Discover special temples and embark on the world-famous train journey
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka due to, among other things, the presence of Buddha's tooth in the Temple of Tooth. Kandy has 150,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka. During our trip to Kandy we first visited the Dambulla Caves. Upon arrival in the busy city of Kandy, we decided to immediately start the world famous train journey between Kandy and Ella the next day. However, you can enjoy yourself for one or two days in Kandy. A very interesting destination for culture lovers!
Dambulla Caves in Dambulla
Be prepared for a big k when you arrivelim to the Dambulla Caves. Enjoy the beautiful and impressive view from the caves and visit the temple. Don't forget to bring a sarong to protect your knitto cover. Entrance to the caves is approximately €14.
Sights in Kandy
Do you decide to discover Kandy for one or two days? Then you shouldn't miss the places below!
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Visit the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue
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Relax in the Kandy Botanical Gardens
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Visit the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
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Discover the local market
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Visit the Gadaldeniya Temple with a beautiful view
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Walk around the lake
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Discover a hidden gem just outside Kandy: Ambuluwawa Tower
The world famous train journey to Ella
The train journey between Kandy and Ella is world famous. Photos of tourists hanging from a moving train provide beautiful pictures. Traveling by train among all the locals was one of my highlights. Authentic and a special experience that allows you to get to know the country in a very pleasant way. For example, travel days are a highlight, something that often only costs energy on a trip. The total journey between Kandy and Ella takes no less than 7 to 9takes an hour, depending on the crowds and duration of the stops. Along the way you will pass two destinations that are definitely worth getting out for a few days: Adam's Peak and Nuwara Eliya.
Tip: Spend the last night during your visit to Kandy in the nearby village of Peradeniya. The next morning you can board at Peradeniya station, so that you can get a good spot for the train ride to Ella (or another stopover). The next stop is Kandy, the place where most tourists and locals board. There is often a small chance of a nice seat. In Peradeniya, sit on the right side for the best view. It is also possible to buy a ticket for a more luxurious class for the train, but in this class it is not possible to hang out of the train! As a result, you also miss a unique experience to enjoy this beautiful train journey among the locals.
How do you get to Kandy?
From Dambulla you can reach Kandy by bus within three hours. Every half hour a bus leaves from Dambulla to Kandy. There are also good connections to Colombo and Negombo, if you skip the north of Sri Lanka during your trip. This trip takes three to four hours.
Overnight stay
Basic: Holiday Stay Inn
Standard: Gruhaya Boutique Villa
Luxury: The Grand Kandyan
Continue journey
Continue your journey through Sri Lanka by train to Ella . The total journey takes no less than 7-9 hours (depending on the duration of the stops and the crowds). However, on the way you will pass two stops that you cannot miss: Adam's Peak and Nuwara Eliya.
