Kandy , Sri Lanka

Full day Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk

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About this experience

Kandy is the Last kingdom of Sri Lanka. It has so many sights that it’s hard to cover them in a day without private transport. This private tour delivers: with a personal car to whisk you around and a driver-guide to share stories and history that you might miss alone. Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth, and tea museum; visit a cultural show with fire-walking, and more. hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Available options

Full day Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the Kandy

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli River. It is renowned for its collection of orchids

The Kandy Viewpoint, also known as Arthur’s Seat, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kandy city. Perched at an elevation of 550 meters above sea level on Rajapihilla Mawatha, this vantage point provides stunning vistas of Kandy Lake, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), the Royal Palace of Kandy, and the city centre. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the area

Giant Buddha Statue: The temple is renowned for its massive white Buddha statue. This impressive statue depicts Lord Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra posture, associated with his first Enlightenment. It stands at an impressive height of 26.83 meters (88.0 feet) and can be seen from various points in Kandy. The serene expression of the Buddha invites contemplation and meditation.

The Ambuluwawa Tower is one of the most unique landmarks in Sri Lanka. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent 360° view of the surroundings.
The tower’s height is 48 meters (157.4 feet), allowing you to gaze over lush mountains, temples, and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka

What's not included

Gratuities

Entrance Tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

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.