100 hectare forest reserve, which isn’t far from Kandy town. It is a sanctuary to birds, animals and diverse flora and is great for birdwatching and enjoying a moderate nature trail.There is also the Senkada Cave you can check out, where a hermit once lived. The Park is open on all days and requires an entrance ticket.
The Kandy Museum has interesting artefacts dating from the Kandyan Kingdom. Sceptres, weapons, spears and bows, jewellery, coins, masks, and traditional costumes, are just some of the things on display. An impressive highlight is King Rajasinha II's golden crown. Unfortunately, poorly labelling and lighting takes away from the richness of the exhibits.
If you want to get an awesome view of Kandy, head to Wales Park, again just a few minutes away from Kandy Lake. It’s a hilltop park with lovely pathways and gardens with one standout: a Japanese field gun (captured by the British in Burma during World War II and presented to the city of Kandy). This park has lovely elevated views of Kandy city, the nearby hills dotted with houses and the prominent Buddha statue located in Bahirawakande. This park is nice to take children to as well.
The Natha Devala, considered the oldest structure in Kandy is found close to the Temple of the Tooth, has beautiful and intricate woodwork and stone carvings, if you have a penchant for such.
The Kandy City Centre, is Kandy city’s mall with numerous stores including a pharmacy and a supermarket, plus a roof top food court which is quite popular. A good place to stop if you need a breather, washroom and to get any essentials and food.
I have stayed at the main hotels in Kandy. The first two are located near the Kandy Lake and so you get a fantastic view of Kandy town. They have lovely wooden flooring and offer comfortable rooms, swimming pool facilities and good cuisine. The recently refurnished hotel near Katugastota has facilities that feel more modern and their food and beverages are impressive. Of course the former two hotels are more central to Kandy city and can be more convenient when you have things to do in Kandy.The latter being further away can be difficult to reach in the evenings, due to traffic congestion.
Of course there are plenty of bed and board, hostels and serviced apartments online to find.
Kandy is a small city but its packed with so much to do and see!
Izhara Huzair
Popular doesn't mean touristic all the time - especially when it comes to Sri Lanka Day Tours. It’s just that due to easy access, flexibility in price and the ability to engage the young and the young at heart, these excursions have become more popular than some of our other excursion options.
Sri Lanka Day Tours offer a fine range of day trips and packages at the major attractions in Sri Lanka and at the most affordable prices. Our destinations cover Kandy and the hill country, Colombo and its suburbs, Negombo, the Southern Coast, North & East coastal areas, West Coast and the Cultural Triangle. We provide a variety of excursions from each destination ranging from white water rafting, safaris, birding, trekking, biking and other activities, which can all be customised to suit a guest’s travel plans and budget. Our Last Minute Day Tours offer a variety of exciting discounted day tours - to choose from - at all the destinations.
For those who prefer avoiding the main cities of Sri Lanka for reasons of them being mainstream, modernised and too commercialised for tourists: here is the good news. Beyond the popular travel packages and large resorts, the Sri Lankan charm is still alive in lesser known parts of the country as well as in the cities. And to push this attractive idea further, Sri Lanka Day Tours has listed experiences that you can only have in an "unseen" Sri Lankan approach, that is, take the off the beaten track - to truly have an unforgettable experience. It will be a taste of real Sri Lanka, if you will. These hidden gems – make sure you visit before the masses do.
Discover Sri Lanka Day Tours by picking one of the least touristic community experiences and activities. Witness traditions of years gone by and those that are still alive and flourishing due to the commitment of the artisans & craftsmen and women involved.
Be a genuine supporter of local community entrepreneurship by visiting them at their homes or work place and witnessing their craftsmanship come alive. You will be making a positive impact by booking with these special Sri Lankan excursions with us.
Our Sri Lanka Day Tour Safari destination list cover Sri Lanka's most popular as well as lesser known National Parks. Led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, in our Safari Day Tours, you’ll enjoy amazing wildlife, stunning views and experience local culture and cuisine as well. In our day trips, all National Park entry fees and jeep costs are covered. For those who want to have a more inclusive experience, we have Wildlife Safari Packages including accommodation at magical safari camps/ lodges and hotels.
A City Sightseeing Tour in Sri Lanka is a great way to see a city’s many highlights. Our city tours include walking tours in Kandy, Galle, Negombo and Colombo, with specialists who will showcase the city’s people, historic landmarks & culinary art. Urban Birding & Nature Tours will take you on a discovery of avifauna that boasts of diversity, colour and awe. Also inquire about our specific Architecture, Culinary, and Arts & Crafts Tours.
There is something for everyone in Sri Lanka, and all it takes is a day tour with us!
Sri Lanka Day Tours representative was caring and professional when she dealt with our requirements. She recommended all the great things that we should be doing during the tour. Driver / Car was excellent. The company was checking on us regularly and was kind enough to do the required amendments even during the middle of the tour.
Jeramy w Berlin, Germany