The Hill Country, Sri Lanka
Purchasing a local SIM card comes highly recommended for affordable data and calls.
Internet access and Wi-Fi availability are widespread in Kandy.
Language barriers generally prove manageable. Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Learning a few important phrases in Sinhala shows respect and can enrich interactions.
Download Sinhala and Tamil offline language packs on your Google Translate app. This allows translation without an internet connection, helpful in less touristy areas.
Navigating Kandy's business hours and schedules is straightforward.
Generally open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Smaller local shops may open earlier or close later.
Most operate from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some fine dining or hotel restaurants offering later hours.
Vary by site. Major attractions typically open between 7:00 AM/8:00 AM and close around 5:00 PM/6:00 PM.
Banking hours and ATM locations are convenient.
Religious and public holidays affect services and schedules. Always check ahead for specific venues during these times.
Before visiting an attraction, verify its opening hours. During festivals, expect altered schedules and increased crowds.
Cultural sensitivity marks respectful travel in Kandy.
A polite 'Ayubowan' (hands clasped in a prayer gesture) is a respectful greeting. A handshake commonly occurs when meeting men.
Photography is generally allowed at most tourist sites. Always ask permission before photographing people.
Do not pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue, as this is highly disrespectful. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
Sri Lanka presents a conservative society. Public displays of affection are not common even for heterosexual couples.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala. A polite "Ayubowan" (hello) or "Istuti" (thank you) makes a good connection.
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges generally comes with limitations in Kandy.
Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or non-existent, making independent navigation difficult for wheelchair users.
Many historical and religious sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, present stairs and uneven terrain.
If you have specific accessibility needs, research attractions and accommodations in detail before your trip. Contact hotels directly to confirm their accessibility features.
