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Discover the cultural heart of Sri Lanka with Kandy's sacred temples, Anuradhapura's ancient ruins, and the historic hill of Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in the country.

Suggested Locations
1.Kandy
Crown Jewel of Sri Lanka
2.Anuradhapura
Sacred City of Rich Heritage
3.Mihintale
Cradle of Buddhism
Dublin
Kandy
9,486 mi
Plane
21h 4m
Kandy
- Trip Weather 25 °C - Trip Weather 24 °C
Discover Kandy
Crown Jewel of Sri Lanka
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and home to Sinhalese culture's heart. A mesmerizing city with a lake, ancient temples, botanical gardens, scenic spots, and tea plantations. It is famous worldwide for the annual Esala Perahera festival and as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the Temple of the Tooth shrine, which holds a tooth relic of Buddha.
Kandy
Anuradhapura
84 mi
Plane
3h 26m
Anuradhapura
- Trip Weather 29 °C - Trip Weather 28 °C
Discover Anuradhapura
Sacred City of Rich Heritage
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura
Mihintale
10 mi
Plane
0h 28m
Mihintale
- Trip Weather 29 °C - Trip Weather 28 °C
Discover Mihintale
Cradle of Buddhism
Mihintale, a mountain peak in Sri Lanka, is believed to be the meeting place of Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site and hosts several religious monuments and abandoned structures. Visitors can explore the old stupas, meditation caves, and see the great stone slab which was used by Monk Mahinda to give sermons.
Mihintale
Dublin
9,415 mi
Plane
21h 55m
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Travel Tips

Currency: LKR Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC +5:30) Language: Sinhala

Hello! It's great to hear you're planning to visit Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Mihintale. Here are some tips for your wonderful journey ahead.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit these places in Sri Lanka is from December to March when the weather is dry and sunny. These months also offer cooler climates in the higher regions like Kandy.

Route and Accessibility:
To get to Kandy from Colombo, you can either take the A1 road (about 4 hours) or the train (about 6 hours). From Kandy, you can travel to Anuradhapura and Mihintale which are further north. All these places are well connected by public transport.

Accommodation and Booking:
These cities offer a range of accommodations suiting varied budgets- from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season. Websites like Booking.com and Agoda can provide a plethora of options.

Clothing and Essentials:
Pack a mix of light clothing for the heat and layers for the cooler nights. Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for sightseeing. Also, pack sun protection- hats, sunglasses, sunblock- as well as essentials like a water bottle, personal medication, and travel insurance documents.

Health and Safety:
Sri Lanka is generally a safe country, but it's always good to be cautious of your belongings and surroundings. Drink bottled or properly treated water to avoid waterborne diseases. Keep insect repellent handy to protect against mosquitoes.

Local Etiquette and Respect:
When visiting religious sites in these places, remember to take off your shoes and wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees. It's also appreciated if you are quiet and respectful, as many of these sites are also places of active worship.