From Colombo: Kandy and Pinnawala Full-Day Trip

Set out on a captivating full-day trip from Colombo to Kandy and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for just $63 per person. This 12-hour adventure includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and visits to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth. Experience the world’s largest herd of captive elephants during feeding and bathing times, a unique journey into Sri Lanka’s rich culture and wildlife conservation efforts. What awaits you on this extraordinary day?

Key Points

• This full-day trip from Colombo to Kandy and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is priced from $70 to $63 per person, offering a 10% savings.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance fees to the Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Garden.
• At the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visitors can observe the world’s largest herd of captive elephants during feeding and bathing times.
• The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy feature over 4,000 plant species, including a stunning orchid collection and medicinal plants.
• The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy houses a tooth relic believed to be from the Buddha, with opportunities for photography and enjoying the scenic Kandy Lake.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day trip from Colombo takes travelers to the historic city of Kandy and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Priced from $70 to $63 per person, this 12-hour tour offers a 10% savings. Visitors are picked up from their hotel in Colombo, then travel to Pinnawala and the elephant gathering.

Next, they’ll explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and stop for photos at Kandy Lake.

After a lunch break, they’ll tour a tea factory before returning to Colombo.

With free cancellation and a pay later option, this convenient tour allows travelers to discover Sri Lanka’s top sights.

Pricing and Inclusions

The full-day Kandy and Pinnawala trip is priced from $70.00 to $63.00 per person, offering up to a 10% savings.

The full-day Kandy and Pinnawala trip is priced from $70.00 to $63.00 per person, offering up to a 10% savings.

This includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off

2. Air-conditioned transportation and a water bottle

3. Entrance fees to the Temple of the Tooth ($3,000 LKR) and the Royal Botanical Garden ($3,540 LKR)

4. A professional driver, but excludes food, drinks, and optional tips.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.

Pinnawala Elephant Gathering

One of the highlights of this full-day trip is the visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here, visitors can witness the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. At the orphanage, the elephants are fed, bathed, and cared for by their mahouts. Visitors can observe the elephants during their feeding and bathing times, providing a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close.

| Feeding Time | Bathing Time |

| — | — |

| 8:15 AM | 10:00 AM |

| 11:15 AM | 2:00 PM |

| 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM |

| 3:15 PM | – |

| 5:00 PM | – |

The visit to Pinnawala is a must-see for anyone interested in Sri Lankan wildlife and conservation efforts.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy

After exploring the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour takes visitors to the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

This 147-acre oasis boasts over 4,000 plant species, including:

1. Stunning orchid collection

2. Medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic practices

3. Towering palms and rare flora

4. Serene lily ponds and Japanese Garden

Guests have 45 minutes to wander the lush grounds, admiring the diverse landscapes and learning about the garden’s rich history and significance to the region.

Visitors have 45 minutes to explore the lush grounds, admiring the diverse landscapes and learning about the garden’s illustrious history and regional significance.

It’s a tranquil respite before continuing the cultural exploration in Kandy.

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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Leaving the serene botanical gardens, the tour now heads to the spiritual heart of Kandy – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

This revered Buddhist temple houses a tooth said to be from the Buddha himself. Visitors marvel at the intricately carved architecture and ornate interiors as they learn about the temple’s history and significance.

During the guided tour, they’ll gain insight into the sacred relic’s role in Sri Lanka’s ancient kings and cultural identity.

Photography is allowed in the outer areas, though visitors must remove shoes before entering the inner sanctum to pay respects.

Kandy Lake and Viewpoint

With the spiritual visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complete, the tour now heads to Kandy Lake.

This scenic urban lake offers a peaceful respite from the city’s bustle.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll along the lakeside promenade and admire the reflections of the surrounding hills and buildings in the calm waters.

2. Observe locals and travelers alike feeding the resident population of vibrant koi fish.

3. Capture panoramic shots of the Kandy cityscape from the optional viewpoint stop.

4. Enjoy a moment of tranquility before continuing the journey to the next destination, the Geragama Tea Factory.

Lunch and Tea Factory Visit

The tour now takes a break for lunch, allowing visitors to refuel before continuing on to the Geragama Tea Factory.

Lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, providing the opportunity to sample local cuisine.

After lunch, the group heads to the tea factory, where they’ll learn about the process of tea production.

Visitors can observe the different stages, from withering and rolling to drying and packaging.

The tea factory visit also includes a chance to purchase high-quality Ceylon tea, a renowned product of Sri Lanka.

This stop offers a comprehensive insight into the country’s iconic tea industry.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

What do travelers say about this full-day trip to Kandy and Pinnawala? Based on over 100 reviews, the tour earns a solid 4.6/5 rating.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and safe, comfortable transportation. The value for money also receives high marks at 4.4/5.

Travelers suggest:

1. Allow more time at the Royal Botanical Gardens to fully explore the 147-acre oasis.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for visiting religious sites.

3. Be prepared to remove shoes when entering temples.

4. The highlight for many is the opportunity to witness the elephant gathering at Pinnawala.

Common Questions

What Is the Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum number of participants. It’s a private tour, so you can book it for yourself or a group of any size. The price is per person, so the more people in your group, the lower the per-person cost.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Considerations for Children?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended for children aged 5 and above. Parents should ensure children can handle the day’s activities and provide necessary supervision throughout the trip.

Can We Customize the Itinerary or Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

The tour operator may be able to customize the itinerary or add additional stops upon request, though this could incur extra charges. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the operator to see what’s possible within the tour’s duration and pricing.

Are Vegetarian or Other Dietary Options Available for the Lunch?

The tour doesn’t provide a set lunch, but the driver can recommend local restaurants that offer vegetarian and other dietary options during the lunch break. Customers can choose a restaurant that suits their preferences.

How Are COVID-19 Safety Protocols Being Implemented During the Tour?

The tour operator follows strict COVID-19 safety protocols. Masks are required, vehicles are regularly sanitized, and social distancing is enforced. Hand sanitizer is provided, and guests’ temperatures are checked before boarding. These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up

This captivating full-day trip from Colombo to Kandy and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich culture and wildlife conservation efforts. With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and visits to iconic attractions, this $63 per person tour provides an exceptional value for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of the island nation.

You can check availability for your dates here: