From Colombo: Kandy & Pinnawala & Tea Factory Full Day Trip

Explore the heart of Sri Lanka on this captivating full-day adventure from Colombo. Enjoy the island’s rich culture and stunning landscapes as you visit the enchanting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, sample exquisite teas at a local factory, and witness the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. With convenient transportation and inclusive amenities, this immersive tour offers a delightful blend of nature and history. But that’s just the beginning – the journey holds much more in store for those who are ready to uncover Sri Lanka’s hidden gems.

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Key Points

A full-day tour from Colombo visiting Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and a local tea factory, with prices ranging from $48.58 to $65.65 per person.
Convenient pickup locations within Colombo, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and wheelchair accessibility for all guests.
Highlights include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Garden, and a cultural dance show in Kandy.
Complimentary water and king coconuts, all taxes and fees covered, and optional add-ons like lunch and tips.
Additional stops at a spice garden, gem museum, and wood carving center to enhance the cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day trip from Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawala, and a tea factory saves travelers up to 26%, with prices ranging from $65.65 to $48.58 per person.

The duration is 14-15 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also choose the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Colombo city limits, with additional charges for pickups outside. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with 20 pickup and drop-off locations available in Colombo.

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Transportation and Accessibility

With pickup locations available at 20 different points within Colombo city limits, the tour offers convenient transportation options for travelers.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey. Pickups from outside the city limits are available for an additional charge.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all guests. Whether you’re starting your day from a hotel in the heart of Colombo or from the outskirts, the efficient transportation arrangements make it easy to embark on this enriching full-day excursion to Kandy and Pinnawala.

Itinerary Highlights

While the tour covers a wide range of attractions, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage stands out as a highlight. Visitors can witness the daily routines and feeding times of the orphaned elephants.

The tour also includes a stop at a local tea factory, where guests can learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties.

At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, visitors can marvel at the impressive architecture and cultural significance.

Other highlights include the Royal Botanical Garden, a Kandy cultural dance show, and the National Railway Museum.

Inclusions and Amenities

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour package, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

Complimentary water bottles and king coconuts welcome you at the beginning of the journey. All taxes and fees are covered, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs.

Entrance fees for the Temple of Tooth, Royal Botanical Garden, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Kandy culture dance show, and National Railway Museum are also included.

While lunch and tips are optional, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free experience with everything else taken care of.

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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-visit attraction on the Kandy & Pinnawala day trip.

It’s home to over 80 elephants, many of whom were orphaned or abandoned. Visitors can witness the elephants’ daily routines, like bathing in the river and feeding time.

You’ll also see the youngest calves being bottle-fed. The orphanage provides a safe sanctuary for these gentle giants and supports their conservation.

It’s an excellent opportunity to observe elephants up close and learn about their care. The visit to Pinnawala is a highlight of the day, complementing the other cultural experiences in Kandy.

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Tea Factory and Tea Estate

After visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour continues to a local tea factory and estate.

At the tea factory, visitors can learn about the process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging.

The tour includes a visit to the tea gardens, where guests can witness the skilled tea pluckers at work.

The highlight is a tea tasting session, allowing travelers to sample different varieties of Ceylon tea.

This experience provides an authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry and its deep cultural significance.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Next, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. This sacred site houses a tooth believed to be from the Buddha himself.

Visitors will explore the temple’s ornate architecture and intricate artwork. They’ll have the opportunity to witness the daily reliquary ritual, where the relic is venerated by monks.

Visitors can explore the temple’s ornate architecture and intricate artwork, and witness the daily reliquary ritual performed by monks.

The entrance fee is included in the tour package. Appropriate attire, with covered shoulders and knees, is required. Shoes must be removed before entering the holy site.

Exploring this iconic landmark offers a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Additional Stops and Experiences

Along With the main attractions, the tour also includes several optional stops and experiences.

These offer opportunities to explore Kandy’s vibrant culture and local crafts. Guests can visit:

A spice garden, where they can learn about the region’s diverse spices and their uses.
A gem museum, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage and providing insight into the gemstone industry.
A wood carving center, where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate process of traditional wood carving techniques.

These additional stops provide a well-rounded experience, immersing visitors in the diverse cultural tapestry of Kandy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option available for added flexibility.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized based on individual preferences. Travelers can request changes to the itinerary or opt-out of specific attractions. However, additional fees may apply for any customizations.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, so there are no dietary restrictions. Customers can choose to have an optional lunch, but the tour provider doesn’t specify any dietary accommodations for that. It’s up to the customer to arrange their own meal preferences.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Elderly or Disabled Participants?

The tour is wheelchair-accessible, with plenty of stops allowing ample rest. While some walking is required, the pace can be adjusted to suit elderly or disabled participants’ needs. Travellers with mobility issues should have no major difficulties on this tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request an extended itinerary, which may include additional stops or activities. Prices and availability for extended tours can be discussed with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

This captivating full-day trip from Colombo offers a seamless blend of Sri Lanka’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Explore the enchanting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, savor exquisite teas at a local factory, and visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. With convenient transportation, amenities, and optional activities, this tour provides a delightful and immersive experience for travelers seeking to discover the beauty and heritage of Sri Lanka.