Kandy , Sri Lanka

3 Temple Loop Cycling Tour from Kandy

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About this experience

Go on a half-day cycling tour to three of Kandy’s most famous temples. Visit the ancient monastery of Gadaladeniya. Get to see Lankathilaka Temple, the most magnificent edifice of the Gampola Era. Marvel at the delicate wood-crafting of Embekke Temple. Enjoy the brilliant green countryside along the way.

Available options

Rate Per Person

What's included

1 Liter water bottle and 2 chocolate & bars will be provided per person.

All government taxes and service charges included.

Local guide.

Detailed itinerary

Nestled amidst misty hills, Kandy, Sri Lanka, captivates with its cultural richness and natural beauty. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, it offers serene lakes, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant markets. Kandy entices visitors with its blend of history, spirituality, and picturesque landscapes.

Your tour will start at 8:30 am at the University of Peradeniya, in Kandy. You will be joined by an experienced cycling guide who will explain the attractions during the tour. Mountain bikes and helmets, as well as a bottle of water for the ride, will be waiting for you at the startup point. Please wear proper shoes to avoid injuring yourself during this long cycling tour. Also, ensure that that you have breakfast before beginning your tour as you won’t be stopping for it.

You will be doing the first stretch of the tour to Gadaladeniya within 45 minutes. A short break will be included. Once you get there you will find yourself at an ancient temple with strong South Indian influences. The reason for this is that the architect was brought in from South India. While there you can view the giant golden Buddha statue, and take note of the unique design with the main stupa and four smaller satellite stupas surrounding it.

After a twenty-minute tour, you will be traveling to Lankathilaka Temple. You will get there at approximately 10:00 am, where you will find yourself at a palatial structure built on natural rock. Once a four-storied edifice, now only three floors remain of the original building. Built during the 14th century, this is yet another Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple built by South Indian architects. The influence is seen in the delicately designed ornamental arches and Hindu Temple-like exterior wall design. Don’t forget to see the beautiful paintings of the image house and the rock inscriptions on the bedrock of the temple.

The final place in your schedule will be the Embekke Temple. This place is a wonderful treat to the eyes, as it is covered in carvings. All its wooden sections (which are quite a lot considering that the temple is almost completely made of wood) are decorated with detailed and delicate woodwork, that makes Embekke the most famous example for ancient Sri Lanka’s woodcrafting skills. Among the best masterpieces on the capital, pillars are the Hansa Puttuwa (entwined swans), the double-headed eagles, entwined rope designs, a mother breastfeeding her child design, a soldier fighting on horseback, female dancing figures, wrestlers, women emanating from a vein, a bird-man figure, elephant-bull and the elephant-lion figure. In total there are over 500 unique designs among these carvings. You will also be shown the unique architecture used in the wooden rafters.

After feasting on the beauty of Embekke, you will be returning to the University of Peradeniya, .

What's not included

Food and Drinks.

Expenses of Personal Nature.

Gratuities (Optional).

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

Meeting point

Tour will start from in front of University of Peradeniya

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°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

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.