Kandy to Pinnawala Orphanage and Ambuluwawa TukTuk Day Tour

Explore the natural and cultural highlights of Sri Lanka’s Kandy region on this captivating day tour. Venture to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, witness the vibrant Kandyan dance, and ascend the Ambuluwawa Tower for sweeping vistas. Along the way, explore the island’s heritage at a tea factory and the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This enchanting journey offers a diverse glimpse into the heart of Sri Lanka – an experience not to be missed.

Key Points

• A 1-day tour from Kandy to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Ambuluwawa Tower, priced at $20.75 per person with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and cultural experiences.
• Highlights include witnessing elephants bathing and feeding at the orphanage, ascending Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic views, and exploring a tea factory.
• The tour features English-speaking guides, flexible booking, and free cancellation, allowing visitors to enjoy Sri Lankan culture and nature.
• Visitors can experience a Kandyan cultural dance show, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and explore the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex.
• The tour provides opportunities to learn about tea production, observe diverse flora and fauna, and gain insights into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and artisanal crafts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 1-day Kandy to Pinnawala and Ambuluwawa TukTuk Tour provides an opportunity to explore some of Sri Lanka’s renowned natural and cultural attractions.

Priced at $20.75 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and cultural experiences like a Kandyan dance show.

Highlights include visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, ascending the Ambuluwawa Tower, and touring a tea factory.

With English-speaking guides, flexible booking, and free cancellation, this tour offers a convenient and immersive way to discover the beauty and heritage of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Itinerary Highlights

The Kandy to Pinnawala and Ambuluwawa TukTuk Day Tour offers a diverse array of captivating highlights.

Ascend the Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic vistas. Visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where elephants roam freely.

Explore the serene beauty of the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. Learn about tea production and enjoy a guided tasting at a local tea factory.

Immerse in cultural experiences, including a Kandyan cultural dance show, a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and stops at a gem museum and batik factory.

Additional highlights include a cinnamon herbal and spice garden, and a wood carving factory.

Ambuluwawa Heights

Ascending the Ambuluwawa Tower allows visitors to take in panoramic vistas. This 308-meter-high tower offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills, forests, and Kandy’s cityscape.

Guests can climb to the top of the tower, which features an observation deck with binoculars for a closer look at the stunning landscape. The tower is part of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, a renowned ecotourism destination.

Visitors can also explore the complex’s gardens, which showcase a diverse array of flora and fauna native to the region. The tower’s location and elevation provide a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the area.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

After exploring the panoramic vistas from the Ambuluwawa Tower, visitors can venture to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

This unique sanctuary is home to over 100 elephants, including baby calves, rescued from the wild or abandoned by their herds.

Visitors can witness the elephants bathing in the river, feeding, and interacting with their caretakers. The experience offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of these magnificent creatures and the conservation efforts to protect them.

With informative guides and ample time to observe the elephants, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a highlight of the day tour.

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Royal Botanical Garden

Departing the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visitors are transported to the serene Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya.

Spanning over 147 acres, the garden showcases an impressive collection of over 4,000 plant species. Visitors can stroll through themed sections, including the enchanting Spice Garden, the vibrant Orchid House, and the iconic Suspension Bridge.

The expansive, 147-acre Royal Botanical Garden boasts over 4,000 plant species across themed sections like the Spice Garden and Orchid House.

The lush greenery, serene ponds, and towering trees create a tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.

With knowledgeable guides on hand, travelers can learn about the garden’s rich botanical heritage and diverse ecosystems.

Tea Factory

From the Royal Botanical Garden, the tour proceeds to a local tea factory, where visitors can explore the intricate process of tea production.

At the factory, travelers learn:

1. The history and significance of Ceylon tea.

2. The step-by-step method of tea harvesting, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying.

3. The differences between various tea varieties, such as black, green, and herbal teas.

4. The art of tea tasting and how to identify the subtle flavors and aromas.

The guided tour culminates in a tea-tasting session, allowing participants to savor the flavors of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Cultural Experiences

The cultural experiences on this tour provide visitors with a immersive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Travelers will witness the captivating Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, featuring traditional music, costumes, and choreography. They’ll also visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a renowned Buddhist shrine housing a relic of the Buddha.

Plus, the tour includes stops at Bahirawakanda Temple and a Gem Museum and Batik Factory, offering insights into the country’s artisanal crafts.

These diverse cultural touchpoints allow guests to deeply engage with Sri Lanka’s vibrant history and contemporary artistic expressions.

Inclusions and Important Information

This tour includes a variety of inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Guests can enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees to various sites like the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Ceylon Tea Factory, Botanical Garden, and Ambuluwawa Tower.

Optional offerings include:

1. Ayurvedic massage

2. Kandyan Cultural Dance Show ($7, cash only)

3. Meals and beverages

4. Payment options, where some attractions accept card payments, while cash may be required for specific activities.

Important information for guests: Bring a passport or ID, wear closed-toe shoes, and note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour does not explicitly prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, meals and beverages are not included in the tour price, so participants may prefer to purchase refreshments during the scheduled stops.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at most sites visited during the tour, but there may be some restrictions at certain locations like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?

Travel insurance isn’t required for this tour, but it’s recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The tour operator provides a generous cancellation policy, but travel insurance can provide additional peace of mind and coverage for your trip.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. Customers can discuss their interests with the tour operator and make adjustments to the itinerary, such as adding or removing certain activities, to personalize their experience.

What’s the Best Way to Tip the Tour Guide and Driver?

The best way to tip the tour guide and driver is to provide a cash tip at the end of the tour. A common tip range is 10-20% of the total tour cost, split between the guide and driver.

The Sum Up

This captivating Kandy to Pinnawala Orphanage and Ambuluwawa TukTuk Day Tour provides an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the majestic elephants at Pinnawala to the breathtaking vistas of Ambuluwawa, this day-long adventure offers an exceptional value at just $20.75 per person, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: