Day tour kandy to sigiriya and return kandy

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Day tour kandy to sigiriya and return kandy

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About this experience

Sigiriya tour from kandy.Tranfers from kandy to sigiriya and return to kandy again by visiting all sightseeing

Available options

Day tour kandy to sigiriya and return kandy

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. There are at least 80 caves in the surrounding area and major attractions are spread over 5 caves. It is believed that King Valagamba of Anuradhapura era converted the caves into a temple and preserved its best. Many other kings added to it later and the temple turned to be a major religious centre. The King Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa era gilded the caves and beautified it more. These caves hold about 153 statues and numerous paintings depicting the life history of Lord Buddha. It is believed that prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived about 2700 years ago in these cave complexes before it being converted as a temple by the kings.

This is the place to see how herbs and spices in Sri Lanka of all kinds from chillies to cinnamon, pepper to pandan are grown. Sri Lanka is best known for its spices, so as its spicy foods. The spice garden is not the biggest but you can gain vast knowledge on spice cultivation processes – you might have seen the spices packed and sold at a shop, but you would love to see them on their small plants.

Stop 4

The Sigiriya lion rock is a much revered and widely visited natural monument in the north central part of the country. This ancient rock fortress of King Kashyapa, now stands evidencing the ruins of an ancient civilization and is a world heritage site. This "Fortress in the Sky" is considered as the 8th wonder of the world. Standing at over 200 meters tall this rock is stunning to look at from afar while climbing atop it is an exhilarating experience. The rock is named after its natural structure, resembling a sleeping lion – in Sinhala, ‘Sinha’ mean a lion and ‘Giriya’ means rock. You have to climb up the rock through the lion’s mouth to reach the top. There are steps built that you can use to climb up and it is not so difficult although little tiring. Lion’s paws carved in the bedrock, mirror wall and the frescoes of about 500 beautiful ladies are remarkable that they are highly preserved. When you get to the top, the 360 degree view is breathtaking and completes one of the most special experiences in Sri Lanka. Flat-topped summit has gardens and ruins of excellent ancient architectures in addition to the splendid view. Sigiriya is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Ancient City of Sigiriya is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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

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.