Colombo to Kandy Day Tour with Pinnawala

Colombo to Kandy Day Tour with Pinnawala

Experience one of Sri Lanka’s most popular sightseeing excursions with our Colombo to Kandy Day Tour with Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This private day tour takes you from the bustling capital city of Colombo to the scenic hill capital of Kandy, offering a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, religion, history, and natural beauty.

Your journey begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel, airport, cruise terminal, or residence in Colombo. Travel through picturesque countryside landscapes as you make your first stop at the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued and orphaned elephants.

Continue your adventure with visits to a traditional spice garden, a gem museum and workshop, the beautiful Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world.

Enjoy panoramic views of Kandy City from Kandy View Point and the giant Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue before returning comfortably to Colombo.

This tour can be customized according to your interests, allowing you to spend more time at your favorite attractions.

Tour Highlights

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Elephant Bathing Experience
• Spice & Herbal Garden
• Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Kandy Lake
• Kandy City Tour
• Kandy View Point
• Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
• Gem Museum & Gem Factory
• Cultural Dance Show (Optional)
• Shopping & Souvenir Stops

Places Covered During the Tour

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The most famous elephant sanctuary in Sri Lanka.

Highlights

• Observe elephants up close
• Feeding sessions
• Elephant bathing in the river
• Photography opportunities
• Learn about elephant conservation

Spice & Herbal Garden

Sri Lanka is renowned for its spices and Ayurvedic herbs.

Highlights

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Herbal medicines

Learn about traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practices and spice cultivation.

Gem Museum & Gem Factory

Sri Lanka is world-famous for precious gemstones.

Highlights

• Blue Sapphire
• Star Sapphire
• Ruby
• Moonstone
• Demonstration of gem processing
• Jewelry showroom

Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya

The largest and most beautiful botanical garden in Sri Lanka.

Highlights

• Giant Bamboo Collection
• Orchid House
• Palm Avenue
• Cannonball Trees
• Tropical Plants
• Scenic Walking Trails

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

One of the holiest Buddhist temples in the world.

Highlights

• Sacred Tooth Relic Shrine
• Traditional Kandyan Architecture
• Historical Museum
• Cultural Importance
• Religious Ceremonies

Kandy Lake

A picturesque lake located in the center of Kandy.

Highlights

• Scenic Views
• Photography
• Relaxing Walks
• Historic Landmarks

Kandy View Point

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Kandy City and the surrounding mountains.

Perfect For

• Photography
• Sunset Views
• City Panorama

Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

One of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka.

Highlights

• Stunning City Views
• Religious Significance
• Peaceful Atmosphere

Traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Show (Optional)

Experience Sri Lanka’s traditional dance performances.

Highlights

• Fire Walking
• Traditional Drumming
• Kandyan Dancing
• Cultural Performances

Suggested Itinerary

06:00 AM – Pickup from Colombo

Meet your driver and begin the journey to Kandy.

08:30 AM – Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Observe and photograph elephants.

10:00 AM – Spice & Herbal Garden Visit

Learn about Sri Lankan spices and Ayurveda.

11:00 AM – Gem Museum & Gem Factory

Discover Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones.

12:00 PM – Royal Botanical Garden

Explore one of Asia’s finest botanical gardens.

01:30 PM – Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch at a recommended local restaurant.

02:30 PM – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple.

03:30 PM – Kandy Lake Walk

Explore the heart of Kandy.

04:00 PM – Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

Visit the giant Buddha statue.

04:30 PM – Kandy View Point

Enjoy panoramic views over Kandy.

05:00 PM – Cultural Dance Show (Optional)

Watch traditional Kandyan performances.

06:00 PM – Return to Colombo

09:00 PM – Drop-off at Hotel

Tour Includes

• Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
• English-Speaking Driver
• Fuel Charges
• Highway Tolls
• Parking Fees
• Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
• Driver Expenses
• Bottled Water

Tour Excludes

• Entrance Fees
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Entrance
• Temple Entrance Fees
• Royal Botanical Garden Entrance
• Cultural Dance Show Tickets
• Lunch & Beverages
• Personal Expenses
• Tips & Gratuities

Important Notes

• Tour duration: 12–14 hours
• Suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Modest clothing required for Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Child seats available upon request
• Fully customizable itinerary
• Daily departures available

Why Choose Ceylon Taxi?

• TripAdvisor Award-Winning Service
• Professional English-Speaking Drivers
• Modern Air-Conditioned Vehicles
• Flexible & Customizable Tours
• Transparent Pricing
• Safe & Reliable Transportation
• 24/7 Customer Support

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?

The tour typically lasts between 12 and 14 hours depending on traffic and the time spent at attractions.

Is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage included in the itinerary?

Yes, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the main highlights of this tour.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, the tour can be tailored to your interests and preferences.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, all Ceylon Taxi day tours are operated as private tours.

What should I wear when visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic?

Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when entering the temple.

This is one of the best-selling day tours in Sri Lanka and is ideal for visitors who want to experience the country’s rich culture, history, wildlife, and scenic beauty in a single unforgettable day.