Kandy Day Tour from Kalutara
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Kandy Day Tour from Kalutara

Active
10h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your day early with the Kandy Day Tour from Kalutara, beginning with a 5:00 AM pick-up. Arriving in Kandy around 9:00 AM, your adventure kicks off at the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a revered Buddhist site that holds the tooth of the Buddha.

Next, wander through the lush Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, renowned for its stunning collection of orchids, towering palms, and diverse plant species.

Explore the vibrant Kandy Local Market, where you can experience the bustling atmosphere and shop for fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts. Visit the Bahirawakande Temple, home to a colossal Buddha statue offering sweeping views of Kandy.

The tour continues to the Kadugannawa Tea Factory, where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka's famous tea production and enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon tea.

Conclude your journey with a stop at the Kadugannawa View Point, taking in the scenic beauty before heading back to Kalutara.

Available options

Kandy Day Tour from Kalutara

Pickup included

What's included

Mineral Water Bottles
Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle
Hotel Pick up & Drop off
Experience English Speaking Guide
All Government Tax & Charges

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa is a Buddhist temple located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located within the royal palace complex in Kandy's former Kingdom. This building houses the relic of Buddha's tooth. The relic is believed to have been a key part of local politics since ancient times. It is believed that the person who holds it holds the power to govern the country. Sinhalese kings held the relic in the past. Due to the temple and the associated relic, the temple of the tooth has been designated a World Heritage Site.

2

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya can be found about 5.5km west of Kandy in Central Province of Sri Lanka. The garden was visited by over 1.2 million locals in 2016 and over 400,000 tourists from abroad. It is located near the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest river. It is well-known for its orchid collection. It contains more than 4000 species, including medicinal and tropical plants. It is also home to the "National Herbarium of Sri Lanka". It covers 147 acres (0.59km2) and is located at 460m above sea level. The garden receives 200 days of annual rainfall. It is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of National Botanic Gardens.
Embekka Temple

3

Tourists are most familiar with the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple, located on the hill of Bahirawakanda. It is known for its gigantic Buddha statue that can be seen from any location in Kandy. The statue depicts Lord Buddha in Nirvana, which is the position that corresponds to his first Enlightenment. It was built in 1972. It is Sri Lanka's tallest Buddha statue, standing at more than 25 metres high.

4

The Kadugannawa Tea Factory is a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts and anyone interested in Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage. Nestled in the lush hills of Kadugannawa, this factory offers a fascinating insight into the tea production process that has made Ceylon tea world-renowned. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with the aromatic scent of fresh tea leaves as you embark on a guided tour through the factory. Here, you’ll witness each step of the tea-making process, from the withering and rolling of the leaves to fermentation and drying. The knowledgeable guides will explain the intricate methods that go into producing different grades of tea, offering a deeper appreciation for this cherished beverage. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tasting session of the factory's finest teas, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors and aromas. Don’t forget to pick up some freshly packed tea to take home as a souvenir!

What's not included

Temple of Tooth
Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Any other tours & services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Total Duration Includes Travel Time

About Kalutara

Kalutara is a picturesque coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush greenery. It offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Richmond Castle

A historic mansion built in the early 20th century, showcasing colonial architecture and lush gardens.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Kalutara Bodhiya

A sacred Bo tree believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Kalutara Beach

A beautiful beach with golden sand, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot griddle.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs, sambal, or curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian

String Hoppers

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour, served with curries and sambal.

Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Beach lounging Spa treatments Visiting temples Exploring historic sites Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers the best weather with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kalutara is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable taxi services.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
  • • Keep valuables secure.

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranayake International Airport • 60 km
By train

Kalutara Railway Station

By bus

Kalutara Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Kalutara. They connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalutara Town Beach Road

Day trips

Aluthgama
15 km • Half day

A nearby town known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

Beruwala
20 km • Full day

A coastal town with beautiful beaches and water sports activities.

Festivals

Kalutara Bodhiya Festival • February

Pro tips

  • Visit Richmond Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds.
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Use local buses for an affordable and scenic way to get around.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interaction with locals.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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