TOUR OVERVIEW

Tour Type: Private Day Tour
Duration: One Day
Destinations Covered: Pinnawala – Dambulla – Kandy
Pick-up Locations:
Kosgoda | Ahungalla | Bentota | Induruwa

Return: Same hotel in the evening

This tour is designed for travelers who want a deep cultural experience with comfortable travel and realistic timing.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Discover Sri Lanka’s cultural capital Kandy
• Scenic drive through Sri Lanka’s interior countryside
• Learn about Sri Lankan history, religion, and traditions

DETAILED ITINERARY

Early Morning – Pick-up from Your Hotel

Your Kandy Day Tour begins with an early morning private pick-up from your hotel in Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Bentota, or Induruwa. The early start ensures a smooth journey and allows enough time to explore Kandy without rushing.

As you travel inland, you will notice the scenery change from coastal landscapes to green hills, rivers, and villages.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Your first major stop is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife attractions. Established to care for orphaned and injured elephants, Pinnawala is home to a large herd of elephants living in a semi-natural environment.

During your visit, you can observe:

• Elephants roaming freely
• Elephant feeding time
• Elephant bathing in the nearby river (depending on timing)

This is a memorable experience for both adults and children.

Dambulla Cave Temple (Optional Stop)

Depending on timing and interest, you may visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex features ancient cave shrines with Buddha statues and murals dating back centuries.

This optional stop adds historical and spiritual depth to the tour.

Scenic Drive to Kandy

After Pinnawala (and Dambulla if included), you continue toward Kandy through scenic countryside. The drive offers views of rivers, hills, spice gardens, and small towns, giving you a glimpse of everyday Sri Lankan life beyond the tourist areas.

Temple of the Tooth Relic – Kandy

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site. This temple houses the relic of the Buddha’s tooth and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.

During your visit, you will:

• Learn about the history and significance of the temple
• Observe local worship practices
• Experience the calm and spiritual atmosphere

Visitors are required to dress modestly when entering the temple.

Kandy City Tour

After visiting the temple, enjoy a short Kandy city tour, which may include:

• A drive around Kandy Lake
• Views of colonial-era buildings
• Visits to local shops or markets (optional)

Kandy’s relaxed hill-city atmosphere provides a nice contrast to the coastal regions.

Lunch Break in Kandy (Optional)

You will have time for lunch at a local restaurant in Kandy. Options range from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes.

Lunch is not included, allowing you to choose based on your preference.

Evening – Return to Your Hotel

After completing the Kandy visit, you will begin the return journey to the south coast. You will arrive back at your hotel in the evening, completing a full cultural day tour.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Experienced local driver
• Fuel, parking, and highway charges

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Entrance fees (Pinnawala, temples, etc.)
• Lunch and refreshments
• Personal expenses
• Tips (optional)

All costs are clearly explained before confirmation.

WHO IS THIS TOUR IDEAL FOR?

The Kandy Day Tour is ideal for:

• Culture and history lovers
• First-time visitors to Sri Lanka
• Families and couples
• Travelers staying at beach resorts
• Guests interested in religion and heritage

IMPORTANT NOTES

• This is a private tour only
• Early start is required due to travel distance
• Modest dress is required for temple visits
• Tour order may change due to traffic or weather
• Wildlife sightings depend on timing and conditions

HOTEL PICK-UP LOCATIONS

We provide hotel pick-up and drop-off from:

• Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort
• Heritance Ahungalla
• RIU Sri Lanka Ahungalla
• Bentota beach hotels
• Induruwa beach resorts