Kandy and Tea Tasting Day Trip from Colombo

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Kandy and Tea Tasting Day Trip from Colombo

Active

10h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Colombo to Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most culturally significant cities, and explore the lush landscapes of the island’s famed tea plantations.

Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you head toward the cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy. Upon arrival in Kandy, your first stop will be the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic , one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake, a picturesque body of water located in the heart of the city. Next you can visit the the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is home to over 4,000 species of plants, including tropical and subtropical trees, orchids, palms, and medicinal plants.
Next, visit a traditional tea factory and Learn about the entire tea-making process, from plucking the tea leaves to the art of brewing the perfect cup of Ceylon tea.
After a full day of exploration, begin your journey back to Colombo.

Available options

Kandy and Tea Tasting Day Trip from Colombo

Pickup included

What's included

Entry Ticket to the Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic

Entry Ticket to Tea Museum and Tea Tasting session

WiFi on board

Bottled water

King Coconut Juice - Complementary

Entry Ticket to the Royal Botanic Gardens

Air-conditioned vehicle

Driver meals

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

your first stop will be the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. This sacred temple houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, and you’ll have the chance to explore the serene temple complex, admire intricate carvings, and observe local religious practices.

Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake, a picturesque body of water located in the heart of the city. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by hills and colonial architecture.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by hills and colonial architecture.

A session on making handcrafted wood carvings reflecting the culture of Sri Lanka, and you can also buy some souvenirs.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya was established in 1821, six years after the final occupation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the English. The site is less than 5.5 Km from Kandy on the Colombo Road, and occupies a loop of the river Mahaweli, which surrounds it on all sides except the south, where it is bounded by the main road. The area 61.25 ha in extent, is about 1550ft from sea level. More than 4000 species of plants including woody trees, Palms, Ferns, Orchids and shrubs currently present within the gardens.

Head to a nearby tea plantation and visit a traditional tea factory. Visitors can witness the tea-making process, from withering to rolling and drying, and even participate in tea-tasting sessions. Learn about the entire tea-making process, from plucking the tea leaves to the art of brewing the perfect cup of Ceylon tea. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the factory, where you’ll see tea leaves being processed and can sample a variety of freshly brewed teas.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat