Kandy Travel Tips

Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 09:30 to 13:00, Monday to Friday, some open until 15:00
Post Offices: 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 08:30 to 17:00, Saturdays
Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 13:00, Saturdays

Visitors to Kandy are unlikely to witness any of the civil unrest that plagues other parts of Sri Lanka. Petty crime is perhaps the biggest concern here, with busy tourist areas and public transportation occasionally attracting petty thieves. Savvy travellers can reduce their chances of being targeted by pickpockets or bag snatchers by paying extra attention to their cash and valuable items and by taking necessary steps to secure their belongings.

Western women often attract the attention of Sri Lankan males and are advised not to travel alone and to avoid fraternisations with local men after dark. Dressing conservatively is advisable, as skimpy outfits are more likely to get negative attention.

Traffic in Kandy can be erratic at best and positively chaotic at worst, so visitors are advised to take extra care and attention when crossing roads. Renting a car or motorcycle is not recommended unless you are experienced at driving in such conditions.

Since the 2004 tsunami, many of Sri Lanka’s popular tourist destinations have seen an increase in beggars telling tales of woe about their circumstances following the event. While some of these people may be genuine, a good many others are simply looking to make fast cash.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Kandy is not considered an especially high risk area as far as malaria is concerned. However, anyone planning to do any trekking in the mountainous areas of the region might want to consider a course of anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to use plenty of insect repellent both day and night to prevent getting bitten by dengue fever and malaria carrying mosquitoes.

Immunisations against typhoid and hepatitis B are recommended for all travellers, while anyone planning on close contact with animals during their stay should consider vaccination against rabies.

Tap water is not considered potable. Bottled water is available everywhere and is a safer alternative for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in drinks cannot be relied upon to be made from purified water so it’s wiser to request drinks without ice.

Standards of hygiene in eateries may fall short of western expectations, so choose dining establishments with care. Restaurants in reputable hotels are invariably safe, while street vendors are perhaps best avoided if you wish to stay free of unpleasant gastric symptoms.

Visitors unfortunate enough to fall ill or have an accident that requires medical treatment are best making the three-hour journey to Colombo, where hospitals offering a high standard of treatment are available.

Colombo General Hospital: +94 11 2691 111
Kandy General Hospital: +94 81 2222 261

Both Sinhala and Tamil are spoken by the locals in Kandy. English is widely spoken across the country as a result of the period of British rule and visitors will find no shortage of competent English-speakers in Kandy.

The Sri Lanka rupee (LKR) is the country’s official currency with LKR1 equal to 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of LKR1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10, while coins come in LKR10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised exchange desks in Kandy. The country keeps a tight control over its currency and visitors are not permitted to import or export more than 1,000 rupees. US dollars, euros or pounds sterling are the best currencies to bring for exchanging in Sri Lanka. ATMs are present in various parts of the city and accept most foreign cards, but it’s wise to ensure your card is endorsed by a reputable name such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diner’s Club, Cirrus or Maestro.

Visitors may bring the following into the country without incurring duty payments: two bottles wine and 1.5 litres spirits; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; souvenirs up to a value of US$250; and perfume or eau de toilette in volumes not exceeding 59ml and 250ml respectively.

Pornographic literature and religiously offensive publications are prohibited, alongside illegal drugs, firearms and other weapons. Restrictions are imposed on food and other organic items, medications and goods intended for re-sale.

Modest dress is required at all times when holidaying in Kandy, but special attention needs to be paid when visiting temples and other places of worship. Knees and shoulders of both men and women should be covered at such sites and shoes should be removed prior to entering.

Like many Asian countries, Sri Lanka observes the concept of ‘face’, which is essentially an individual’s honour or personal dignity. Locals will go to great lengths to avoid ‘loss of face’ either to themselves or others, and visitors should attempt to do the same by avoiding public criticism of individuals or displays of anger or aberrant behaviour.

If meeting a local in Kandy for the first time, greeting is dictated by the age and social backgrounds of both parties. Older individuals are best greeted by saying ‘namaste’ while holding the hands in a prayer position at chin height. Younger visitors can be greeted with a handshake, although generally this gesture is not extended to women.

If meeting a Sinhalese local for the first time, use ‘ayubowan’ as a greeting, while for Tamils the word ‘vanakkam’ is used. Be sure to use the appropriate titles for the people you meet and don’t be afraid to ask an individual what their title is if you are unsure.

Dining Etiquette
At the house of a local in Kandy, be sure to remove your footwear before entering. Gifts of appreciation can be brought for the host or hostess, such as something from your home country. Alcohol is not considered a suitable present. When dinner time arrives, wait to be shown to your seat and refrain from eating until all dinner guests are seated. If you are offered the opportunity to wash your hands before eating, then it’s polite to do so.

Dinner can be a self serve buffet or food served on a plate. Trying a little of everything offered to you is considered polite. Food is usually eaten with the right hand and utensils are generally only provided for dishes that necessitate them. It’s polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate at the end of a meal to indicate that you were offered a sufficient amount.

Visitors from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and South Africa may enter Sri Lanka for stays of up to 30 days without a visa, provided they have a ticket for onward travel and at least six months validity left on their passport. Exemptions are made for citizens of selected countries, while all other visitors are required to obtain a visitor’s visa in advance of arrival. To check your status and visa requirements, contact a Sri Lankan embassy in your home country.

A tourist information office can be found adjacent to the Olde Empire Hotel at Palace square. The office provides details of attractions and activities in the area, and issues practical advice on travel and accommodation options. Phone: +94 81 222 661.