City Guide
0.5M
Population
$83
Daily Budget
70
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Kandy

Arriving

  • Bandaranaike International Airport · 110 kmTaxi and Bus
  • Main stationsKandy Railway Station

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G · good
  • NetworksDialog and Mobitel
  • Wi-Filimited
  • Suggested dataabout 1 GB a day
  • Weak signalCertain rural outskirts
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Useful apps

  • TransportKandy Bus App
  • Food deliveryPickMe and UberEats
  • AttractionsKandy Attractions Guide

Top Attractions

1
Temple of the Tooth
A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
2h $10
2
Kandy Lake
A serene lake offering scenic views and a peaceful walking path.
1h Free

Best Areas to Stay

City Center
Convenient access to major attractions and dining options.
TouristsBusiness

Typical Costs (USD)

$75
Hotel/Night
$10
Meal
$2
Transport
$3
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $41 Tourist: $83 Family: $271

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:8-10am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Common Mistakes
  • Not respecting local customs
  • Ignoring traffic rules

Food & Drink

Must Try:Kottu Roti, Rice and Curry
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Unsafe
The Empire CafeKandy City Center

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Walkability:70/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: December, January, February

Warmest monthMar32°C average high
Coolest monthFeb19°C average low
Wettest monthOct303 mm of rain
Driest monthFeb78 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan28.618.81038
Feb30.218.7786
Mar32.019.9987
Apr31.421.418913
May30.221.814110
Jun28.621.912514
Jul28.221.810813
Aug28.521.39511
Sep28.920.812412
Oct28.920.730318
Nov28.820.526917
Dec28.019.820413

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Katugastota, 3 km from Kandy).

Kandy travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Kandy?

December, January and February are usually the best months to visit Kandy. Average daytime highs range from about 28°C in December to 32°C in March.

How much does a day in Kandy cost?

Plan from about US$41 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$83 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Kandy?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Walkability scores 70/100.

Which airport serves Kandy?

The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, about 110 km away. Transfer options include taxi and bus.

Is Kandy safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging by tuk-tuk drivers. Areas generally considered safe include City Center and Temple of the Tooth area. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Kandy?

4G coverage is provided by Dialog and Mobitel, rated good. Plan for about 1 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A Sri Lanka travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Kandy?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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