How to Plan a Day Trip from Colombo to Kandy During Your Next Stay in Sri Lanka – Kandy in A Day!
A Listly List - Travelling from Colombo to Kandy as a day excursion is what many tourists who visit Sri Lanka often do. Although it may only sound like a short journey that is about 120 km each way, the real travel time will depend on which mode of travel you choose. If you want to make the most of your visit, you should start your journey by leaving Colombo early and plan to visit only a few stops along the way. Let us take a look at how to best plan a day trip from Colombo to Kandy.
**Choose How to Travel**
You should start planning your day trip by choosing your mode of transport. There are a few options to consider. Taking the train will offer more scenic views while travelling, and it takes 2 and a half to 3 and a half hours each way. Be mindful that tickets sell out quite early, so you will have to book ahead. It is advisable to choose a morning train that departs at around 6:00 am if you want to spend more time in Kandy. A private taxi is faster and more flexible, and you will have the option of leaving when you want and stopping where you choose. Obviously, you should expect to pay more, but overall, you will save a lot of time. Buses run all day, and they are the cheapest option of travel, but also the least comfortable, and so may not be ideal for a short one-day trip. If you are travelling with others, a car with a driver may offer the best balance.
**Plan Your Top Three Stops**
After reaching Kandy, you should look to check into a convenient accommodation for the day, such as any one of the Boutique Hotels in Kandy. You won’t get to see everything in one day, so it is best to focus on three places. Start with the Temple of the Tooth. It’s the most important cultural site in Kandy. As you walk through slowly, you will get to see the way that the people bring flowers and pray and make offerings. Inside, you will see Buddhist art and a room that holds a tooth relic of the Buddha. There is even a museum with many interesting exhibits to see and read, and learn all about the history of Kandy.
Next, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, as it will only take a short drive from the city to reach it. The gardens are home to thousands of plants, tall palm trees, and shaded paths. You can walk quietly and take a break from the crowds while taking many pictures of the lovely flowers and scenery.
If time allows it, you can visit the Kandy Viewpoint or walk around Kandy Lake. Both spots are near the town centre and easy to reach. You will get a beautiful and very photogenic view of the hills of Kandy and the temple.
**Eat Like a Local**
Having your lunch at a hotel such as Kings Pavilion will ensure you get a clean, tasty and delicious meal, or instead you can try a simple rice and curry lunch at a local restaurant or food stall. Some offer traditional local sweets like aluwa or kavum. If you have taken a private car, ask your driver or host where they eat. These places often serve better food than the tourist cafés.
**Watch the Clock**
Aim to check out and leave Kandy by 4:00 pm if you’re taking the train or driving back, as traffic builds up in the evenings. If you plan to take a later train, check the times of the trains at the station or online before you choose to explore and stay out longer in Kandy and keep in mind that delays and cancellations happen often. Keep your return simple. Avoid squeezing in last-minute stops. You will enjoy the trip more if you are not rushing. A day trip can seem like you will be able to cover a lot, but it will be over before you know it. Always remember that even a short visit can leave you with something lasting if you take the time to look. - Luxury Hotel Kandy | Kings Pavilion Kandy Official Site