Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage with this comprehensive day tour to Kandy, the island’s last ancient kingdom. This carefully designed tour combines three must-see attractions: the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and holds immense spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide. The city is nestled in the hills, surrounded by mountains and home to the most important Buddhist temple in the country. Your day begins with adorable elephants bathing in the river, continues through stunning botanical displays, and culminates in the spiritual heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
This tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and anyone wanting to understand the soul of Sri Lanka. You’ll witness elephants in a naturalistic setting, walk through one of Asia’s finest botanical gardens, and experience the sacred atmosphere of Kandy’s most revered temple. Our knowledgeable guide brings history to life with fascinating stories about kings, elephants, and cultural traditions.
What Makes This Tour Special
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Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple
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See 70+ elephants at Pinnawala Orphanage
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Explore one of Asia’s best botanical gardens
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Experience Kandy’s colonial architecture
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Witness elephant bath time in the river
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Traditional Kandyan cultural show option
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Expert cultural guide with deep local knowledge
What You'll Experience in Kandy, Peradeniya & Pinnawala Day Tour
- Beautiful Kandyan architecture with intricate carvings
- See the golden casket chamber (the tooth relic itself is not visible)
- Watch devotees making offerings with flowers and incense
- Hear traditional drumming ceremonies
- Explore the temple museum with gifts from world leaders
- Walk around Kandy Lake with views of the city
- Learn about Sri Lankan Buddhism and Kandyan Kingdom history
Tour Plan with Starting Time
06:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel
Early departure to maximize your time in Kandy and avoid traffic. Enjoy the scenic drive through rubber plantations and rural villages.
09:00 AM – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Duration: 2 hours)
Arrive at Pinnawala, home to the world’s largest captive elephant herd. Started in 1975 with just 5 orphaned elephants, today over 70 elephants live here, many born at the orphanage.
9:30 AM – Watch Morning Feeding: See baby elephants bottle-fed with milk – absolutely adorable!
10:00 AM – River Bath Time: The highlight of the visit! Watch the entire elephant herd walk down to the Ma Oya River for their bath. Elephants splash, play, and interact in the water while their mahouts gently wash them. This is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic experiences and creates incredible photos. Watch from the riverbank or from cafes with perfect views.
11:00 AM – Continue to Kandy
Scenic 1.5-hour drive through hill country with comfort stops.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Kandy
Enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch at a local restaurant with views of Kandy Lake.
01:30 PM – Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya (Duration: 1.5 hours)
Explore these magnificent gardens, considered one of the finest in Asia. Spread across 147 acres, the gardens were originally reserved for Kandyan royalty. Today, they showcase over 4,000 plant species from around the world.
Highlights include:
- Giant Java Fig tree with massive spreading roots
- Orchid House with stunning varieties
- Palm Avenue with towering royal palms
- Spice Garden showing cinnamon, clove, nutmeg
- Bamboo Avenue creating natural tunnels
- Medicinal Plant Section
- Giant Bamboo collection
- Suspension Bridge over Mahaweli River
- Beautiful lawns perfect for photos
The gardens are a peaceful oasis with well-maintained paths, shady trees, and benches for rest. Your guide explains the history and points out rare specimens.
03:00 PM – Temple of the Tooth Relic (Duration: 1.5 hours)
Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, believed to house a tooth of Lord Buddha. This magnificent temple complex sits beside picturesque Kandy Lake in the royal palace complex.
04:30 PM – Optional Kandy City Tour
- If time permits, quick visit to:
- Kandy View Point for panoramic city photos
- Gem Museum (no obligation to buy)
- Batik Factory showing traditional textile making
- Kandy Market for local shopping
05:00 PM – Return Journey
Scenic drive back to the coast with sunset views over the hills.
08:00 PM – Drop at Your Hotel
Arrive back enriched with cultural insights and memories.
Pickup & Drop Location
Pickup
Your hotel in Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Galle, Bentota, or any south/west coast location. Colombo pickups available (minimal additional charge as it’s en route).
Drop
Return to your hotel or any requested location.
Note
Kandy is located in the hill country, approximately 3-4 hours from Hikkaduwa. The drive is scenic with beautiful views. Bring a light jacket as Kandy can be cooler than the coast.
Photo Tips
Morning light at Pinnawala is excellent. Botanical Gardens photograph beautifully at any time. Temple photography is allowed in most areas (no flash inside main shrine). Bring modest clothing for temple visit.
Important Information:
Wear modest clothing for temple (shoulders and knees covered)
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple
- No shorts or sleeveless tops at temple
- Comfortable walking shoes essential
- Bring light jacket for cooler Kandy climate
- Temple entrance fee included
- Pinnawala entrance fee included
- Botanical Gardens entrance fee included
- Lunch included
- Elephant bath time is 10 AM and 2 PM (tour is timed for 10 AM batch)
- Photography allowed in most areas
- Respectful behavior required at temple
- This is a long but rewarding day – pace yourself