2-Anciant Kingdoms Private Tour from Kandy

Kandy , Sri Lanka

2-Anciant Kingdoms Private Tour from Kandy

Active

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour allows you to visit three ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, located in the Northwestern Province. Get to see the royal palace complex. Visit the beautiful rock fortress of Yapahuwa. See the old city of Panduwasnuwara with its ruins spanning a period of over two millennia.

Available options

2-Anciant Kingdoms Private Tour from Kandy

Pickup included

What's included

1-Liter Water Bottle Per Person.

Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kandy Hotels.

Transport by an air-conditioned vehicle.

Detailed itinerary

You will be starting the tour from your hotel at 6:00am. You will be travelling for 2.5 hours to get to Panduwasnuwara. If you bring a packed breakfast, you can use the time to have it since you won’t be stopping for a break before lunch.

You will get to Panduwasnuwara at 8:30am. The kingdom of Panduwasnuwara flourished between 504 BC and 474 BC. Believed to be established by the King Panduvasudev, the city was abandoned till the 12th century, when it became known as Parakamapura. The ruins that stand today are mainly from that era. Some of the notable sights you will get to see are the ruins of the magnificent royal palace, the remains of the 297 feet wide tower with its extremely thick walls which have many legends surrounding them, the recently restored former temple of the tooth relic and Panda Wewa which is believed to be one of the very first irrigation systems built in the world.

You will travel to Yapahuwa at 10:00am and get there by 11:30 am. You will spend two hours viewing the 13th century rock fortress of Yapahuwa. The fortress played the part of being the last stand of King Bhuvenakabahu, when the Dravidians invaded from India. He attempted to save the Holy Tooth Relic of Buddha there, but the move failed to protect it as it was stolen by the Pandyans immediately following his death. The tooth relic was recovered the year after, but was placed in Polonnaruwa instead. The fortress as you see it now is a beautiful work of art with neatly carved grand staircases, interesting sculptures and pillars. After the fall of the kingdom the fortress was used as a monastery by Buddhist monks. The remains of the stupa that they used can still be seen on the summit of the rock. The stupa contains paintings and Buddha statues from the Kandyan era.

At 1:30pm you will finish your visit of the fortress and go for lunch. You can spend approximately an hour and a half enjoying your meal before you return back to Kandy. You will visit the Elephant Rock, ‘Ethagala’, en route. The rock which has a rough shape of an elephant, has some fantastic views from the top, as well as a newly created giant Buddha statue.

You will get back to your hotel in Kandy by 6:30pm, completing your tour.

What's not included

Entrance Fees.

Food and Beverages.

Gratuities.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.