From Kandy: Kandy To Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk

Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry comes alive on the "Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk." This enriching experience transports visitors through the island’s natural wonders and revered traditions. From the sacred Temple of the Tooth to the nurturing Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted connection with its iconic elephants. Navigating the scenic route by tuk tuk adds a unique layer to the adventure, leaving one curious to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s mesmerizing charm.

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Key Points

This 8-hour day tour from Kandy to Pinnawala explores cultural and natural attractions, including the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, tea factories, and botanical gardens.
The tour is priced at £16.27 per person and includes hotel transfers, tuk-tuk transportation, water, and select entrance fees.
Additional fees are required for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The tour offers a comprehensive experience to see Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights and learn about the importance of elephants in the country’s heritage.
The tour is highly rated by travelers for its friendly and flexible guide, Roshan, and the overall value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour, titled "Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk," is priced from £16.27 per person and lasts around 8 hours.

Pickup and drop-off locations are in Kandy and Katugastota. The tour includes hotel transfers, tuk-tuk transportation, water, and entrance fees to various attractions like the Spice & Herbal Garden, Ceylon Tea Factory, and Kandyan Culture Dance.

However, visitors must pay additional fees to access sites like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at 8:30 AM, the tour covers a distance of 41 KM from Kandy to Pinnawala, taking approximately 2 hours to reach the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The itinerary highlights include:

A 3-hour guided tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe the elephants during their daily feedings and bathing.
Optional visits to Avanhala for a Kandyan cultural dance show and free time.
Stops at key sights like Kadugannawa View Point, Ceylon Tea Factory, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy City View Point, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Cultural Significance of Elephants

As the national symbol of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan elephant represents prosperity and is deeply ingrained in the country’s culture and traditions.

Once roaming in herds of 12-20, the elephant population has rapidly declined due to habitat loss from development.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage functions as a critical sanctuary, serving as an orphanage, nursery, and breeding ground for elephants in need.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage serves as a critical sanctuary, providing an orphanage, nursery, and breeding ground for elephants in need.

Preserving this endangered species is essential, as the elephant is integral to Sri Lankan heritage and identity.

Booking and Tour Details

Tourists can reserve the Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by tuk-tuk
Bottle of water
Various entrance fees

However, the tour excludes food, gratuities, and entrance fees to specific attractions like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Millennium Elephant Foundation.

Tourists should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable clothes, and avoid bringing pets, large luggage, alcohol, and drugs. Health restrictions apply for certain individuals.

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What to Expect on the Tour

The Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience, beginning with a scenic 2-hour drive from Kandy to the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Visitors can observe the elephants during their daily routines, including fruit and milk feedings, as well as the herd’s journey to the river.

Along the way, the tour makes stops at the Kadugannawa View Point, Ceylon Tea Factory, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy City View Point, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, providing a well-rounded exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders.

The tour concludes with an optional visit to Avanhala for a Kandyan cultural dance performance.

There's plenty more to explore in Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Schedule

One of the main highlights of the Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour is the visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The orphanage follows a strict schedule to ensure the proper care and feeding of the elephants:

Opens at 8:30 AM
Fruit feeding from 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM and 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Milk feeding from 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM, 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM, and 5:00 PM
Herd led to the river from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closes at 6:00 PM

This organized routine allows visitors to observe the elephants at key moments throughout the day.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

According to traveler reviews, the Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praise the friendly and safe driving of the guide, Roshan, who was also flexible in accommodating their needs.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to see Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, including the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to see Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, including the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

While the entrance fees for certain attractions aren’t included, the overall value for money is deemed excellent.

The tour offers a seamless and enjoyable way to explore the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Important Information for Tourists

Booking for the Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour can be done easily, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without any fees. However, there are some important considerations:

Bring a valid passport or ID, a hat, and comfortable clothing.
Pets, large luggage, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old due to health restrictions.

Visitors should come prepared with cash for any additional entrance fees or expenses not included in the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes stops at a Spice & Herbal Garden, Gems Museum, and Ceylon Tea Factory where visitors can browse and buy local handicrafts and specialties.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

Tourists are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, but it’s important to respect any restrictions or instructions from the guide. Photography may be prohibited in certain areas for conservation or cultural reasons.

How Often Do the Elephants Get Bathed in the River?

The elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are herded to the river twice a day for bathing. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, visitors can observe this daily ritual.

What Are the Best Times to Observe the Elephants’ Daily Activities?

The best times to observe the elephants’ daily activities are during the scheduled bathing and feeding times. The elephants bathe in the river from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour offers a set itinerary, but customers can opt to extend or customize their experience by adding additional stops or activities, such as visiting the Royal Botanical Garden or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, for an additional cost.

The Sum Up

The "Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour by Tuk Tuk" offers a cultural and natural immersion in Sri Lanka’s heritage. While the price point is reasonable, the tour relies heavily on the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which has faced criticism for its treatment of elephants. Tourists should research the orphanage’s practices and consider more ethical wildlife experiences before booking. The tour provides a convenient way to explore Kandy and Pinnawala, but ethical concerns warrant careful consideration.

You can check availability for your dates here: