Hikkaduwa , Sri Lanka

Kandy Day Tour from Galle

Active

6h - 8h

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 all-inclusive day tour from Bentota and Galle to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Begin with a visit to the revered Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO-listed site that houses the sacred relic of Lord Buddha. Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, where exotic flora and century-old trees create a serene retreat. Witness panoramic views from Bahirawakanda Temple, a hilltop sanctuary with its towering Buddha statue overlooking the city.

Delve into Sri Lanka’s renowned gem industry at the Gem Museum, where exquisite sapphires and traditional craftsmanship come to life. Unwind by the picturesque Kandy Lake, a tranquil escape nestled amidst lush greenery. With hassle-free transport, expert guidance, and inclusions tailored for comfort, this tour seamlessly blends history, spirituality, and natural beauty into a single unforgettable journey. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive Kandy experience in just one day!

Available options

Kandy Day Tour from Galle

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee Bahirawakanda Temple

Professional Guide to Temple of Tooth

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Entrance fee Temple of Tooth

Entrance fee Royal Botanical Garden

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fee Kandy Lake

Entrance fee for Gem Museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your first stop is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Explore the stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined within the temple.

Next, visit the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, renowned for its diverse collection of tropical flora. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, marvel at the towering palm avenues, and discover exotic plants and vibrant blooms.

Isini Gems is committed to providing their customers with the best value, quality, service and selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewelry in Sri Lanka. The store was initially started by its founder as a small scale store and since then it has grown into one of the most respected gem and jewelry retailers in Sri Lanka, and presently serves local as well as foreign customers. Since the beginning they have ensured high quality and unique designs in our jewelry collection and treat each customer as a unique individual. Their skilled and talented jewelers are dedicated to bringing you the finest jewelry using only the best-quality Sri Lankan gems available.

Roughly 2 kilometers from the city centre of Kandy lies a Theravada Buddhist temple called the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, and also known as the Bahirawakanda Temple. The temple is famed for its giant white statue of Lord Buddha, called Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, standing at 88 feet, one of the tallest Buddha statues on the island. By climbing to the very top of the hill, you’re gifted with awe-inspiring and undisturbed views of the city of Kandy and the emerald mountain ranges that surround it. The hill of Bahirawakanda, which directly translates to ‘gnome mountain’ has several fascinating folklore attached to it.

The temple was built in the year 1972 and the construction of the statue was completed in 1992. The glistening statue with Lord Buddha in the position of Dhyana Mudra can be spotted from almost anywhere in Kandy, which has resulted in this temple becoming a favoured tourist destination, even to this day.

Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned.

What's not included

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Written guide

DE IT FR ES

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a vibrant coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is the town's main attraction, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens

A protected marine area just off the coast, the Coral Gardens offer a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (snorkeling/diving tours)

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

This Buddhist temple is a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The temple features a large statue of Buddha and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Hikkaduwa Nightlife

Hikkaduwa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. It's a great place to enjoy live music, dance, and socialize with fellow travelers.

Entertainment Evening to late night Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat/seafood

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a type of sour fruit), coconut, and spices. It's a signature dish of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish

Woodapple Juice

A refreshing juice made from the woodapple fruit, often mixed with sugar and water. It's a popular local drink.

Drink Vegan

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Diving Jet-skiing Parasailing Beach lounging Yoga Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa for beach activities and surfing, as the weather is dry and sunny. The town is lively with many events and festivals.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hikkaduwa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions. Petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km

By train

Hikkaduwa Railway Station

By bus

Hikkaduwa Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Hikkaduwa. They are affordable and frequent, connecting the town to nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Galle Road Area Seenimodara

Day trips

Galle

20 km • Half day to full day

Galle is a historic port city with a rich colonial heritage. It's known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Unawatuna

15 km • Half day to full day

Unawatuna is a beautiful beach town near Hikkaduwa, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the local beach bars.

Bentota

30 km • Full day

Bentota is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. It's a great destination for adventure activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and river safaris.

Festivals

Hikkaduwa Beach Festival • December (specific dates vary) Vesak • May (specific dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from local surf schools to experience Hikkaduwa's famous waves.
Visit the Hikkaduwa Beach Festival if you're in town during December for a unique cultural experience.
Explore nearby towns like Galle and Unawatuna for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Try local street food, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.