Kandy, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#880
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and as the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 125,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 15-25 Mbps, with fiber optics available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 365 LKR. Local ATMs widely available with international cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; advisable to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major international credit cards accepted; consider using banks with no foreign transaction fees. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb options available, as well as guesthouses and hostels like Kandy View Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; larger establishments accept cards, but small vendors often do not. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com provide numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Misty Hills and Kandy Backpackers Hostel offer affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and around Kandy Lake are popular for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas with good Wi-Fi like the city center, near coworking spaces, and the university. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kandy Co-Working Space offers reliable internet and a friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Slightly Chilled Lounge & Cafe provides a comfortable atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads in Kandy; events are occasionally organized. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups at various cafes or community-driven events advertised via social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local rental shops, typically around 1,000 LKR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Unawatuna Beach is about 4 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways frequently connect through Colombo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close to the A1 highway connecting to Colombo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kandy Railway Station is the main transport hub with connections to Colombo. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single journey tickets; no monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular bus services to major cities, frequent trains to Colombo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kandy Teaching Hospital is well-equipped for serious medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Buddhi Yoga Center offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Kandy provides modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, such as Star Laundry Service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe Food and Uber Eats provide delivery service to various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kandy's specialty is Kottu Roti, a local street food favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Ceylon offers a great range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Viva Roti and the Kandy City Centre food court offer delicious treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Kandy Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk for a variety of online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket chains like Cargills and Keells offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center has several pubs; check out the Helga’s Folly. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery in Colombo is the closest drinkable beer source. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; some international hotels have wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Kandy Lake provide various quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Italian and Indian restaurants available, like The Royal Mall. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Temple of the Tooth is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kandy Museum provides insights into the local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Royal Botanical Gardens is a historical and natural gem. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is the most significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kandy Esala Perahera, usually in July/August, is a grand cultural procession. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town for its traditional crafts and small shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kandy is home to small theaters and cultural shows highlighting local art. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kandy Market offers an authentic shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events can be found in various venues and cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Less prominent, but some local artists display their work in town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available, especially for Sri Lankan curries. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibitions at the National Art Gallery showcase Sri Lankan talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Kandy Lake and surrounding structures provide beautiful scenery. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kandy is central to Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Knuckles Mountain Range offers hiking and breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wasgamuwa National Park is about 90 minutes away, known for wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Kandy Lake provides scenic walking paths around the water. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the top of the Bahirawakanda Temple is stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas in the Knuckles range allow for bonfires outdoors; check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services and DHL available in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops in the city offer repairing services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Sinhala language classes available through local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kandy Public Library is a peaceful place for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kandy City Centre provides spaces for events and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options in Kandy itself; one can find casinos in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 55,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,200,000 LKR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 40,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,600,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 75,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,500,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 85,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 6,800,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,800,000 LKR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% withholding tax applies on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system; residents pay tax on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist for foreign businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax regulations apply, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Registration fees of about 3% apply during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Sri Lanka offers a 0% tax rate for income generated outside the country for non-residents. |