Kandy, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#880
7.29312, 80.635035
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 125,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with options for higher speeds via fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); 1 USD ≈ 375 LKR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel, offering good coverage and data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and local banks like Commercial Bank are available; ATMs widely accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to guesthouses and hotels; Airbnb is available with varied pricing. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guest houses are popular for short stays, ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options start from $10 per night at places like Kandy City Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Kandy Coworking Space, located in the city center, offers reliable internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Cafe at New Paradise Guest House provides a good working atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | TechSriLanka organizes regular meetups and networking events for freelancers and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kandy Expats Facebook Group hosts regular social gatherings and community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most popular ride-hailing app in Kandy. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many shops offer scooter rentals, with prices around LKR 1,000 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Hikkaduwa, approximately 100 km away, about 2.5 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines operates flights connecting to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates operate flights from Bandaranaike International Airport to global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Kandy has access via the A1 highway connecting to Colombo and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kandy Railway Station is the main hub for train travel across the island. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buses and trains are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses efficiently connect Kandy to Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kandy General Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Wellness Center at Kandy offers yoga classes and holistic therapies. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym offers good facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel services are available, with prices around LKR 150 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda operates in Kandy, delivering a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying 'Kottu Roti', a popular street food dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Slightly Spicy is a highly-rated vegetarian restaurant in town. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Royal Bakery is famous for its delicious sweets and traditional pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Kandy City Center is a great place for budget shopping in local markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk provides a wide range of products available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are available via Glovo and local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city has a few bars, with Reggae Bar being a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Kandy Brewery offers tours and tastings of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Hill Club has a nice selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors around the city offer delicious local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Royal Mall hosts several international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Kandy provides insights into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Kandy Lake and its surroundings are rich in historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is home to sacred trees and Buddhist meditation sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand festival showcasing traditional Sri Lankan culture, usually held in July/August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around the Temple of the Tooth is vibrant with cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kandy performing arts theatre features traditional dance performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Kandy market is a bustling place to explore local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Kandy has live music venues, particularly during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals can be found around the city center, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various cooking classes, like the one at the Kandy Cooking School, teach locals flavors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Kandy Art Association Gallery features local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Kandy Clock Tower and the Old Royal Palace are notable historic structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its preservation of Kandyan culture and traditional arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Knuckles Mountain Range for stunning hiking trails and views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Udawattakele Sanctuary is nearby and great for nature walks and wildlife spotting. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The lake area offers picturesque walking paths and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of the Bahirawakanda Sri Maha Bodhi Temple provides breathtaking views of Kandy. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kandy is home to several bird species, especially in Udawattakele Sanctuary. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas in parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LankaPost and local courier services provide various delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repair services for gadgets, e.g., iRepair Kandy. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be found in community centers and clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Kandy offer Sinhala and Tamil classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kandy Public Library is a quiet place for studying and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kandy Community Center hosts various cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few local cafes provide gaming setups, popular among young residents. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Colombo is a nearby option for gambling, located in the main city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |