Savannah, GA is a charming city that offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant culture. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Savannah has something for everyone. But when is the best time to visit Savannah GA?
The answer depends on what you want to see and do in this southern gem. Savannah has four distinct seasons, each with its own pros and cons. In this article, I will explore the best places to visit and the best things to do in Savannah during each season. I will also give you some tips on how to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Savannah.
So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
Spring: The Season of Blooms and Festivals
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Savannah, GA. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. The city is adorned with colorful flowers, such as azaleas, magnolias, and dogwoods. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of jasmine and honeysuckle.
Spring is also the season of festivals in Savannah. The most famous one is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest and oldest in the country.
Additionally, the parade attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. The parade features marching bands, floats, dancers, and of course, lots of green.
Another popular spring festival is the Savannah Music Festival, which showcases various musical genres, such as jazz, blues, classical, and world music. The festival features local and international artists who perform in various venues across the city. Furthermore, the festival also offers workshops, lectures, and educational programs for music lovers.
Best Places to Visit in Savannah in Spring:
Forsyth Park
Firstly, Forsyth Park is the largest and most iconic park in Savannah. It covers 30 acres of green space and features a stunning fountain, a fragrant garden, a playground, and a cafe. It is a great place to relax, picnic, or enjoy a concert.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Secondly, the Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in the country. It dates back to the 18th century and is the final resting place of many famous Savannahians, such as poet Conrad Aiken, songwriter Johnny Mercer, and novelist Flannery O’Connor. Furthermore, the cemetery is known for its majestic live oaks, Spanish moss, and marble statues.
River Street
Lastly, River Street is the heart of Savannah’s waterfront. It is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. It is a great place to stroll, shop, dine, or enjoy the views of the Savannah River. Moreover, it is the site of many events and festivals, such as the First Friday Fireworks, the Savannah Craft Brew Fest, and the Oktoberfest.
Best Things to do in Savannah in Spring:
Take a Trolley Tour
Firstly, taking a trolley tour is one of the best ways to see the highlights of Savannah. You can hop on and off at your own pace and explore the historic district, the squares, the mansions, and the museums. Furthermore, you can also learn about the history, culture, and legends of Savannah from your guide.
Visit the Wormsloe Historic Site
Secondly, the Wormsloe Historic site is the oldest standing structure in Savannah. It is also one of the most famous museums in Savannah. It was built by Noble Jones, one of the original settlers of Georgia, in the 1730s. This is a colonial estate that features a tabby ruin, a museum, a nature trail, and a live oak avenue. It is a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers.
Enjoy a Ghost Tour
Thirdly, Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in America. It has a dark and mysterious past that includes wars, fires, epidemics, and murders. You can join a ghost tour and visit some of the most haunted places in Savannah, such as the Sorrel-Weed House, the Mercer House, and the Colonial Park Cemetery. You can also hear some of the spooky stories and legends that haunt Savannah.
Summer: The Season of Heat and Beaches
Summer is the hottest and most humid time to visit Savannah, GA. The average temperatures can reach up to 90°F, with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms. The city can feel muggy and sticky, especially in July and August. However, summer also has its perks, such as lower prices, fewer crowds, and longer days.
Summer is the best time to visit Savannah GA if you love beaches and water activities. Savannah is close to several beautiful beaches, such as Tybee Island, Hilton Head Island, and Jekyll Island. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, or boating in the Atlantic Ocean. You can also visit some of the historic lighthouses, forts, and museums on the islands.
Best Places to Visit in Savannah in Summer:
Tybee Island
Firstly, this is the closest and most popular beach destination to Savannah. It is only 18 miles away and offers a laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere. This island has five miles of sandy beaches, a pier, a pavilion, and a marine science center. It also has a historic lighthouse, a fort, and a museum.
Hilton Head Island
Secondly, the Hilton Head Island is something that you should visit. It is a more upscale and resort-like island, about 45 miles away from Savannah. It has 12 miles of pristine beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, bike trails, and spas. Furthermore, it also has a wildlife refuge, a coastal discovery museum, and a harbor town.
Jekyll Island
Thirdly, Jekyll Island is a more secluded and natural island, about 90 miles away from Savannah. It has 10 miles of unspoiled beaches, a historic district, a turtle center, and a water park. Additionally, it also has a golf club, a tennis center, and a bike path.
First one on this list is the Savannah Botanical Gardens. It is a hidden gem in Savannah that offers a tranquil and scenic escape from the heat. It covers 10 acres of land and features a rose garden, a camellia garden, a perennial garden, and a pond. Besides, it also has a historic farmhouse, a children’s garden, and a nature trail.
Explore The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art
Secondly, do not forget to visit the SCAD Museum of Art. It is a modern and innovative museum that showcases the works of contemporary artists, designers, and students. It has a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. Additionally, it also hosts exhibitions, lectures, and events throughout the year.
Cool off at The Savannah Rapids Park
Lastly, Rapids Park is a refreshing and fun place to visit in summer. It is located along the Savannah River and features a waterfall, a canal, and a bridge. Furthermore, it also has a visitor center, a playground, and a picnic area. You can rent a bike, a kayak, or a paddleboard and enjoy the water and the scenery.
Fall: The Season of Colors and Culture
Fall is another great time to visit Savannah, GA. The weather is cooler and drier, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. Moreover, during this time, the city is decorated with autumn hues, such as red, orange, and yellow. The leaves change color and create a stunning contrast with the green moss and the white buildings.
Besides, fall is also the season of culture and art in Savannah. The most notable event is the Savannah Film Festival, which is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the country. The festival showcases independent and international films, documentaries, and shorts. Furthermore, the festival also features celebrity guests, panel discussions, and workshops.
Apart from these, another notable event in fall is the Savannah Jazz Festival. This is the oldest and largest free jazz festival in the south. The festival celebrates the legacy and diversity of jazz music, with performances by local and national artists. Besides, the festival also offers educational programs, jam sessions, and blues nights.
Best Places to Visit in Savannah in Fall:
City Market
Firstly, the City Market should be on your list! It is a four-block area that is the center of Savannah’s nightlife and entertainment. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. The market is a great place to enjoy live music, comedy, and art. Additionally, it is the site of many events and festivals, such as the Oktoberfest, the Halloween Bash, and the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Savannah Historic District
Secondly, the Savannah Historic District is the oldest and most famous part of Savannah. It covers 2.5 square miles and features 22 squares, each with its own history and charm. Additionally, this also has hundreds of historic buildings, monuments, and museums. It is a great place to admire the architecture, learn about the history, and experience the culture of Savannah.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
This is a wildlife sanctuary that houses more than 150 animals, including wolves, cougars, bobcats, alligators, and birds of prey. Furthermore, it also has a heritage homestead, a barnyard, and a forest trail. It is a great place to see and learn about the native wildlife of Georgia.
Best Things to do in Savannah in Fall:
Take a Carriage Ride
Firstly, it is mandatory that you take a carriage ride. It is one of the most romantic and relaxing ways to see Savannah. You can ride in a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. Besides, you can also choose from different themes, such as historic, haunted, or private.
Visit The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters
Secondly, the Owens-Thomas House is one of the most important and impressive historic houses in Savannah. It was built in 1819 and is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Additionally, it also has one of the earliest and most intact urban slave quarters in the south. Besides, you can take a guided tour and learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked in this house.
Enjoy a Picnic at Skidaway Island State Park
This is a scenic and serene park that offers a natural escape from the city. It has six miles of trails, a boardwalk, an observation tower, and a playground. Moreover, it also has picnic areas, campsites, and cabins. You can enjoy the views of the salt marsh, the forest, and the wildlife.
Winter: The Season of Lights and Holidays
Winter is the coldest and least crowded time to visit Savannah, GA. The average temperatures can drop to 40°F, with occasional frost and snow. The city is quieter and more peaceful, with fewer tourists and events. However, winter also has its charm, especially during the holiday season.
Additionally, winter is the best time to visit Savannah GA if you love lights and holidays. Savannah is a festive city that celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve with style and spirit. The city is illuminated with thousands of lights, candles, and decorations. The streets are filled with music, parades, and fireworks.
Best Places to Visit in Savannah in Winter:
Broughton Street
This is the main shopping street in Savannah. It has a variety of stores, boutiques, cafes, and theaters. It is also the site of the annual Holiday Tree Lighting, which kicks off the holiday season in Savannah. The tree is a 50-foot-tall Norway spruce that is decorated with 10,000 lights and ornaments.
Savannah Theatre
This is the oldest continually operating theater in the country. It was built in 1818 and has hosted many famous performers, such as Oscar Wilde, W.C. Fields, and Lillian Russell. It is also the home of the Savannah Christmas Show, which is a musical extravaganza that features songs, dances, and comedy.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
This is a unique and fun way to see Savannah from the water. You can board a riverboat and enjoy a cruise along the Savannah River. You can also choose from different themes, such as the Dinner Cruise, the Gospel Cruise, or the New Year’s Eve Cruise.
Firstly, you must visit the Davenport House Museum. It is a historic house museum that showcases the life and style of the early 19th century. It was built in 1820 by Isaiah Davenport, a prominent builder and architect. Moreover, it is also the site of the annual Holiday Evening Tours, which offer a glimpse of how the Davenport family celebrated Christmas in the 1820s.
Explore The Pin Point Heritage Museum
Secondly, do not forget the Pin Point Museum. It is a cultural museum that preserves and celebrates the history and traditions of the Gullah/Geechee people. The Gullah/Geechee are descendants of enslaved Africans who lived in the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. The museum is located in a former oyster and crab factory and features exhibits, artifacts, and stories.
Enjoy a Hot Chocolate at The Gryphon Tea Room
Lastly, visit the Gryphon Tea Room. It is a cozy and elegant tea room that offers a variety of teas, coffees, pastries, and sandwiches. This tea-room is located in a former pharmacy building that dates back to 1926. It is a great place to warm up and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: The Best Time to Visit Savannah GA is Anytime
Savannah, GA is a city that has something to offer in every season. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, or fun, you will find it in Savannah. You can enjoy the blooms and festivals in spring, the beaches and water activities in summer, the colors and art in fall, or the lights and holidays in winter.
The best time to visit Savannah GA depends on your preferences and interests. You can choose the season that suits your budget, schedule, and mood. No matter when you visit, you will be welcomed by the hospitality, charm, and beauty of Savannah.
Savannah is a city that will captivate you and make you want to come back again and again. It is a city that will make you fall in love with the south. It is a city that will make you say, “Savannah, I’m in full swing.”
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
This time of the year is amazing for organizing a trip to an amazing summer destination to spend some leisure time with your loved ones. But packing for a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to your beauty essentials.
It's essential to pack smartly and efficiently to ensure that you have everything you need while still leaving enough space in your luggage.
One of the most crucial aspects of packing your makeup bag is choosing the right products. With limited space and weight restrictions, it's crucial to bring only the essentials that you will use throughout your trip.
If you're unsure which items to include in your travel makeup bag, you are in the right place!
Here Are Four Important Essentials Things To Keep With Your Makeup Bag
Read below and we've got your back! We have for you a list with all the essentials to keep with your makeup bag during a trip, in order to feel fresh and pretty on every occasion!
1. Moisturizer with SPF
One of the most crucial products to pack in your makeup bag is a moisturizer with SPF. Traveling can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull due to different climates, water, and air.
By using face moisturizing products with SPF, you can hydrate and protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This way, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about sunburn or premature aging caused by sun damage.
2. Mascara
Moreover, if you love makeup you might already know that quality mascara is a must-have item in any travel makeup bag. It instantly opens up your eyes and makes them appear more awake. Opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara that suits your lash type and enhances your natural beauty.
Choose a waterproof mascara that can cope to prevent smudging and smearing, especially if you'll be swimming or sweating. In case you don’t have quality mascara, it is time for shopping! A mascara will make your eyes look amazing and your makeup even more impressive!
3. Multi-use products
Another amazing tip to save space in your makeup bag, consider bringing multi-use products. For example, a light-tinted moisturizer with a high SPF can provide hydration, coverage, and sun protection in just one step. You can also use it as a base for your makeup or as a touch-up during the day. Similarly, cream blush can double as a lip tint and add a pop of color to your cheeks.
4. Brushes or sponges
Last but not least, don't forget to pack the tools you need to apply your makeup. Brushes or sponges can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and lasts throughout the day.
Choose the ones that work best with your makeup products and bring a compact brush cleaner to keep them clean and hygienic. Choose to buy some quality brushes because they are very important when it comes to the final result. A quality sponge will apply the concealer much better than a cheap one.
Are you a travel blogger? Do you want to share the best moments from your last trip on Instagram reels and stories? Here is a list of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.
The English songs I have picked are eclectic, and I have curated pieces that fit various moods. Further, from John Denver to Ed Sheeran, your most loved artists feature on this list.
A reel without a good song underneath is like a postcard without a message. You can appreciate its beauty, perhaps, for a split second, but you won’t recall it.
This guide is based on actual creator behavior, actual engagement patterns, and actual audience response, not just the same old “trending audio” posts you see around the web.
Whether you're an influencer in the travel space, a casual content creator, or an individual or business marketer for the travel industry, this article will assist you in using songs that actually perform well.
Have You Checked Out These Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels?
When we travel, the gust of the wind, the murmuring of the leaves, or the chirping of the birds are probably the best music you can listen to.
However, as you return, those moments become memories and the photographs and videos we click turn into stories we want to tell the world.
What’s better than a piece of music to enhance these stories? It can be Whitesnake’s rock anthem, “Here I Go Again,” Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” or the feel-good “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope.
1. "Wave" by Lyxe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfTWt8_Ec0
Perfect For: Roadtrip reels
Everyone was crazy when Lyxe reconfigured Wave in June 2023. The song’s upbeat tempo is inspiring, and it asks you to get “'Everything You Could Ever Want.”
As the soundtrack opens, you are already transported to a highway with the embrace of majestic trees on both sides. The melody just works as the sunlight peeps through the vegetation.
2. “On My Way" by Carswell & Hope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0qkhXoiGCQ
Perfect For: Couple Travel Videos
I find “On My Way" close to Denver’s Country Roads in spirit. It’s like a country ballad with an urban touch. And the guitar is just out of the world in the piece.
However, as you reach the lines,
“Me and my vice, and you in your wisdom
Lightly tripped along the passing days
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could finally listen?
To hear the tune that’s calling you home today”
You realize that it’s about the journey of your life with your love! Listening to the tunes that are calling you “home today.”
3. “Unto Myself” by Serene Fiend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kogF2cchLCk
Perfect For: Adventure Sports Reels
Here’s something for a metal head. As you explore outdoor pursuits and make reels for Instagram, “Unto Myself” becomes your go-to travel song.
Watch out for the edgy twists in this one of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.
4. Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyF8RHM1OCg
Perfect For: Road Trips/ Adventure Activities Reels/Solo Travel Videos
Exuding the spirit of classic rock, Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again is a vintage travel song that emancipates and transports. This is also a kinda prayer where the traveler asks for courage and strength to carry on.
Further, this song can be the greatest kick for solo travelers who love to walk the street alone.
5. Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneCkM0bJq0
Perfect For: Long Trips/Foreign Trips
Leaving on a Jet Plane is a classic, and it’s, for me, the most romantic conversation between two lovers.
One leaves on a trip and asks the other to kiss, smile, and wait until they return.Â
A sense of melancholy, the signature of Denver, makes the song timeless. It’s like we all travel to return to the people we love and all good things!
We are not always sure about the return, but we want to!Â
6. “Galway Girl” By Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87gWaABqGYs
Perfect For: Romantic Travel Reels
Are you on a trip to Ireland or the gorgeous European cities? Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl is the perfect song to add a dash of romance and whims to your travel reel.
So, are you ready to meet her on “Grafton Street?”
7. "Enjoy The Show" by The Sluts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnurG4O5og4
Perfect For: City Nightlife Reels
You can be in Las Vegas or Barcelona. You can pump up your nightlife reels with this high-energy number from The Sluts.
Having said that, the underlying laid-back charm of this song keeps it psychedelic for you, and the powerful vocal just helps you get going!Â
8. "About Damn Time" by Lizzo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXXxciRUMzE
Perfect For: Girls’ Solo Trip Travel Reels
Oh, my girl, are you on a break and want to be on top of your game? "About Damn Time" by Lizzo is the kick you need.
It inspires and assures that everything is about time and that everything will be okay. So, use this song for travel stories that mend you.
9. "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07s5ZYygMg
Perfect For: Beach Holiday Reels/Couple Travel Videos
Your coastal summer holidays could not be better than this Harry Styles song. The song has a zing, and its youthful charm is infectious.
The passionate undertone further makes the song a hit among the young at heart.Â
10. “Saturday Sun" by Vance Joy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKqMNQkjHmI
Perfect For: Weekend Trip Reels/Coastal Holidays
The happy tempo of the song is something that strikes instantly. Further, the song is about meeting someone for the first time and falling in love with them. \
So young and refreshing! Perfect for a weekend escapade!Â
11. “Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vv-BfVoq4g
Perfect For: Couple Holiday Reels
Who doesn’t know of Sheeran’s “Perfect?” This song just makes walking “Barefoot on the Grass” with your love more special.
It’s time to enjoy the most romantic journey with your love in your arms. The soft melody is just worth melting!
Rules for Instagram Music and Copyright (2026)
How to keep your reel safe and accessible:
Use music within the Instagram library
Don't repost copyrighted songs on third-party platforms
Creator accounts receive broader access compared to business accounts
The safest type of music for brand endorsement is royalty-free music.
How Music Affects the Instagram Algorithm?
Music impacts:
Viewing Duration – autographic Data
Whether they replay
Whether they save
If they both use the same sound
Instagram promotes reels with:
High completion
Audio Reuse
Emotional engagement
Your choice of music is an algorithm signal.
Common Mistakes Creators Make When Using Reel Music
Picking a song based on its popularity trend
Matching calm visuals with high-energy music
Cutting randomly as opposed to cutting to the beat
Dominating visuals with loud drops
Repeating the viral sound indefinitely
Some Of The Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels My Friends Love
Music is such a subjective thing to decide upon! How about asking my friends about the songs they like in their travel reels?
These thoughts came to mind while curating the travel songs for Instagram reels.
I quickly worked on the idea, and here is what my friends have to say about the best songs for Instagram travel reels.
“Paradise by Coldplay is my favorite, as it has several parts that fit like a glove over any travel reel. From revealing the grandeur of a mountain to a montage of chasing sunsets, the first couple of seconds is my go-to!” - Harsha Sharma.
“Country Roads by Denver: It highlights a major theme that's common for all travel experiences. We travel to rejuvenate our spirits, and for most adventure lovers, this rejuvenation feels like home.” - Saswati.
“Music can help establish an emotional connection. Paris by Chainsmokers resonates with emotions and experiences from a specific moment in your travels with your loved ones.” - Nikita Marilyn Gomes.
“Taylor Swift: 22! There is nothing better than a good old road trip with your girls. Taylor Swift will always be at the top of our list. Especially 22 (...although none of us are anymore). It is when we cruise through the windy roads and cross cities with only each other it feels like we are only young and 22, awaiting all the adventures.” - Deepanwita.
“Forever Young by Alphaville: "Forever Young, I want to be forever young," the timeless melody and meaningful lyrics awaken the urge to stay young to explore more, to live more, and to explore the unknown.” - Piyasa M.
“The Nights by Avicii: this song has a very upbeat tempo, a wonderful chorus, and nostalgic lyrics that can perfectly capture the ultimate spirit of adventure and life's moments.” - Pijus.
Music Transforms Travel into Memories
There’s a reason why In the year 2026, the best travel videos don’t have to be the most flashy; instead, they have to “Feel Real”.
The right song:
Slows time
Adds emotion
Creates memory
Makes people stay
If you have a reel that pauses people, gets them to feel, and imagine themselves in the place you’re at, you chose the right song.
Want to revel in some child-like fun like my friend Subhasree? A young lady of 25, she still finds The Singing Walrus’s travel song delightful. “I’m on my way/ To a new place…” This is where all travel stories begin. Isn’t it?
Also Read:
Did You Know You can Hear Banshee’s Wail at the Killarney National Park!
OMG! THIS Is The FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card 2024| Travel Finance Guide.
Joy Cho Death At Grand Teton National Park: How To Remain Safe While Hiking In This Beautiful Yet Dangerous Land.
Kandy has been in the news recently for the last-over clincher between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last ICC T-20 World Cup tournament.
It is also good to see Kandy slowly getting its rhythm back after the major disruption in the beautiful Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of 2025.
With a man-made lake at the epicenter, Kandy, in a bowl of mountains, was home to the last rulers from the Kandyan empire.
Today, it continues to play an important role in the politics, economy, and culture of Sri Lanka as the capital of the Central Province.
Sri Lanka is full of contradictions. From the rich Tamil Culture in Jaffna and the abandoned Buddhist ruins at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, to the bustling city of Kandy, it’s like visiting different countries with a few miles of traveling.
Moreover, Kandy is just 20 km away from Gampola, the home to the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, the symbol of natural diversity and religious inclusivity in Sri Lanka.
Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how to reach Kandy, the things to do in Kandy, where to stay, where to eat, and more.
How To Reach Kandy?
Kandy, one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, is easily accessible. If you are a budget traveler and a believer of the LowDownUnder Travel philosophy, you can take a local bus or train for the journey.
1. The Kandy Railway Station: The Major Gateway
The Kandy Railway Station is the main gateway to the city if you are traveling from other parts of the island.
Also, this railway station on the beautiful Kandy to Ella line still exudes a colonial charm and shows Victorian influences in its architecture.
A train ride from Colombo to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and based on the class, the ticket prices cost between LKR 300 and 1200.
You can even take a train on the Kandy to Ella route to explore the tea plantations, mountains, and the highland region.
However, being one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, tickets for these trains are always in high demand.
You can check out the available tickets at the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways. Tickets for a date get sold out even 1 month before.
2. Colombo To Kandy Bus
If you cannot book trains to reach Kandy. Don’t get disheartened, as buses are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo.
You can take an ordinary or AC intercity bus to reach Kandy from Colombo. The distance is around 120 km and the travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Also, the ticket prices start from LKR 360.
What Are The Things To Do In Kandy?
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. So, no wonder that it offers a good mix of colonial history, spiritual experience, and the serenity of the Kandy Lake.
Also, Kandy is home to the quintessential Singhalese food. I found the delicacies in Kandy to be way creamier and milder than the fiery food in Jaffna.
Nevertheless, I will talk about what to eat in Kandy a little later, and for now, let’s explore the things to do in Kandy and enjoy a mixed bag of experiences.
1. Visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens
Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 200 for Locals, LKR 3540 for Foreign Visitors
From Kandy City, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is home to more than 4000 plants and covers an area of 147 acres.
A green oasis in the overwhelming city landscape, it also has an arboretum and decorative flower beds.
My favorite, however, was the majestic palm tree avenues. However, as the day grew, it got crowded by social media content creators.
Furthermore, there are giant bamboo trees. Another popular photography spot in the national park is the Mahaweli Ganga River suspension bridge. However, more than five people cannot get on the bridge at a time.
So, you may have to wait in a queue if you desperately want a photo for your socials.
Moreover, you will see bats hanging from trees, chipmunks, and monkeys in the botanical gardens. And don’t miss the Spice Garden here.
Also, if you feel hungry, you can buy drinks and snacks from the stalls inside and the local vendors outside the park.
2. Exploring The Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee for Foreigners, LKR 830, For Locals: LKR 70
I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. You can even take a tuk-tuk ride from the Centre of Kandy.
It has some of the most famous caves in Kandy and diverse fauna.Â
However, I did not expect that mother macaque monkeys would welcome me with their babies clinging to them.
After the grand entry, I chose the circular route around the park as I wanted to see the religious caves, the bathing pond, and the city viewpoint.
The Route
The green canopy stands in humility as you advance on the route, and now you are transported to a different world.
The birds were chirping, and I could hear the squeal of monkeys.
However, the highlight on that route was the Liana’s. These tree-sized vines created coils along the oath.
I followed the route upward and reached the City View Point.
The City View Point
From the City View Point, I loved the perspective of Kandy City and Lake. Then, walked further to come across the Cittavisuddhi Lena cave and othe two religious caves.
The cave had beautiful sculptures, paintings, and offerings by pilgrims. These are sacred to the Buddhist people.
However, overgrown trees and the fear of insects and bats deterred me from entering the cave and exploring the two other Buddhist caves.
Despite all the cautions, destiny had something different in store for me. There were leeches all over my legs, and luckily, I was carrying adequate salt to get rid of them.
The fellow tourists also helped to remove the leeches.
3. Visiting The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at the top of a hill is the guardian angel of Kandy. You need to take a short and steep walk to reach the Buddha Statue from the town.
You can even take a tuk-tuk.
Once you reach the statue, you can find the steps behind the magnificent statue and climb to higher vantage points looking over the other side of the city of Kandy.
Moreover, there is a small shop from where you can take trinkets and religious texts. The entry fee was 600 LKR when I visited last.
4. Exploring The Kandy Market
I mentioned how an old lady in the Jaffna Public Market was the icebreaker during my trip to Jaffna.
In Kandy, it was the Kandy Market, which made me acquainted with the hilly region of Sri Lanka.
The market was near the Kandy Station. I visited it early in the morning and found vendors selling dried fish, bananas, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.
5. Spending Moments By The Kandy Lake
The Kandy Lake, or Lake Kandy, is at the heart of the city and is very close to the Temple of the Tooth.
It is a magnificent man-made lake around which you can take a walk of 2.1 miles. The pathway is called the Cloud Wall, and the highlight of my walk was finding out about the Queen’s bathing pavilion.
This ivory excellence reminded me of the regal past of the Kandy Lake.
I also spotted the ducks, busy schools of fish, and water monitor lizards.
Moreover, there is a well-groomed garden in the center of the lake. When I visited, it was in full bloom.
6. Walking To The Kandy Viewpoint
After stretching my legs at the Kandy Lake, I took a short walk to reach the Kandy Viewpoint.
Hiking to the Kandy Viewpoint is one of the most delightful free things to do in Kandy. You can capture panoramic shots of the city from this viewpoint and interact with local hawkers for a meaningful cultural exchange.
7. Visiting The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena - Buddhist Stupa And Temple
If you are a Buddhist or someone eager to learn about the religion, visiting the Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is one of the best things to do in Kandy.
This stupa is very close to the city, and I took the stairs across the train tracks to reach the stupa.
For me, the highlight of the stupa was the meditation room on the central floor. The iconographies were grand and meaningful.
Furthermore, the walls there depicted the three stages of decay a body has to undergo after death.
However, I did not yet know what was awaiting me, the dome of the stupa.
Filled with Buddhist artwork, an enormous lotus carving, and eight statues of Lord Buddha, it defined enormity.
The military guide finally took me to the balcony that surrounds the stupa. I found many monks clad in orange robes busy in their rituals, and I also loved the view.
8. Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Mandira preserves the canine tooth of Lord Buddha.
It has the Udawaththa Kelaya to the east and the Lake Kandy to the south.
After several invasions and destructions, the temple was finally rebuilt by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, and it is in its current form that we see today.
The temple has beautiful works of ivory, gold, and silver.
More Things To Do In Kandy
Along with being a primary tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the gateway to many iconic landmarks showing the richness of Sri Lanka in nature and wildlife.
You can take a train ride or a bus ride from Kandy to the Royal Cave Temples of Dambulla. Or, you can attend a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park and other national parks of Sri Lanka.
Where To Stay In Kandy? Know The Accommodations
I stayed at a hostel near the hillside surrounding the city. It was modest, but the views I got from the room and balcony were amazing.
However, if you are not willing to walk so much, you can choose places such as the Ceyloni City Hotel.
The tariff of this city hotel is around 7500 LKR.
What To Eat In Kandy?
You can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Kandy. Balaji Dosai is a nice spot to try vegetarian food, especially dosa.
The Siri Ramya Hotel is the place to try Kottu Roti in Kandy. You can have it as spicy as you want. Also, you can combine them with different types of veggies, eggs, chicken, or mutton.
Another thing you must not miss in Kandy is the snacks available on the bus or train. The fried chips and snacks have a lot of salt and chilli.
However, they are great for the taste buds.
Also, do not forget to try the rice and curry combination at the “famous hole in the wall rice and curry joints” in Kandy.
These offer a nice and filling lunch at the best price.
The Nightlife In Kandy: Where To Drink?Â
Kandy is not a place famous for its nightlife. However, if you want to cherish some drink after a busy day, you can visit places such as The Stag’s Head Pub and the Royal Bar and Hotel.
Enjoy the beers, cocktails, and your favorite drinks with spicy local snacks, and enjoy the view of the city and lake at night.
Drinking at any of these places will cost you around 790 LKR.
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