From Kandy: The Temple Run Tour

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, the Temple Run Tour from Kandy offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich Buddhist heritage. Over the course of six hours, this immersive journey takes travelers to five historic temples, each with its own unique architectural and spiritual significance. From the intricate wood carvings of Embekke to the towering golden Buddha at Gadaladeniya, this tour promises to transport you to a world steeped in centuries of tradition. But the true highlight? Witnessing the sacred rituals at the revered Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds profound cultural importance for the people of Sri Lanka.

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Key Points

The Temple Run Tour departs from Kandy and lasts 6 hours, priced at $50 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour visits five historic Buddhist temples, including Embekke Temple known for its intricate wood-carved panels and Gadaladeniya Vihara with a giant golden Buddha statue.
Guests can observe daily religious rituals at the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, bottled water, and entrance fees, but excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses.
Specific attire restrictions apply for temple visits, and the tour offers an immersive cultural experience showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and artistic legacy.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Temple Run Tour departs from Kandy and is priced at $50.00 per person.

The 6-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour picks up guests from their Kandy hotel at 8:00 AM and returns them by 2:00 PM. Included are air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, bottled water, all entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Excluded are food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses. Certain attire like shorts and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed in the temples.

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Itinerary and Highlights

After pickup from the hotel in Kandy at 8:00 AM, the tour visits five historic Buddhist temples.

First, admire the detailed wood-carved panels at Embekke Temple. Next, see the giant golden Buddha statue at Gadaladeniya Vihara.

Then, explore the palace-like architecture of Lankatilaka Temple. At Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, view the colorful Buddhist paintings.

Finally, visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing Buddha’s tooth.

There’s a lunch break in Kandy before the Temple of the Tooth visit. The tour returns to the hotel by 2:00 PM.

Embekke Temple: Admire Detailed Wood-Carved Panels

One of the first stops on the Temple Run Tour is the Embekke Temple, renowned for its intricate wood-carved panels.

Visitors marvel at the stunning craftsmanship displayed on the temple’s pillars, beams, and doors. The carvings depict a range of motifs, from mythical creatures to intricate floral patterns.

Visitors marvel at the stunning craftsmanship of the temple’s pillars, beams, and doors, which feature a range of mythical and floral carvings.

The temple’s architecture combines elements of Buddhist and Hindu design, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the temple’s ornate interiors offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy and the skill of its traditional wood carvers.

This stop sets the tone for the rest of the Temple Run Tour’s immersive cultural experience.

Gadaladeniya Vihara: See the Giant Golden Buddha Statue

Next on the itinerary is the Gadaladeniya Vihara, where visitors are awestruck by the sight of the temple’s towering golden Buddha statue.

Measuring over 15 feet tall, the impressive gilded image commands attention and reverence. Guests can observe the statue’s intricate details and serene expression up close, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill of the craftsmen who created it.

The temple’s location atop a hillock offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, further enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the site.

This stop on the tour provides a memorable encounter with Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

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Lankatilaka Temple: Explore Palace-Like Architecture

Moving on, the tour takes visitors to the Lankatilaka Temple, where they can explore the magnificent palace-like architecture that defines this historic site.

The temple boasts an impressive structure with intricate stone carvings and a towering roof. Visitors can wander through the ornate halls and corridors, marveling at the seamless blend of architectural styles.

The temple’s design reflects the grandeur and sophistication of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. As they explore, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the temple’s construction centuries ago.

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Degaldoruwa Cave Temple: View Colorful Buddhist Paintings

The tour then takes visitors to the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, where they can marvel at the vibrant and colorful Buddhist paintings adorning the cave’s interior walls.

The paintings depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and other important figures in Buddhist mythology. Visitors can spend time exploring the cave, admiring the intricate details and colors of the artwork.

The temple’s isolation and unique setting add to the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions.

Temple of the Tooth: UNESCO World Heritage Site

After exploring the vibrant Buddhist paintings at the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, the Temple Run Tour takes visitors to the renowned Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth houses a sacred relic – a tooth of the Buddha.

Visitors can wander through the ornate temples and witness the daily religious rituals performed by the monks.

The tour provides the opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical significance of this revered site, which plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the Sri Lankan people.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The Temple Run Tour includes round-trip air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, 1 liter of bottled mineral water per person, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to all the temples visited.

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes. Certain items aren’t allowed, such as pets, shorts, oversize luggage, smoking, sleeveless shirts, and alcohol and drugs.

Shoes must be removed when entering temples and places of worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Under 12 Participate in the Tour?

Yes, children under 12 can participate in the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though pregnant women are not recommended to join. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes and remove them when entering temples and places of worship.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Temples?

The tour has a dress code for visiting the temples. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and oversize luggage aren’t allowed. Guests must remove their shoes when entering the temples and places of worship.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration, but travelers can check with the tour provider about the possibility of customizing the tour length to suit their needs. The standard tour is 6 hours long.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Lunch Break?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions during the lunch break. Guests should inform the tour guide of any special dietary needs when booking the tour, and the provider will make the necessary arrangements.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 2 to 15 participants. The exact number may vary depending on demand and availability. Travelers are advised to check with the tour operator for details on group size for their specific booking.

The Sum Up

The Temple Run Tour from Kandy offers an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. Visitors can marvel at the ornate Embekke Temple, the towering golden Buddha at Gadaladeniya Vihara, and the stunning architecture of Lankatilaka Temple. The tour culminates at the revered Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where guests can witness sacred rituals and learn about the profound cultural significance of this holy site.