From Kandy to Sigiriya, Pinnawala Day Return Tour By Car

Setting out on a captivating day-long journey, this tour takes visitors from the cultural heart of Kandy to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and flexible scheduling, this comprehensive experience promises to immerse travelers in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya to the gentle giants of Pinnawala, this tour offers a diverse exploration of the island’s most iconic attractions.

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Key Points

This one-day tour takes visitors from Kandy to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
The tour includes a city tour of Kandy, showcasing its cultural heritage and landscapes, and is guided by an English-speaking expert.
Flexible tour options allow for customization based on personal preferences, and private group arrangements are available for a more personalized experience.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within 3 km of Nuwara Eliya Town, as well as comfortable jeep transfers, ensure a stress-free journey.
The tour is competitively priced, offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, and provides a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is a day return trip from Kandy to Sigiriya and Pinnawala.

It’s priced from $72.00 per person and valid for 4 hours from first activation. Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour includes a city tour of Kandy, an adventure to the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and a visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

A live English-speaking guide, private group option, and jeep transfer are provided.

Pickup is within 3 km from Nuwara Eliya Town, and availability should be checked before booking.

Looking for more options in Nuwara Eliya? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

City tour of Kandy, known for its cultural heritage and landscapes, kicks off the adventure.

Guests then embark on an exhilarating journey to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breathtaking views, ancient frescoes, and the impressive rock-carved lion’s entrance await.

Guests embark on an exhilarating journey to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with breathtaking views and ancient frescoes.

Next, the tour visits the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where guests can witness the rescued elephants up close.

Throughout the experience, a live English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary, enhancing the overall experience.

Whether traveling as a private group or part of a larger tour, this itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s renowned sights.

Experience Details

Although the tour is conducted by a live English-speaking guide, who provides insightful commentary to enhance the overall experience, guests can opt for a private group option if they prefer a more personalized experience. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to customize the tour to suit individual preferences. Plus, the tour includes jeep transfers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation throughout the journey.

| Tour Features | Included |

|:————- |:———|

| Live Guide | ✓ |

| Private Group | ✓ |

| Jeep Transfer | ✓ |

| Commentary | ✓ |

Meeting Point

Pickup for the tour is arranged at the hotel within 3 km from Nuwara Eliya Town. The pickup location can be viewed on Google Maps, making it easy for travelers to find.

This convenient meeting point ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure. The tour guide will meet guests at the specified hotel, ready to guide them on an immersive journey through Kandy, Sigiriya, and Pinnawala.

With the pickup location conveniently located, travelers can look forward to a stress-free beginning to their unforgettable tour experience.

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Booking Information

To book the Pinnawala Day Return Tour, travelers can check the availability of the tour before making a reservation.

Once availability is confirmed, they’ll need to select the desired date and number of participants.

Travelers will need to select the desired date and number of participants once the tour’s availability is confirmed.

The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing travelers to lock in their spot without an immediate payment.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility.

With the tour’s competitive pricing and included jeep transfer, it’s an excellent choice for a day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya and Pinnawala.

There's plenty more to explore in Nuwara Eliya

Exploring Kandy

As the tour begins, travelers are treated to a guided city tour of Kandy, a captivating cultural hub in the central hills of Sri Lanka.

The tour showcases the city’s rich heritage, including:

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a revered relic of the Buddha.
The Kandy Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by lush greenery and colonial-era buildings.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, known for their impressive collection of exotic plants and tranquil ambiance.

Throughout the exploration, visitors gain insights into Kandy’s vibrant history, traditions, and the unique blend of natural and cultural wonders that make it a must-visit destination.

Discovering Sigiriya

From Kandy, the tour continues on to the next stop – the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true marvel, featuring the impressive remains of an ancient palace atop a massive rock. Visitors will climb the steep stairs carved into the rock to reach the summit, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.

Along the way, they’ll discover the well-preserved frescoes and the famous rock-carved lion’s entrance.

Sigiriya’s unique history and architecture make it a must-see attraction, offering an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.

Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

After exploring the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the tour proceeds to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

This unique sanctuary is home to the world’s largest captive herd of Asian elephants, many of whom were abandoned or orphaned. Visitors can witness the elephants being fed, bathed, and cared for by the dedicated staff.

The experience offers a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in a safe and responsible environment.

Key highlights of the Pinnawala visit include:

Watching the elephants during their twice-daily bathing rituals in the nearby river.
Observing the baby elephants being bottle-fed by their caretakers.
Learning about the orphanage’s conservation efforts and the challenges faced in caring for these endangered animals.

Common Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator offers a private group option, allowing you to tailor the itinerary and duration based on your interests and schedule.

What Is the Policy for Children or Infants on the Tour?

The tour policy allows children and infants to join. Infants under 2 years old are free, while children aged 2-12 years receive a discounted rate. Parents are responsible for supervising their children throughout the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?

There are package deals available for this tour, such as discounts for children and infants. Customers should inquire about these offers when booking to see if they qualify for any savings.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Vehicle for the Tour Transfer?

Yes, customers can request a specific type of vehicle for the tour transfer. The tour provider offers a private group option, allowing guests to choose their preferred mode of transportation, such as a sedan, van, or jeep, subject to availability.

What Should I Bring or Wear for This Day-Long Excursion?

For this day-long excursion, visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes for walking. Bringing sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is also recommended, as well as water and snacks to have throughout the tour.

The Sum Up

The Kandy to Sigiriya and Pinnawala Day Return Tour by car offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders. With a visit to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an encounter with elephants at the Pinnawala Orphanage, and a guided exploration of Kandy, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable day of breathtaking sights and rich heritage for just $72 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: