From Colombo: Kandy Temple of Tooth & Elephant Orphanage

If you’re planning a day trip from Colombo to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines spiritual sites, wildlife encounters, and scenic views. While it’s generally praised for the convenience and knowledgeable guides, some travelers note room for improvement in comfort and guide clarity.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to see iconic highlights like the Temple of the Tooth, visit a working tea factory, and bond with elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Plus, the panoramic vistas from Kandy’s viewpoint are nothing short of stunning. However, a potential consideration is the long drive—over 12 hours in total—so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed pace.

That said, this tour suits those eager to see the main attractions of Kandy within a day, especially if you value cultural insights and wildlife encounters. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a guided, rundown without the hassle of planning transport or logistics themselves.

Key Points

• Convenient Full-Day Itinerary: From hotel pickup to drop-off, everything’s organized for a smooth experience.
• Authentic Cultural Insights: Visits to the Temple of the Tooth and local markets deepen your understanding of Sri Lankan traditions.
• Wildlife Encounters: Watching elephants bathe and feed at Pinnawala offers memorable, up-close moments with nature.
• Variety of Experiences: A mix of spiritual, scenic, and wildlife activities keeps the day interesting.
• Value for Money: At $69, the tour covers transportation, guiding, and multiple highlights, making it a cost-effective option.
• Well-Reviewed Guides: Many travelers appreciated knowledgeable guides who made the day enjoyable, though some found the guiding at specific sites lacking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Day Unfolds: A Detailed Breakdown

Pickup and Travel: Comfort and Convenience

The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Colombo, typically in an air-conditioned vehicle. This service is included, which means you avoid the hassle of arranging transport, especially in a busy city. The drive to Kandy takes around 3 hours, giving you a chance to relax or catch up on sleep. The roads can be busy, but the vehicle’s comfort makes the long ride manageable.

Travel Tip: Bring a hat and water, as the drive can get warm. Also, having a good book or playlist helps pass the time during the long stretches.

First Stop: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Before hitting the cultural highlights, the tour usually visits the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. This vast green space features towering palms, orchids, and a wide variety of exotic plants. It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs and snap photos of lush, vibrant flora.

Travelers love this stop for its peaceful atmosphere and photo opportunities, though some wish they had more time here. It’s a relaxing way to start the day before the more intense sightseeing begins.

Lunch Break: On Your Own

You’ll have some free time for lunch, typically around midday, but meals are not included. This gives you flexibility to choose a local restaurant, street food stall, or pack a snack. We recommend trying some Sri Lankan specialties, like hoppers or kottu, if you want to make the most of your cultural experience.

Practical Tip: Carry some cash for lunch, as not all places accept cards, and prices are quite reasonable.

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The Spiritual Heart: Temple of the Tooth

The highlight of the day is the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws pilgrims and travelers alike. It houses the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth, housed in a striking gold-roofed building.

Visitors should be aware of the dress code—covering shoulders and knees is required—and the place can get crowded, especially during religious ceremonies. Many travelers mentioned that guides often help explain the significance of the relic and the temple architecture, making the visit more meaningful.

Review Insight: One traveler noted they had to pay for an additional guide at the temple, as their tour guide didn’t provide detailed historical commentary. So, if you’re eager for in-depth information, consider asking your guide beforehand or hiring a local guide at the site.

Scenic Viewpoint: Kandy Lake and Panoramic Views

Next, your tour takes you uphill to a viewpoint overlooking Kandy Lake and the surrounding city. The walk up is often through a charming area with street vendors and local stalls. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas—perfect for photos and taking in the layout of this peaceful city.

Many reviews mention how stunning the views are, especially on clear days, making this a memorable part of the trip.

Bustling Market and Cultural Show

After soaking in the scenery, the tour includes a stroll through Kandy Market, a lively spot where vendors sell spices, textiles, and street food. It’s a great chance to pick up souvenirs or simply observe local life.

Some tours also include a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance, adding a lively cultural touch to the afternoon, though availability can vary.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Meeting the Gentle Giants

The elephant sanctuary is a real crowd-pleaser. Here, you’ll witness elephants being fed, bathed, and cared for. The highlight for many is watching the elephants bathe in the river—a spectacle that feels both playful and heartwarming.

Review Highlight: One reviewer called it “unforgettable” to watch elephants bathe, noting that the staff was friendly and attentive. They also appreciated the well-maintained facilities and the opportunity for close encounters.

You might even get a short ride, depending on timing and availability, which adds to the experience.

Important: The orphanage is a working facility, and visitors get a glimpse of their daily routines, which helps foster appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Return Journey and Dinner

On the way back to Colombo, there’s usually a stop for dinner at a local restaurant, but this is not included in the price. This free time allows you to choose a spot that suits your taste, whether craving Sri Lankan curry or Western fare.

Travelers noted that the overall day can be quite long—around 12 hours—including travel, but most found it worthwhile for the breadth of sights covered.

What Travelers Say

Reviews paint a mostly positive picture, especially praising the knowledgeable guides. One traveler from France highlighted their guide as “fantastic, very knowledgeable, friendly,” which made the experience more engaging. Others mentioned the well-coordinated logistics and smooth transfers, adding value without the stress of planning.

However, some travelers felt the guiding at the temple was limited unless they paid extra, and the car’s comfort was less than ideal for a long drive, which is something to keep in mind.

Transportation & Duration: Why It Matters

The 12-hour duration includes pickup, travel, sightseeing, and drop-off—making it a full-day commitment. The air-conditioned vehicle provides relief from the heat, but the long hours can be tiring if you prefer leisurely exploration.

Booking in a private group offers flexibility, and the tour’s structure ensures you see the key highlights efficiently.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For $69 per person, this tour offers a good balance of cultural, natural, and wildlife experiences. The inclusion of transportation, guiding, and entry fees makes it a cost-effective way to visit Kandy if you’re short on time.

It’s especially suited for first-timers or those keen to tick off major attractions with minimal planning. If you’re comfortable with a long day and looking for a well-organized trip, this one’s a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting an all-in-one day trip that covers Sri Lanka’s rich culture and wildlife. It’s perfect if you prefer guided tours that handle logistics and provide local insights.

Those with limited time in Sri Lanka who want to see Kandy’s main highlights will find this tour convenient and fulfilling. However, if you prefer more relaxed pacing or independent exploration, you might want to consider splitting the activities into separate visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The $69 fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided commentary in English, and entry to the major sites, including the Temple of the Tooth and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Is there a guide provided at each site?
Your main guide is with you during transportation and general sightseeing. However, some reviews mention that at the temple, guides sometimes need to be hired separately for detailed explanations.

How long is the drive from Colombo to Kandy?
The drive takes approximately 3 hours each way, making the total trip about 12 hours including sightseeing and meals.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and your camera. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting temples.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you’ll have free time for lunch and dinner on your own—plenty of local options are nearby.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs with the provider beforehand.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activity suits families, especially those interested in cultural and wildlife experiences, but keep in mind the long hours.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of visiting a sacred religious site, enjoying scenic views, and engaging with elephants makes it a well-rounded day trip that hits major highlights efficiently.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Colombo to Kandy offers a practical way to experience Sri Lanka’s spiritual and natural highlights in one day. It’s especially valuable if you want a guided, hassle-free experience, with the assurance of transportation and site entry included.

While the drive is long, the variety of stops—ranging from the Temple of the Tooth to the Elephant Orphanage—ensures you come away with a meaningful glimpse of the country’s rich heritage and wildlife. The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor help make the trip enjoyable, even if a few travelers wish for more detailed explanations at some sites.

For those eager to see Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning, this tour offers a solid, value-packed option. It’s best suited for first-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers looking to maximize a single day.

If you’re comfortable with a full schedule and long hours, this trip could become a highlight of your Sri Lankan adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: