From West Coast: Kandy, Pinnawala, Botanical & Tea Gardens

Exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka’s cultural heart and natural beauty is a must-do for any traveler. This full-day tour from the west coast promises an unforgettable journey through the iconic sites of Kandy, Pinnawala, and the captivating botanical and tea gardens. From witnessing elephants at play to immersing oneself in the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, this adventure offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the island’s vibrant heritage. What secrets await within these enchanting destinations?

Contents show

Key Points

Full-day tour from the west coast visiting Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Botanical Gardens, and a tea garden and factory.
Priced from $90.00 per person with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, including hotel pickup/drop-off, guided visits, and entrance fees.
Highlights include observing elephant bathing and play at Pinnawala, exploring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and learning about tea production.
Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is crucial for local governance and legitimacy.
The tour offers insights into Sri Lankan culture, flora, and fauna, including the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour from the west coast includes visits to Kandy, Pinnawala, and the Botanical and Tea gardens. Priced from $90.00 per person, it’s a full-day experience.

A full-day tour from the west coast exploring Kandy, Pinnawala, and the Botanical and Tea gardens, priced from $90.00 per person.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve without upfront payment. Pickups are from the Western Province, and the tour returns to the same region.

Along the way, you’ll see the Tooth Relic Temple, wander through botanical gardens, and tour a tea factory.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided visits, entrance fees, and transportation, making it a convenient way to explore these Sri Lankan highlights.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Highlights of the day-long tour include a guided visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where visitors can watch the elephants bathe and play for around an hour.

Next, the tour heads to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy for a guided tour, shopping, and sightseeing, lasting approximately one hour.

Visitors then explore the Peradeniya Botanical Garden with a guided tour and a leisurely walk, also about an hour.

The final stop is a tea garden and factory, where guests can learn about the production process during a one-hour guided tour.

Cultural Significance

As the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, Kandy holds significant cultural importance due to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a revered relic of Buddha’s tooth.

This temple is crucial for local governance, as it’s believed to provide legitimacy to the ruling monarch.

The city also hosts a renowned cultural show, featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and the mesmerizing spectacle of fire walking.

Kandy’s cultural significance is further enhanced by its historical ties, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Flora and Fauna

One of the tour’s key highlights is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to injured or abandoned elephants, including baby calves. Visitors can watch these magnificent creatures bathe and play in the river. The tour also includes a visit to a spice garden in Matale, where guests can learn about the different herbs and spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden, established in the 16th century, is renowned for its natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities.

| Flora | Fauna |

| — | — |

| Spices and herbs | Elephants |

| Diverse plant life | Birds |

| Medicinal plants | Reptiles |

| Rare species | Amphibians |

More Great Tours Nearby

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a renowned sanctuary nestled along the banks of the Maha Oya River in Sri Lanka. Established in 1975, the orphanage cares for injured, abandoned, or orphaned elephants.

Visitors can witness the elephants’ daily routine, including:

Bathing in the river, where the elephants playfully splash and socialize.
Feeding time, when the orphanage staff provide the elephants with a nutritious diet.
Veterinary care, ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close, providing an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

There's plenty more to explore in Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Although Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, it’s the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic that gives the city its cultural and spiritual significance.

The temple houses the relic of Buddha’s tooth, which is considered sacred by Buddhists worldwide. During the guided tour, visitors can learn about the temple’s history and see the ornate shrines and golden canopy that covers the tooth.

The temple also serves an important role in local governance, with the tooth relic playing a central part in rituals and ceremonies.

Visitors can explore the temple’s grounds and browse the shops nearby.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a renowned horticultural oasis located just outside Kandy. Established in the 16th century, it spans an impressive 147 acres, showcasing an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees.

The garden’s highlights include:

Vast lawn area with towering palm trees
Impressive collection of orchids and spice plants
Scenic lakeside promenade and suspension bridge

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and explore the garden’s diverse flora and fauna.

The tranquil setting provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and botanists alike.

Tea Garden and Factory

After exploring the lush Peradeniya Botanical Garden, the tour continues to a nearby tea garden and factory.

Visitors learn about the history and process of Sri Lankan tea production. They’ll see the tea plants being hand-picked, then witness the intricate manufacturing steps of withering, rolling, oxidizing, and drying.

The tour guide explains the importance of tea to the local economy and culture. Guests can sample a variety of Ceylon teas, from fragrant black to delicate green.

It’s an insightful look into the making of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but there are no facilities to store or heat them. The tour price doesn’t include any meals, so guests should plan accordingly.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Activities?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages can join the activities, though the tour operator recommends parental supervision for young children during certain excursions.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

Wi-Fi is not mentioned as an included amenity. The tour itinerary does not indicate if Wi-Fi is available during the day tour. Travelers should check with the tour operator regarding Wi-Fi accessibility during the various stops on the tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, customers can customize the itinerary to suit their interests. The tour operator offers a flexible schedule, allowing participants to focus on the sights and activities that most appeal to them during the day-long excursion.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Gardens?

The best time to visit the gardens is during the dry season from December to April. This is when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom, making for optimal sightseeing conditions.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from the west coast offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. Visitors will be enchanted by the magnificent elephants at Pinnawala, awed by the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and captivated by the serene beauty of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and local tea plantation. It’s an enriching experience that showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s diverse heritage and landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: