Kandy and Pinnawala: Private Day Trip From Colombo Harbor

Set out on a captivating private day trip from Colombo Harbor to explore the treasures of Kandy and Pinnawala. Witness the heartwarming sight of baby elephants at the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savor a delicious local lunch and enjoy the convenience of pickup and drop-off services. With an English-speaking guide to enhance your experience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. What secrets await in Kandy and Pinnawala?

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Key Points

Private day trip from Colombo Harbor to Kandy and Pinnawala, lasting 8 hours with an English-speaking guide and including pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water.
Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe baby elephants being bottle-fed and bathing, as part of the successful breeding program established in 1984.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kandy, including an upper lake drive and the city’s cultural heritage sites.
Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at the Oak-Ray Restaurant in Kandy, with vegetarian options available in a serene ambiance.
Full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and children aged 4 years and 11 months or younger can join for free with a paying adult.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private day trip from Colombo Harbor takes visitors to the historic cities of Kandy and Pinnawala, providing an opportunity to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Priced from $140 per person, the 8-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water.

This private day trip from Colombo Harbor is priced from $140 per person and includes pickup, a guide, entrance fees, lunch, and water.

Highlights include the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and a city tour of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot and pay later. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

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

Itinerary and Highlights

The day trip begins with an 8:30 AM pickup from Colombo Harbor, where guests will proceed to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Established in 1975, the orphanage initially housed seven elephants and has since implemented a successful breeding program. Visitors can witness the baby elephants being bottle-fed and bathing in the river.

After Pinnawala, the tour continues to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings.

The city tour includes the upper lake drive, market square, and a gem lapidary. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant in Kandy.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Established in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage initially housed seven orphaned elephants. The orphanage’s successful breeding program began in 1984.

Visitors can watch baby elephants being bottle-fed and bathing in the river. The orphanage plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, providing a safe haven for displaced and injured elephants.

Guests can observe the elephants’ daily routines, including their scheduled bathing and feeding times. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-visit attraction, offering a unique opportunity to witness the gentle giants up close in their natural habitat.

Lunch in Kandy

After visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tour proceeds to Kandy, where you will enjoy a local lunch at the Oak-Ray Restaurant.

This delightful hotel offers a mouthwatering selection of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Diners can savor flavorful rice and curry dishes, as well as an array of vegetarian options.

The restaurant’s serene ambiance and friendly staff create a pleasant dining experience.

The serene ambiance and friendly staff create a delightful dining experience at this hotel.

With a full stomach, the group will then continue their exploration of Kandy’s rich cultural heritage, including a visit to the iconic Bathing Pavilion and Kiri Samudraya island.

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Exploring Kandy

What awaits visitors in the city of Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings? After lunch, the tour heads to Kandy’s key sites. At the upper lake drive, guests can admire the Bathing Pavilion and Kiri Samudraya island. The market square offers a lively atmosphere and opportunities to browse local handicrafts. Visitors also visit a gem lapidary to learn about Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry.

| Site | Highlights |

|——|————|

| Upper Lake Drive | Bathing Pavilion, Kiri Samudraya island |

| Market Square | Lively atmosphere, local handicrafts |

| Gem Lapidary | Sri Lankan gemstone industry |

The city tour provides an immersive experience in Kandy’s history, culture, and natural beauty before the return to Colombo Harbor.

There's plenty more to explore in Pinnawala

Inclusions

The tour includes several key services to provide a seamless experience for guests.

Pickup and drop-off from Colombo Harbor or local hotels are included, along with roundtrip transportation. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, and entrance fees to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are covered.

Lunch at a local restaurant and bottled water are also provided. Additional entrance fees to other sites mentioned in the itinerary are included as well.

Gratuity, however, isn’t covered and is left to the discretion of the individual.

Transportation and Logistics

Pickup and drop-off services from Colombo Harbor or local hotels are included, with roundtrip transportation provided throughout the tour. The drive back to Colombo Harbor after the tour is approximately 4 hours.

The pickup and drop-off services ensure convenience and a seamless start and end to the day trip.
Roundtrip transportation is included, allowing you to focus on the sights and experiences without worrying about logistics.
The 4-hour drive back to Colombo Harbor provides ample time to reflect on the day’s highlights and plan for the next adventure.

Important Information

Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time at the passenger pier.

Gratuity isn’t included, so tipping is at the individual’s discretion. Comfortable clothing is recommended for this tour.

Children aged 4 years and 11 months or younger can join the tour for free when accompanied by a paying adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the trip.

Tour participants should be mindful of the scheduled pickup time to ensure the tour runs smoothly and departs on time from the Colombo Harbor.

Common Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable clothing. There is no formal dress code, but visitors should dress appropriately for outdoor activities and walking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour includes lunch and bottled water, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if desired. However, outside food and beverages cannot be consumed at the included Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Guide?

Yes, this tour offers a private guide. The tour description states that an "English-speaking guide" is included in the price, providing a personalized experience for the duration of the 8-hour excursion.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour. The private day trip from Colombo Harbor to Kandy and Pinnawala can be customized, and the tour operator offers the flexibility to extend the itinerary based on your preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for group bookings. Groups of 2 or more receive a 10% discount, and larger groups can negotiate further savings. Contact the operator for details on group pricing.

The Sum Up

This private day trip from Colombo Harbor to Kandy and Pinnawala offers a chance to witness the majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and explore the cultural heritage of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a convenient pickup and drop-off service, an English-speaking guide, and a delectable local lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable experience at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: