The southwest monsoon will have arrived in Sri Lanka by May, and visitors should anticipate several hours of rain each day in Colombo and along the southern beaches of the island. However, the northeast monsoon will be ending, making it an excellent time to explore the hill country, the Cultural Triangle, and northern and eastern Sri Lanka. Among all other top tourist spots, kandy has the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in May.
Best Places to visit in Sri Lanka in May
Weather of Sri Lanka in May
Average Temperature of Kandy: 32℃
Average Rainfall in Kandy: 141 mm
Rainstorms will now be arriving in the western and southern regions of Sri Lanka due to the Southwest monsoon. Even while the rain usually doesn’t persist all day, unexpected downpours could interupt your beach time, you can still drive through these places during the monsoon. This time of year, however, will see the end of the Northeast monsoon, leaving certain portions of the island dry and pleasant (albeit a little hot). The beaches of Sri Lanka are the warmest regions, with year-round temperatures in the nineties Fahrenheit. The country’s central mountainous region is noticeably colder; the higher you go, the colder it becomes makes the hill country one of the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka.
May is considered Sri Lanka’s shoulder season due to the rainy weather in the nation’s most visited tourist destinations. Although tourists arrive all year long, the bulk of them arrive between December and April, with a smaller number also arriving in October and November.
Kandy City – the perfect places to visit in May
Kandy City has a plethora of tourist attractions around. Here are the top ten best places to visit in Sri lanka in May.
The capital of Sri Lanka’s Central province is Kandy. The city is recognized as a World Heritage Site. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the reason the city is so well-known. It is an important location for Buddhists worldwide. As a result, many people travel there for worship. Another cultural event that takes place in August every year is the Kandy Esela Perahera. There are elephants and traditional dances at this vibrant celebration.
Here are some of the best places to visit within Kandy City.
- The Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Kandy View Point
- Bahirawakanda Temple
- Udawaththakale Sanctuary
- Kandy City Center.
In addition to these locations, there are a ton of lovely spots to explore outside the city. However, the majority of people are ignorant of those locations. We will thus provide you with information about them.
Top 10 Best Locations to Visit Near Kandy:
Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya
The distance between the Royal Botanical Garden and Kandy city is 5.5 km west. When traveling to Kandy from the Gampola or Colombo directions, you may locate this location with ease. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a great location for relaxation. It is around 147 acres (59 ha) in size and is located close to the Mahaweli River. It is situated 460 meters above sea level.
Numerous lovely plant kinds and flowers can be seen there. The sources state that there are around 4,000 different plant species in the garden, including coconut trees, orchids, herbs and spices, and plants for medicinal use. The orchids of Peradeniya Botanical Garden are extremely valuable. Additionally, the lines of palm trees have become a popular location for photographers. More than a million people come to this lovely location each year.
The garden’s past is extensive. In the nineteenth century, the British founded this as a nursery for plants. It is regarded as one of the greatest botanical gardens in Asia and the biggest in Sri Lanka. This is one of the places in Kandy City that you really should not miss.
The Hanthana Mountain Range (Nice Hiking Place to visit Around Kandy)
The stunning Hanthana mountain range is located close to Kandy City. From the city, it is easy to recognize and view the range. On the peak, you can make out a few radio and television towers. It’s an excellent location for hikers and trekkers.
There is nothing challenging about the hike. As public transportation is accessible to almost half of the height, the ascent should only take approximately half a kilometer. However, the path passes through mana bushes and tea farms. You can hike the mountain range for a considerable distance in any case. You will be astounded by the breathtaking vista from the summit. The entire city of Kandy, the Mahawei River, the Knuckles Mountain Range, and the surrounding areas are all clearly visible.
At 1240 meters, the Uragala peak is the highest point in the Hantana range. Another must-see location is Katusukonda, which resembles Lizard Backbone. For everyone, crossing the Katusukonda is an amazing adventurous activity. But you must use caution. In Hanthana, trekking can be a challenging pastime during the rainy season. You also have to watch out for leeches.
Ambuluwawa (Best Adventure Place to visit around Kandy)
An amazing location for thrill seekers. It is located 21 kilometers from Kandy City in the Gampola region. Ambuluwawa Tower is climbable for the fearless. Nevertheless, a few of them were unable to succeed. This is the perfect location in Sri Lanka for an adventurous trip.
Ambuluwawa also features a trigonometry center and a biodiversity complex. There are several plant and animal species in the nearby forest. From the top of the tower, a clear view of Gampola City is seen. It’s an incredible view. We advise you to include Ambuluwawa on your list of destinations within the Kandy area.
Nelligala Temple
Located in the Kandy District’s Muruthalawa Village is this contemporary temple. The distance from the city is 12.5 km. Many people visit Nelligala every day; it has become rather popular recently. The temple is built upon a huge boulder. Its architecture and structure are amazing to observe. The Sumana Saman Statue and the Buddha Statues have made this temple distinctive. Nelligala offers an additional excellent viewpoint.
Gadaladeniya Temple
Located close to Pilimathalawa town lies the old Buddhist shrine known as Gadaladeniya. The distance to Kandy City is 12 kilometers. This is the perfect location for a Sri Lankan cultural trip. Gadaladeniya is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s biggest rock temples.
In the fourteenth century, King Buvanekabahu Iv built the temple. This is a location where Hindu art can be found. The architectural styles bear a striking resemblance to those of South India. The main shrine room is composed of four Buddha images, a seated Buddha statue, and Makara Thorana. The faces of four gods are depicted on the Makara thorana.
Lankathilaka Temple
Situated near the Gadaladeniya Temple is another old Buddhist temple called Lankathilaka Temple. The distance from Pilimathalawa is 4 km. In the fourteenth century, King Buvanekabahu IV also made this.
The Lankathilaka Temple is another example of Hindu architecture. Those were designed in the fourteenth century by “Sathapati Rayar,” a South Indian architect. For each of the six gods, there are six devales. The grounds of the temple are quite lovely, and there are lovely views in all directions. We think that one of the top destinations to see in the Kandy area should be Lankathilake.
Embekka Devalaya
Another significant historical and cultural site is Embekka Devalaya, which is located close to Lankathilaka Temple. During the Gampola Era, King Vickramabahu III constructed it. The devalaya bears the name “Kataragama,” the god. There are three portions to the shrine. It’s the Digge or Dancing Hall, Hevisi Mandapaya (Drummers’ Room), and Sanctum of Garagha.
The wood carvings on the Embekka Devalaya are what make it so well-liked. The Drummers’ Hall is where the majority of the carvings are located. It’s regarded as one of the world’s premier locations to view traditional woodworking techniques. The sanctuary notwithstanding, the devalaya is entirely constructed of wood. That demonstrates the skill of the prehistoric Sri Lankans. It’s a great location for a cultural tour.
Pettigala
This is yet another excellent place to go hiking in the Kandy City area. The distance to the city is 20 kilometers. Pettigala’s stunning outlook has recently made it quite popular. The Victoria Reservoirs are located relatively close to the peak. Thus, you have a breathtaking view of the reservoir and the Knuckles Massif in the vicinity.
The “Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya” temple is the starting point of the walking trail leading to Pettigala. It’s a historically significant location as well. There are antique paintings dating back to the eighteenth century. The Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya is thought to have been around for more than 1500 years. On your Pettigala hike, you will see two main caverns. These sites were used in the second and third century AD by monks.
Kondagala
The is another well-liked tourist destination in the Central Province. 32 kilometers away from Kandy and makes it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in May. Tea plantations round Kondagala Mountain in all directions. “Loolkondera Tea Estate” is the name of the oldest tea estate in Sri Lanka.
Scottish planter James Taylor was an early pioneer in the Sri Lankan tea industry. As the first industrial tea estate in Ceylon, he founded Loolkondera. The location is significant historically as a result. James Taylor’s cabin, his well, and the earliest known tea plants are still visible today.
Kondagala boasts an attractive outlook, as we have already indicated. The trek to the summit of the mountain is not tough. The tea estate is open to public transportation. Nonetheless, purchasing a ticket is a must.
The Knuckles Mountain Range (Best Place for Trekking around Kandy)
The Kandy and Matale Districts are mostly enclosed by the Knuckles Mountain Range. It is a significant hotspot for biodiversity in the nation. In 2010, UNESCO designated the region as a National World Heritage site. Numerous endemic plant and animal species can be found in this area. However, it appears to be a remote location and is challenging to penetrate the mountain range.
Also see: Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kandy
7 Day – Customized Sri Lanka Itinerary May
Day 1:
- Enter Sri Lanka via Bandaranaike International Airport
- Take a tuk tuk
- Check-in to your pre booked hotel
- Take lunch and have a power nap
- After getting fresh, take a stroll of the city
- Take dinner
- Have a sound peace
Day 2:
- Start your day with a fresh tea
- Order breakfast
- Get dressed up in the dress code of Tooth Relic Temple
- After Visiting temple, take lunch near any local restaurant
- Go to Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya (22 min)
- Enjoy the beauty and peace of nature
- Come back to your hotel
- Take rest
Day 3:
- Order breakfast and get freshen up
- Get dressed up for hiking
- Go to The Hanthana Mountain Range
- Start your trekking in the daylight
- Enjoy the beauty and peace of nature in mountains
- Come back to your hotel before sunset
- Take dinner and have a proper rest
Day 4:
- After breakfast, take a tuk tuk
- Go to see Ambuluwawa Tower
- Take aesthetic pictures
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the view
- Go for some shopping
- Check-in to your hotel
- Have a tasty dinner in any near local restaurant
Day 5:
- Order your breakfast
- Visit Nelligala temple
- Take aesthetic pictures of its architecture
- Come back and check-in to your hotel
- Take dinner in any near local restaurant
Day 6:
- Order your breakfast
- Visit Gadaladeniya temple and Lankathilaka Temple
- Go to see Embekka Devalaya
- Check-in to your hotel and order your dinner
Day 7:
- Order your breakfast
- Visit Loolkondera Tea Estate and then dedicate your day to see Knuckles Mountain Range
- Try hot air balloon ride
- Check-in to your hotel
- Order your dinner and then move back to airport for departure
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kandy City is home to a plethora of breathtaking locations. Kandy City is not too far away. The Knuckles range of Kandy can be reached in a few different ways. Among the well-known tourist destinations in the Knuckles Range are Yahangala, Hunnasgiriya, Five Peaks, Meemure, Gerandi Ella, Dothalugala, Kotaganga, and Riverston. These areas are excellent for hiking, camping, trekking, and seeing animals.