From Sigiriya: Kandy Trip With Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala

Setting out on a journey from Sigiriya, this Kandy trip offers an enchanting blend of cultural and wildlife experiences. Visitors can observe the majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and explore the rich tea heritage at the Kandy Tea Museum. With private transportation and a guided tour, this day-long adventure promises an immersive escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural wonders.

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Key Points

A convenient day tour from Sigiriya to Kandy, including private transportation, guided experiences, and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.
Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for an 80-minute guided tour to observe elephants bathing and feeding.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with a 2-hour guided tour of the temple complex and museum.
Experience a 1-hour guided tour at the Kandy Tea Museum, including a traditional tea-tasting experience.
Flexible booking with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The trip from Sigiriya to Kandy offers a convenient day tour that allows visitors to explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the Kandy Tea Museum.

Priced at £116.63 per person, the tour includes private transportation, a guided experience, and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The full-day excursion departs from hotels in Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.

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

Itinerary Highlights

At the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visitors can watch the elephants bathe and feed during a guided tour that lasts approximately 80 minutes.

Next, the tour progresses to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where a 2-hour guided tour explores the temple complex and museum.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with a 2-hour guided tour.

The final highlight is the Kandy Tea Museum, where a 1-hour guided tour provides a traditional tea-tasting experience and insights into the history and plantations of Sri Lankan tea.

Observe elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Discover the Kandy Tea Museum

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Visitors to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage can observe the magnificent creatures as they bathe and feed during the guided tour, which lasts approximately 80 minutes.

Home to over 100 elephants, the orphanage offers a unique opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close. Guests will see the elephants being led to the river, where they playfully splash and drink.

Afterward, they’ll be fed a nutritious diet of fruit and vegetables. The informative tour provides insights into the orphanage’s mission to care for abandoned, injured, or orphaned elephants, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

After visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour continues to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kandy.

The temple is renowned for housing a sacred Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. Visitors can explore the temple complex and learn about its significance through a guided tour.

The experience includes:

Guided tour of the temple grounds and museum (2 hours)
Opportunity to witness religious rituals and ceremonies
Exploration of the intricate architecture and cultural exhibits

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic offers a profound insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and spiritual traditions.

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Kandy Tea Museum

Following the visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the tour moves on to the Kandy Tea Museum. This guided tour offers a fascinating exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage. Visitors learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of tea through interactive exhibits and a traditional tea-tasting experience. The museum features a rundown of the industry, from the early colonial era to modern-day production.

| Key Highlights | |

| — | — |

| Tour Duration | 1 hour |

| Guided Tour | Yes |

| Tea Tasting | Yes |

| Learn Tea History | Yes |

| Explore Tea Plantations | Yes |

The Kandy Tea Museum provides an immersive and educational experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricacies and significance of this beloved Sri Lankan export.

There's plenty more to explore in Kandy

Transportation and Logistics

For the round-trip journey to Kandy, the tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The total travel time is approximately 3 hours, with pickups and drop-offs at hotels in Sigiriya, Habarana, and Dambulla.

The roundtrip journey to Kandy takes approximately 3 hours, with pickups and drop-offs at hotels in Sigiriya, Habarana, and Dambulla.

This full-day excursion requires significant travel between sights, so guests should be prepared for:

Extended time in the vehicle.
Traffic and congestion on the roads.
Potential delays due to weather or other conditions.

Despite the travel time, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the highlights of Kandy and the nearby Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Additional Experiences

Along With the core itinerary, the tour offers optional visits to a wood carving workshop and a gem museum, time permitting.

The Oak Ray Wood Carvings showcase intricate traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Visitors can observe artisans skillfully shaping wood into decorative pieces.

If there’s enough time, the tour may stop by a gem museum to learn about the country’s rich gemstone heritage. These optional experiences provide deeper insights into Sri Lankan culture and crafts, enhancing the overall day trip.

However, the itinerary is subject to change, and significant travel time between stops means the day will be full.

Important Information

While visitors are encouraged to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, covering their shoulders and knees, the itinerary may be subject to change.

The journey involves significant travel time between stops, so guests should prepare for a full-day trip.

Plus, the tour includes:

A traditional Sri Lankan lunch.
Optional visits to the Oak Ray Wood Carvings and the gem museum, if time permits.
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for the round-trip journey from Sigiriya, Habarana, or Dambulla.

Common Questions

Is There an Option to Book Private Tours Instead of Group Tours?

Yes, there’s an option to book a private tour instead of a group tour. The private tour offers more flexibility and personalized attention, but it may cost more per person than the group tour option.

Do the Prices Include Entrance Fees to the Attractions?

The prices for the day trip include all entrance fees to the major attractions, such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Kandy Tea Museum. Customers don’t need to pay any additional fees on the day.

Are Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off Services Available for All Locations?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off services are available from Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana. The private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle covers the entire return journey of around 3 hours.

Can the Itinerary Be Customized to Fit Personal Preferences?

The itinerary can be customized to fit personal preferences. Travelers can discuss optional stops or activities with the tour operator and adjust the schedule to suit their interests and needs.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

There’s no minimum number of participants required for this tour. It’s a private tour, so you can book it for your own group or travel solo if you prefer. The tour is flexible and can be customized to suit your personal preferences.

The Sum Up

The "From Sigiriya: Kandy Trip With Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala" offers an immersive cultural and wildlife experience. Visitors can observe over 100 elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and savor traditional Sri Lankan tea at the Kandy Tea Museum. With private transportation and an enriching itinerary, this day tour provides an engaging escape for travelers seeking to discover the enchanting sights of Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: