From Negombo: Ambuluwawa Tower & Tea Factory,Kandy Day Trip

Setting out on a day trip from Negombo to Kandy promises an unforgettable experience. Travelers can explore the Ambuluwawa Tower, perched atop a towering mountain, and marvel at the panoramic views. The journey continues with a visit to a renowned Tea Factory, where visitors explore Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage and indulge in delightful tea sampling. This excursion seamlessly blends natural wonders and cultural discoveries, making it an enticing getaway. What awaits beyond the Tower and the Factory?

Contents show

Key Points

Take a day trip from Negombo to visit the Ambuluwawa Tower, which offers panoramic views of the countryside, and the Tea Factory in Kandy.
Explore the Ambuluwawa Tower, a unique architectural structure located atop a 1,100-meter-high mountain, for a 360-degree vista of hills, mountains, and the Indian Ocean.
Visit the Tea Factory in Kandy to learn about the history, cultivation, and manufacturing techniques of Ceylon tea, and enjoy tea sampling and purchasing opportunities.
Make a stop at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, a significant Buddhist site that houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy, which showcase over 4,000 plant species and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Ambuluwawa Tower

Why not start the day with a visit to the captivating Ambuluwawa Tower? Perched atop a 1,100-meter-high mountain, this striking tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Climb to the observation deck for a 360-degree vista of lush green hills, distant mountains, and the sparkling Indian Ocean. Take in the fresh mountain air and snap photographs of the scenery.

With its unique architecture and strategic location, the Ambuluwawa Tower is a must-visit attraction that provides a stunning introduction to the day’s adventures.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of your time at this picturesque landmark.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Kandy

Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

After admiring the stunning vistas from the Ambuluwawa Tower, the day’s adventure continues with a visit to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

This sanctuary is home to over 100 elephants, including babies, rescued from the wild or abandoned.

Visitors can witness the elephants’ daily routines, such as:

Witness the elephants’ daily routines, including feeding, bathing, roaming, and interacting with the young calves.

Feeding time, where mahouts hand-feed the giants.
Bathing in the nearby river, providing a delightful spectacle.
Roaming freely, showcasing the elephants’ natural behaviors.
Interacting with the young calves, a truly heartwarming experience.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Touring the Tea Factory and Museum

After exploring the lush landscapes and majestic wildlife, the day’s adventure continues with a visit to a renowned tea factory and museum.

Guests will learn about Sri Lanka’s storied tea industry and witness the intricate process of tea production. The tour provides an in-depth look at the history, cultivation, and manufacturing techniques that contribute to the island’s world-famous Ceylon tea.

Visitors can browse the museum’s exhibits, sample a variety of teas, and even purchase their favorite blends to take home as souvenirs.

This informative stop offers a deeper appreciation for one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic exports.

Discovering the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Next, the tour takes visitors to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the heart of Kandy.

As one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, the temple houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Visitors can expect to:

Marvel at the impressive architecture and ornate decorations of the temple complex.
Witness the daily rituals and ceremonies performed by the monks.
Learn about the historical significance and cultural importance of the sacred tooth relic.
Observe devotees making offerings and participating in the rituals.

The visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic provides a profound culture and a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.

More Great Tours Nearby

Strolling Through the Royal Botanical Gardens

The tour then takes visitors to the expansive and meticulously maintained Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. Spanning over 147 acres, the gardens boast an impressive collection of over 4,000 plant species. Guests can stroll through themed areas, including a Spice Garden, an Orchid House, and an Aviary. The gardens also feature stunning views of the surrounding hills and the historic Temple of the Tooth nearby.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Size | 147 acres |

| Plant Species | Over 4,000 |

| Key Areas | Spice Garden, Orchid House, Aviary |

| Highlights | Views of hills, proximity to Temple of the Tooth |

There's plenty more to explore in Kandy

Browsing the Gem Museum

One of the final stops on the day trip is the Gem Museum, which offers visitors a chance to marvel at Sri Lanka’s impressive gem and jewelry collection.

The museum features:

A wide variety of precious gems, including sapphires, rubies, and topaz.
Intricate jewelry pieces showcasing the country’s rich gemstone heritage.
Educational displays on the history and extraction of Sri Lankan gems.
Opportunities to purchase gemstones and jewelry directly from the on-site showroom.

Exploring the Gem Museum provides a captivating conclusion to the day’s diverse activities.

Optional Stops: Spice Garden and Kandy Viewpoint

After exploring the impressive Gem Museum, visitors have the opportunity to visit two optional stops: the Spice Garden and the Kandy Viewpoint.

The Spice Garden offers a free, self-guided tour through a lush garden showcasing Sri Lanka’s renowned spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom. Visitors can learn about the cultivation and uses of these fragrant ingredients.

The Kandy Viewpoint, located just a short drive from the city center, provides panoramic vistas of Kandy’s scenic landscape. This free stop allows travelers to capture stunning photos and soak in the natural beauty before continuing their day’s adventure.

Transportation and Logistics for the Day Trip

As part of the day trip, private air-conditioned vehicles provide comfortable transportation for participants.

The tour includes pickup from hotel receptions in Negombo, Seeduwa, and Katunayake. The driver will assist in making any necessary adjustments to the itinerary based on customer preferences.

The tour also includes:

Wi-Fi access during the journey
Complimentary bottled water
Flexible pickup and drop-off locations within the Negombo area
Knowledgeable driver to guide the group throughout the day

This transportation and logistics setup ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers on the Ambuluwawa Tower and Tea Factory day trip.

Common Questions

Can We Request a Private Tour Guide for the Day Trip?

Yes, the day trip offers a private tour guide option. Customers can request a private guide to accompany them throughout the tour, providing personalized commentary and assistance in navigating the various attractions.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour provider doesn’t include any meals, so there aren’t any dietary restrictions. Customers can have meals on their own at the various stops during the day trip as per their dietary preferences.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Attraction on the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each major attraction, allowing visitors flexibility to explore at their own pace. The duration may vary depending on crowd levels and individual preferences.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary Based on Interests?

The tour offers flexibility to customize the itinerary based on customer interests. The driver will assist with adjustments, allowing visitors to skip or spend more time at certain attractions according to their preferences.

What Is the Policy for Tipping the Driver and Any Local Guides?

There’s no mandatory tipping policy, but customers typically tip the driver and any local guides around 10-15% of the tour price based on satisfaction with the service. Tipping is appreciated but at the customer’s discretion.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating day trip from Negombo to Kandy, where you’ll discover the Ambuluwawa Tower’s breathtaking views, explore Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, and explore cultural gems like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This excursion offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable adventure.