Kandy is a place that is so fixed on the Sri Lankan tourist trail. So many other travellers we have met have raved about this beautiful mountainous town – with a gorgeous lake, funky shopping and friendly vibe. Not to mention tea plantations and national parks.
However, that isn’t exactly what we found..
However, that isn’t exactly what we found..
Taking a break on the side of the road on our trip to Kandy.
Driving into Kandy we passed by tea and spice farm after tea and spice farm. So many in fact that they are even numbered!! Some of them look pretty beautiful – with gorgeous gardens and big leafy, green cafes. When Gypsy woke from her nap, we decided to visit one, number 88 in fact. The “guide” whilst friendly didn’t really care that we just wanted to take a break and walk through the gardens. He kept getting frustrated at us for not wanting to follow his set path that lead straight to the souvenir shop. So we left.
As we got closer and closer to Kandy, the traffic and pollution got increasingly worse. Honestly, it was the scariest traffic we have encountered so far.
As we got closer and closer to Kandy, the traffic and pollution got increasingly worse. Honestly, it was the scariest traffic we have encountered so far.
A quiet street - a rarity in Kandy.
After safely meeting our host family host and following him to his beautiful house, we decided to not drive anywhere in Kandy again. It was just too dangerous. Jaye’s house was the perfect reprieve from the city. Up on the other side of the hill overlooking the city, we had beautiful views of the cricket ground, market and prison, as well as a super cute garden for Gypsy to play in, and a lovely family to stay with.
Our host family's house. In a truly beautiful location away from the hustle and bustle.
We walked into town and explored. The lake area was pretty cool but we refused to pay $20 to enter the tooth temple – where they apparently have one of Buddha’s teeth. So instead we walked around the lake feeding popcorn to the fish and ducks!
Gypsy giving leaves to strangers and making new friends.
We visited the food market and the clothing market and were, actually pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the city centre. Away from the hustle and bustle, and the touts (No, we really don’t want to buy any illegal drugs, especially not 1 m away from a policeman but thanks anyway), it was a pretty funky town. The locals were friendly, and it’s a very easy town to navigate. The food however is terrible. By far the worst food we have eaten so far in Sri Lanka, but that is most likely just bad luck.
Fancy some spice in your life?
If only vegies were sold with this much love in the western world...
All in all, Kandy was pleasant enough for 1 or 2 days. But I don’t plan on rushing back…
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