Kandy City Sightseeing and Ambuluwawa Tower by Tuk Tuk Tour

Exploring Kandy and Ambuluwawa Tower by Tuk Tuk: A Practical Review

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, Kandy, and want to see its most captivating sights without the hassle of complicated planning, a Kandy City Sightseeing and Ambuluwawa Tower by Tuk Tuk tour offers a fantastic solution. This private, approximately 7-hour journey combines convenience, local insight, and a fun ride through some of the most scenic and spiritual parts of the region.

What we love most about this tour is the personalized touch—your own tuk tuk and driver mean flexibility and a genuine local experience. Add in the stunning panoramic views from Ambuluwawa Tower, the chance to visit iconic temples, and the opportunity to explore herbal gardens, and you’ve got a well-rounded day. One potential consideration is the additional entrance fees for some sites—so budget around $17 per person for tickets. Overall, it’s perfect for independent travelers, culture enthusiasts, and those short on time but eager to see a lot.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with your own tuk tuk and driver
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests
• Affordable price of $20 per person offers great value
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Highlights include Ambuluwawa Tower, Kandy temples, and herbal gardens
• Admission fees are separate, approximately $17 per person

Discovering the Tour’s Highlights

This tour offers a well-curated blend of scenic views, cultural sites, and relaxing gardens. Each stop is carefully chosen to give you a rounded look at what makes Kandy special, combined with the thrill of exploring by tuk tuk—Sri Lanka’s beloved mode of transport.

Ambuluwawa Tower: The Pinnacle of Panoramic Views

Your day kicks off with a visit to Ambuluwawa Tower, perched on a mountain near Gampola. This isn’t just any tower; it’s a multi-religious structure with a striking spiral staircase winding to the top. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and distant mountains—a feast for the eyes. The views really come alive on clear days, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

While admission isn’t included, many travelers find the $17 entrance fee to be worthwhile given the exceptional vistas. As one reviewer put it, “the views from Ambuluwawa were stunning, and the tower’s unique design made the climb worthwhile.” The climb can be a bit steep, but the experience of standing atop this symbolic structure makes it memorable.

Kandy’s Sacred Tooth Temple

Next, you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, an essential stop for anyone wanting a taste of Sri Lanka’s spiritual heart. This Buddhist temple houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth, making it one of the most significant religious sites in the country. Expect to see intricate architecture, peaceful courtyards, and perhaps even witness a ritual or offering depending on the time of visit.

Many travelers cherish this stop, with reviews highlighting the practicality of the private tour—it allows you to spend about an hour exploring without feeling rushed. Entrance fees aren’t included, so budget around $17. One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s knowledge enhanced their understanding of the site’s importance, making the visit both meaningful and enriching.

Bahirawakanda: The Big Buddha Viewpoint

Then, it’s a quick ride to Bahirawakanda, known for its towering white Buddha statue. From this hilltop, you’ll get sweeping views of Kandy city, making it an ideal spot for photos and a peaceful moment. The statue’s size—about 26 meters tall—makes it a striking sight from many parts of the city.

Reviewers describe this as a serene, free visit that’s perfect for a quick photo stop or a moment of quiet reflection. It’s a no-cost stop, adding value to your day without extra expense.

Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden

After some spiritual and scenic stops, your journey continues to Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden—a favorite for those interested in Sri Lanka’s natural remedies and traditional medicines. Here, you’ll explore a variety of plants used in Ayurveda, discovering how local herbs and spices are intertwined with the culture.

Guests have raved about the immersive experience this offers, with one reviewer noting: “The garden showcased a diverse array of plants and explained how they’re used in natural healing. It felt authentic and educational.” Best of all, this stop is free, adding a relaxing and educational aspect to the tour.

Why This Tour Works

Transportation and flexibility are significant advantages. Traveling around in a tuk tuk with a friendly, knowledgeable driver makes the day feel more personal and less rushed. Many reviews mention guides like Rohan, who goes above and beyond—he’s praised for his friendliness, safety, and local insights. One review even called him “a master driver, especially during a torrential downpour,” highlighting the reliability of this experience.

The cost-effectiveness of $20 per person, with all major sites included except entrance fees, makes this tour an excellent value. The hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a smooth, hassle-free day—no need to worry about public transport or finding your way between sites.

One thing to keep in mind is the additional $17 entrance fee for Ambuluwawa Tower and the Temple of the Tooth. While the tour itself is budget-friendly, these extras are worth budgeting for to fully enjoy the experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeability of the guides and the flexibility of the itinerary. Many mention how they appreciated the friendly and helpful nature of their drivers like Rohan, who was described as “a very kind guide” and “excellent at capturing photos during stops.” Several travelers also loved the scenic variety—from spiritual sites to panoramic viewpoints to lush herbal gardens.

The majority of reviewers consider this a great way to see Kandy in one day, especially for those traveling solo or with family. They also appreciated the local insights, which added depth to their sightseeing.

On a humorous note, one reviewer joked about how the tuk tuk ride “was a very different ride,” but praised their guide for making it memorable and enjoyable despite the weather challenges.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tuk tuk experience is best suited for travelers seeking a flexible, intimate way to explore Kandy’s key sights without the stress of large group tours. It’s perfect for cultural enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families who want convenience, local flavor, and authentic moments.

If you’re short on time but want to pack in as much as possible, this tour offers a comprehensive yet relaxed overview. It’s ideal if you value personalized service, stunning scenery, and culture. Budget-conscious travelers will also appreciate the affordable price point for a full day of exploration.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic way to experience Kandy and Ambuluwawa Tower. The highlights—spectacular views, meaningful temples, and herbal gardens—are complemented by the personalized tuk tuk ride and friendly guides who enhance every stop.

It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a cost-effective, flexible, and memorable day in Sri Lanka’s cultural hub. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more deeply, this tour manages to balance value and authenticity beautifully, making it a worthwhile addition to your Kandy itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, since most travelers can participate, and the stops are generally gentle, it’s suitable for families, seniors, and individuals alike.

How long does each stop last?
Stops vary from about 45 minutes at Bahirawakanda to around 2 hours at Ambuluwawa Tower, allowing ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, the tour price does not include entrance fees, which are approximately $17 per person for Ambuluwawa Tower and the Temple of the Tooth. Budget accordingly.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, but be prepared for rain if the weather turns, as many reviewers appreciated the availability of umbrellas during rainy moments.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, your driver is typically willing to accommodate preferences or extend time at particular sites, making it adaptable to your interests.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward—most travelers book about 6 days in advance through platforms like Viator, which offers seamless confirmation and mobile tickets.

This private tuk tuk tour of Kandy and Ambuluwawa Tower provides an engaging, flexible way to see the city’s highlights. With friendly guides, stunning vistas, and a mix of cultural and natural attractions, it’s a memorable experience suitable for a wide range of travelers seeking authentic Sri Lankan moments.