Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawela and Tea Factory Day Tour

This day tour from Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawala, and a tea factory offers an engaging glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders. Priced affordably, the 13-hour journey includes visits to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Travelers can also explore a local tea factory, uncovering the secrets behind the island’s famous beverage. With comfortable transportation and enriching experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure – but there’s much more to discover.

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Key Points

A 13-hour day tour from Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and a tea factory, priced at $59.00 per person.
Highlights include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, opportunities to learn about traditional crafts, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van, with a 45-minute stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and a 1-hour visit to Kandy.
Dress code adherence is required for entry into temples, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
Overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review, with suggestions for improving vehicle comfort, tour schedule details, and incorporating music during the tour.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Colombo to Kandy Day Tour offers a comprehensive one-day excursion from the capital city of Colombo to the historic city of Kandy, as well as visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and a tea factory.

A comprehensive one-day excursion from Colombo to Kandy, with visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and a tea factory.

Priced from $59.00 per person, the 13-hour tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van.

Highlights include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and a tea factory tour.

Lunch is at the traveler’s own expense.

The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

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

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from Colombo, where you will travel in an air-conditioned van.

The first stop is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where they’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the largest captive elephant herd.

Next, they’ll visit Kandy for an hour, with time to explore the city and do some shopping.

The highlight is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which they’ll have an hour to visit.

Lunch at a local restaurant follows, at the traveler’s own expense.

The final leg is the 3.5-hour return to Colombo.

Highlights and Attractions

Visitors to this day tour will have the opportunity to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, housing the revered relic of Buddha’s tooth.

They’ll also explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to the largest captive elephant herd.

The tour includes a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory and Gem Museum, where visitors can learn about traditional crafts like gems, wood carving, and batik.

Throughout the day, guests will experience Sri Lanka’s rich culture and heritage, from its iconic religious sites to its renowned artisanal products.

Important Information

Although not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, the day tour offers a range of experiences for visitors. Recommended attire includes comfortable shoes and suitable clothing for the religious sites, as no shoes or slippers are allowed inside the temples. Plus, certain items are prohibited, such as pets, smoking, alcohol, and drugs. This ensures the comfort and safety of all participants. To further highlight the important information, consider the following table:

| Suitable for | Not Suitable for |

| — | — |

| Active travelers | Pregnant women |

| Those without mobility issues | Wheelchair users |

| Visitors following dress code | Pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs |

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to the information provided, the day tour from Colombo to Kandy has received an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review.

The feedback includes the following suggestions:

Incorporate music, ensure vehicle comfort, and provide tour schedule details to enhance the experience.

Incorporate music in the vehicle during the tour to enhance the experience.
Ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and comfortable for the long journey.
Provide more detailed information about the tour schedule and timings to help manage expectations.

There's plenty more to explore in Colombo

Exploring Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

One of the key highlights of the day tour is the visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This 24-acre site is home to the world’s largest captive herd of elephants, with over 90 elephants roaming freely. Visitors can witness the elephants bathing in the river, feeding, and interacting with their caretakers. The orphanage also serves as a breeding ground, helping to increase the elephant population.

| Elephant Activities at Pinnawala |

| — | — |

| Bathing in the river | Feeding time |

| Interacting with caretakers | Breeding program |

| Roaming in the 24-acre site | |

Witnessing these gentle giants up close is a truly memorable experience for all who visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

After exploring the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour continues to the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

This sacred site is believed to house a relic of Buddha’s tooth and is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.

Visitors can:

Witness the daily rituals and ceremonies performed by monks.
Admire the intricate architecture and ornate decorations of the temple complex.
Explore the museum that showcases Buddhist artifacts and learn about the temple’s rich history.

The one-hour visit allows guests to enjoy the spiritual essence of this revered landmark.

Discovering Giragama Tea Factory and Gem Museum

Following the visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the tour now heads to the Giragama Tea Factory and Gem Museum.

Guests get an insider’s look at the tea production process, from withering and rolling to drying and packaging.

The adjacent Gem Museum showcases the island’s rich gemstone heritage, including the famous Ceylon sapphires.

Visitors can browse the dazzling array of precious and semi-precious stones, as well as intricate jewelry pieces.

This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s two major exports – tea and gems – and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these sought-after products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour’s policy doesn’t mention allowing participants to bring their own food. It’s best to check with the tour operator if they allow outside food or if lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, customers can customize the itinerary by speaking with the tour operator. They may be able to add, remove, or adjust the duration of certain stops based on personal preferences and interests, subject to feasibility and availability.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for last-minute changes.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

The tour offers a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, there are discounts available for group bookings, which can be discussed with the tour operator when making the reservation.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can speak with the tour provider to discuss options and pricing for a longer tour that fits their needs and schedule.

The Sum Up

The Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawala, and Tea Factory Day Tour offers an enriching experience that showcases Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural and natural attractions. From the awe-inspiring Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to the captivating Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the country’s history, wildlife, and renowned tea industry. With comfortable transportation and opportunities to explore local crafts, this day trip is an excellent way to take in the enchanting sights and sounds of Sri Lanka.