Sri Lanka: Kandy and Colombo Guided Cultural Tour

Exploring the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka can be a captivating journey. The Kandy and Colombo Guided Cultural Tour promises an immersive experience, taking visitors through iconic sites like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. With expert guidance, this 8-hour adventure delves into the country’s rich heritage, offering a glimpse into its vibrant festivals and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking to uncover Sri Lanka’s past or experience its present, this tour may just pique your interest.

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Key Points

This cultural tour of Kandy and Colombo is priced from $190 per person and lasts 8 hours, including iconic sites like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
Highlights include observing elephants at Pinnawala, exploring the revered Buddhist shrine of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and experiencing the vibrant Esala Perahera Festival.
Pickup and drop-off are available from Colombo or Kandy, but the tour is not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
The tour includes expert guided service, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees, but meals and beverages are not included.
Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the tour start, dress in smart casual attire, and bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The cultural tour of Kandy and Colombo offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Priced from $190 per person, the 8-hour guided tour takes guests to iconic sites like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Travelers can experience the vibrant Kandy Esala Perahera festival and discover Colombo’s blend of history and modernity. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option, the tour provides convenient booking flexibility.

Pickup and drop-off are available from Colombo or Kandy, though the tour isn’t suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

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Itinerary Highlights

While exploring the cultural wonders of Kandy and Colombo, the tour takes visitors to several captivating highlights. The itinerary includes a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where guests can observe these gentle giants up close. Next, the tour explores the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth, a revered Buddhist shrine. In Kandy, guests will experience the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, a mesmerizing display of traditional dances and colors. The tour also features a stop at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, known for their diverse flora. Finally, the tour delves into the history and modernity of Colombo, the capital city.

| Itinerary Highlight | Description |

| — | — |

| Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage | Observe the majestic elephants up close |

| Temple of the Sacred Tooth | Explore the revered Buddhist shrine |

| Esala Perahera Festival | Experience the vibrant traditional dances and colors |

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup locations for the guided cultural tour of Kandy and Colombo include the Colombo City Port or Kandy.

Guests can then be dropped off at either the Colombo City Port or Colombo. The tour is available as a private group option.

The tour is available as a private group option, with guests able to be dropped off at the Colombo City Port or Colombo.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Guests should arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts.

The tour includes expert guided services, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to all sites. Meals, beverages, and gratuities aren’t included.

Included and Excluded

The tour includes an expert guided service, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to all the sites visited.

Travelers will explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. They’ll also witness the vibrant Kandy Esala Perahera festival and discover Colombo’s blend of history and modernity.

Meals and beverages, aside from those specified, aren’t included. Gratuities are optional.

Visitors should wear smart casual attire and comfortable walking shoes. Flash photography is prohibited, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water for the tour.

The dress code is smart casual, with comfortable walking shoes recommended. Flash photography isn’t allowed during the tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants should arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a punctual departure.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Following these preparation and restriction guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cultural experience in Kandy and Colombo.

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Explore Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Situated along the Maha Oya river, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe the daily lives and behaviors of these magnificent creatures.

Established in 1975, the orphanage is home to over 80 elephants, including baby calves and their mothers. Visitors can witness the elephants being fed, bathed, and cared for by their dedicated keepers.

The highlight of the visit is the twice-daily trips to the river, where the elephants are given the chance to play and socialize. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the world of these gentle giants.

Discover the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

After departing the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visitors make their way to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site in the heart of Kandy.

The temple houses a relic believed to be the Buddha’s actual tooth, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Visitors witness devotees making offerings and observe the elaborate rituals and ceremonies.

The temple houses a relic believed to be the Buddha’s actual tooth, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Visitors witness devotees making offerings and observe the elaborate rituals and ceremonies.

The temple’s intricate architecture, featuring ornate carvings and gilded roofs, showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the temple’s serene courtyards and learning about its significance from the guide provides a profound cultural experience.

Experience the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival

If visitors time their visit right, they can experience the vibrant Kandy Esala Perahera festival, a grand annual procession that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

This mesmerizing event features:

Elaborately decorated elephants adorned with ornaments and colorful fabrics.
Graceful dancers performing traditional Kandyan dances to pulsating rhythms.
Vibrant costumes, masks, and fire-wielding performers parading through the streets.
The sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, carried in a golden casket atop a majestic elephant, drawing thousands of devotees.

This spectacular display of faith, culture, and tradition is a must-see for visitors to Kandy.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour does not include meals or beverages, so you can bring your own food. However, it’s recommended to eat at the local restaurants to fully experience the cuisine during the cultural tour.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on both weekdays and weekends. The details don’t specify any restrictions on the tour days, so it’s likely offered 7 days a week for flexibility in scheduling.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 20 people. The exact number can vary depending on demand and availability. Check with the tour operator for more details on the group size for your specific booking.

Do I Need to Have Any Special Visas or Permits?

No special visas or permits are required. The tour is open to all travelers, though it’s not suitable for children under 8 or those with mobility issues. Participants just need to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites, but this would incur an extra cost. Speak with the tour operator to discuss your preferences and arrange a customized itinerary that meets your needs.

The Sum Up

The Kandy and Colombo Guided Cultural Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. From the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through the country’s iconic sites. With expert guidance, seamless transportation, and inclusive pricing, it’s an exceptional opportunity to take in the diverse cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: