Essential Preparations: Kandy

Chronological Planning Timeline

Effective management of your preparations supports a smooth trip.

Organized Travel Planning

steps for a seamless journey.

Months Before

Passport Validity

Verify passport validity for at least six months beyond your stay.

Apply for ETA

Submit your Electronic Travel Authorization online via the official Sri Lanka site.

Book Major Flights & Accommodation

Secure international flights and main accommodations, especially for peak season.

Month Before

Confirm Bookings

Double-check flight, hotel, and any major tour reservations.

Plan Detailed Itinerary

Outline daily plans for attractions, day trips, and activities.

Arrange Local Permits

Acquire permits for specific treks or a temporary Sri Lankan driving license endorsement.

Week Before

Pack Smart

Begin packing, considering Kandy's climate and cultural norms for temple visits.

Arrange Local Currency

Obtain some Sri Lankan Rupees before departure or plan exchange/withdrawal upon arrival.

Download Digital Resources

Download offline maps for Kandy and language packs (Sinhala, Tamil) on translation apps.

Solo & Family Traveler Considerations

Adapt your approach based on your travel companions.

Tailored Advice

Solo traveler safety involves night caution.
Hostels and guesthouses present social avenues.
Consider private transport for family comfort.
Royal Botanical Gardens often delight children.

Group Logistics & Accessibility

Streamline group travel and address accessibility needs.

Group & Access Planning

Private vans or buses for groups prove efficient.
Book group accommodation well ahead.
Group tour packages handle logistics.
Pre-planning for mobility needs is important.

Packing & Document Readiness

Assemble your essentials for a seamless journey.

Essential Gear

Universal power adapter.
High-strength insect repellent.
Appropriate sun protection.
Day bag for temple attire.

Financial Preparedness

Notify bank and credit card companies of travel dates.
Carry small denominations of LKR.
Plan for currency exchange upon arrival.
Have emergency funds accessible.

Document Safeguards

Make digital and physical copies of all documents.
Keep copies separate from originals.
Include passport, ETA, and insurance details.
Store digital copies in cloud storage.

Tip for Local Transport

Agree on a price beforehand for tuk-tuks or, better yet, use meter apps like PickMe or Uber. This limits overpaying.

Arrival & Departure Checklist

Your first steps and final farewells deserve thoughtful planning.

Initial Arrival Steps

1
Immigration Clearance:
Clear immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) with passport and ETA approval.
2
Orientation & Currency:
Locate accommodation upon Kandy arrival; exchange currency for initial purchases.
3
Immediate Needs:
Buy sealed bottled water immediately.

Transportation from Airport

Pre-booked Transfers:
Utilize pre-booked transfers for travel from CMB to Kandy.
Airport Taxis/Buses:
Alternatively, use airport taxis or buses for travel.
Local Transport in Kandy:
Once in Kandy, use PickMe or Uber for transport to specific accommodation.

Departure Planning

Souvenir Packing

Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.

If shipping larger purchases, use a reputable service and keep tracking information.

Customs & Regulations

Check your home country's customs regulations for items like tea, spices, and gemstones.

This avoids issues upon re-entry. Sri Lanka has no general VAT refund scheme for tourists.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel from Kandy to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

The drive can take 3-4 hours; arrive at CMB at least 3 hours before your international flight.

Important Departure Note

Confirm your onward or return flights, and verify all travel documents (passport, boarding passes) are in order.

Comprehensive Travel Readiness

A complete approach to your journey ensures peace of mind.

Pre-Departure Steps

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Visit a travel health clinic for vaccinations.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.
Create digital and physical copies of all important documents.

Home & Personal Finalizations

Secure your home, locking doors and windows.
Arrange care for pets and plants.
Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
Set up out-of-office replies for work communications.

Cost-Saving Overview

Optimize spending with smart choices in Kandy.

Budgeting Strategies

Local eateries & street food:High Value
Local buses:Lowest Cost
Guesthouses & homestays:Excellent Savings
PickMe/Uber vs. Hailed tuk-tuks:Fare Transparency

Time Optimization Summary

Visit popular sites during off-peak hours.
Private cars present the quickest inter-city travel.
Group nearby attractions for efficient touring.
Book high-demand train tickets well in advance.

Final Logistics Check

Ensure your airport transfer from Kandy is confirmed for the correct time.

This helps confirm a smooth departure from Sri Lanka.

Essential Preparations