{"id":13072,"date":"2021-01-23T16:12:51","date_gmt":"2021-01-23T16:12:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=13072"},"modified":"2024-11-07T14:08:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T14:08:47","slug":"sri-lanka-city-guide-kandy-or-colombo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/sri-lanka-city-guide-kandy-or-colombo\/","title":{"rendered":"Kandy or Colombo? Sri Lanka City Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

A vibrant, up-and-coming commercial capital versus hectic bustle amidst the high hills: discover the kind of travel experience you can have in two of Sri Lanka\u2019s key cities, Colombo and Kandy.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, Colombo and Kandy will almost certainly be on your radar. But you might not know that a visit to either city offers a starkly different travel experience. Both feature distinctive architecture; are busy and rather noisy (expect big-city traffic and a bustling atmosphere). But that\u2019s about where the similarities end. Colombo is modern, Kandy quite traditional; Kandy has more key sights, but Colombo is more diverse in terms of day-to-day activities. While you can certainly have a fantastic time in either, here\u2019s our guide to what to expect \u2013 you may well decide both take your fancy.<\/p>\n

Colombo<\/h2>\n

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Colombo is most international visitors\u2019 entry point<\/a> to the country, and until quite recently was regarded by tourists as little more than that. The city was cut off to tourists during Sri Lanka\u2019s Civil War<\/a>, and retained a stigma for some time afterwards. However, in the past 5-10 years the city has seen a dramatic change, rapidly becoming a modern, cosmopolitan base for curious travellers to explore.\u00a0In any event, we at ETG certainly think it deserves more than a perfunctory glance on the way in.<\/p>\n

Experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Sri Lanka\u2019s commercial capital, Colombo is alive with trade, markets and bustling commerce. You\u2019ll also find a wealth of great eateries, galleries and shops, and though there isn\u2019t much in the way of big sights, there\u2019s lots of colonial architecture to be spied along the way. One of the best ways to explore it is on our fantastic\u00a0Colombo City Walk.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a wide range of hotels for you to choose from in Colombo. For a great value offer we’d recommend Lake Lodge<\/a>, which is boutique, smart, and easily the nicest value hotel in the city centre, providing a great alternative to the many larger and impersonal value options throughout the city. For a true oasis in the middle of the bustling madness of the city, try Maniumpathy, a beautiful hotel<\/a> that\u00a0combines old-world charm with modern comforts.<\/p>\n

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Kandy<\/h2>\n

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Kandy, on the other hand, has long been popular with tourists \u2013 as the former capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom, it\u2019s widely regarded as Sri Lanka\u2019s heritage homeland and at least a short foray into the city features in the majority of holidays.<\/p>\n

It is much smaller than Colombo, and due to its highland setting expansion is difficult. It\u2019s a city of stark contrasts: a noisy, polluted centre sprawls from an idyllic lake while Sinhala tradition mingles with a British colonial touch. Though the city itself feels very urban, you are directly surrounded by rolling green hills and tea plantations.<\/p>\n

Experiences\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kandy is home to a handful of great tourist sights, which we’d highly recommend exploring as part of our Contrasts of Kandy tour<\/a>. The\u00a0most famous of which is probably the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth<\/a>, a UNESCO world heritage site, which is definitely worth a visit. For a bit of peace amidst the madness, try a visit to the Botanical Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can choose to stay in the Kandy centre, but many visitors instead opt for one of the many beautiful boutique hotels in the city\u2019s outskirts and simply venture in for a day trip to one of the sights. Our favourite hotels tend to be just outside town so you can soak up the truly extraordinary scenery of the hill country. Try Villa Rosa for some of the finest views<\/a> of any hotel in Kandy, or Kandy House for some unique Kandyan architecture<\/a> resounding with Sinhalese history and romance.<\/p>\n

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Which city has taken your fancy? For more tips about a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka<\/a>, call 020 3627 5410 or email us with your questions<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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