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431/1/1 Kandy Road, Dalugama, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka | General line: +94 11 227 3732 | SLTDA License: SLTDA/SQA/TA/02471 |
Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotels Kandy Cultural EscapeA compact break in the hill capital: elephants at Pinnawala, the Sacred Tooth temple, gems, a botanic garden and a spice farm, all from one hotel in Kandy. Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotelsEasy intensityEnglish-speaking guideMax. group 100 Tour priceFromUSD 232per person A 3 day Kandy cultural tour suits travellers who want one proper base in the hills instead of a new bed every night. You land, stop on the way up to meet orphaned elephants, and then stay in Kandy for two nights, with a middle day that contains no long drive at all. Temples, a gem workshop, a royal garden and a spice farm fill the time, and a private driver-guide handles the logistics between them. Who the 3 day Kandy cultural tour suitsThe tour works well for first-time visitors who want a gentle introduction, families with children, older travellers and anyone adding a short cultural break before or after a beach stay. The pace is easy. Most of the walking is on flat garden paths and a few temple steps, and the car is never far away. No day needs a pre-dawn alarm. It also helps to know what separates this route from its neighbours. A two-day version has to rush the temple and the garden into the same afternoon. The longer tours that continue to Sigiriya, the tea hills or the coast spend much of their time on the road. Three days with a single hotel gives Kandy the room it deserves and keeps the driving to the arrival and departure days. Elephants first, then two nights in KandyFrom the airport your driver-guide heads for the hills. Kandy lies roughly three hours away, and the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala sits about an hour and a half out of Colombo on the same road, so it makes a natural first stop. You spend both nights in the same hotel in Kandy, which means you unpack once and never repack until the last morning. Breakfast is included each day at your hotel. Lunch and dinner are your own choice, and your driver-guide is glad to point you towards good local restaurants. The final day mixes a morning in the hills with the transfer back to the airport, about three hours by road, timed around your flight. Temple, dance, gems and gardensThe centre of the trip is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic beside Kandy's small lake. According to the chronicles, a princess smuggled the Buddha's tooth to the island in her hair around the fourth century, and the relic has been guarded and honoured ever since. Visiting at a quiet moment, with drums sounding in the shrine and flower offerings on the steps, tells you more about Sri Lankan Buddhism than any book. In the early evening a Kandyan dance performance brings out the drummers, acrobatic dancers and fire-walkers in full costume. On the second day a gem museum shows how Sri Lanka's sapphires and other stones are found, with a model of a working mine and a film about cutting and setting. There is no obligation to buy anything. Later you walk through the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, a sweep of lawns, orchids and palm avenues inside a bend of the Mahaweli river. On the last morning a spice garden at Matale lets you rub fresh cardamom and cinnamon between your fingers. Comfort, meals and your driver-guideYour own air-conditioned vehicle comes with an English-speaking driver-guide, the same person from airport to airport. He or she explains what you are seeing, handles the parking and the shoe queues at temples, and adjusts the order of the day if you tire or find something worth lingering over. Hotels are comfortable three-star and two-star properties chosen for their position and value. Entrance fees are paid separately at each site, so it is worth carrying some small notes in local currency. When to goKandy sits in the central hills, so it is cooler than the coast and rarely uncomfortably hot, though afternoon showers can arrive in most months. The hill country is generally driest from December to March, and the days stay pleasant into April. Even in wetter months the mornings are often clear, which suits Pinnawala and the gem museum, and the temple and the dance show happen under cover regardless of weather. Pack a light rain jacket whatever the season. Make it your ownEverything here can be adjusted. If you land late, the order of the first day shifts. If you want a longer stay, Kandy combines easily with Sigiriya and Dambulla to the north or Nuwara Eliya and Ella in the hill country, and a beach stay can follow the hills. Tell us your dates, your flight times and who is travelling, and we will turn this outline into a private programme that fits. Tour highlights
Day-by-day itinerary A Volata Travels driver-guide waits at the arrivals hall holding a name board, takes your bags into the air-conditioned vehicle and sets off for the hills. Kandy is about three hours from the airport, and the road passes Pinnawala, which is the first stop. It lies about ninety minutes beyond the capital and breaks the journey well after a long flight. This plan assumes a morning landing; with a later arrival we shorten the day and keep the best parts. Pinnawala began in 1975 as a Wildlife Department project, laid out in a coconut grove on the bank of the Maha Oya. Its purpose was to shelter elephants that had lost their mothers or been hurt in the wild. Mahouts and volunteers still give bottles to every calf younger than three, and twice a day the herd ambles down a village lane to the water for a long soak. That bath is the highlight, so your driver-guide plans the stop around it. Expect mud, so wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and pack a hat. From Pinnawala the road climbs through villages and rubber trees into Kandy, the final seat of the Sinhalese kings, built around a small lake. After checking in you head to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The story goes that a royal princess carried the Buddha's tooth here in her hair around the fourth century, and pilgrims have followed it ever since. Dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered, and leave your shoes at the door. At five o'clock a Kandyan cultural show gets under way, an hour of drums, dancers in heavy beaded costumes and fire-walking. Dinner is your own choice tonight, and your hotel is a short ride away. Accommodation Devon Hotel, Kandy or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After breakfast the day begins at a gem museum in Kandy. The island has produced sapphires and other gems since ancient times, and this museum explains the geology behind it, with cases of raw and polished gems, a reconstruction of a working mine and a film that follows a stone from the ground to the jeweller's bench. Showrooms sell finished pieces, but nobody has to buy, and the demonstration of cutting and setting is worth watching on its own. The middle of the day is yours. Kandy is a pleasant town to wander. The lake loop is a short walk from most hotels, the market streets are full of fruit and spices, and the lanes near the temple have small cafés where you can sit out the midday heat. Your driver-guide can suggest a lunch place or drop you back at the hotel for a rest. Later, as the light softens, you ride a short way west to Peradeniya, about five kilometres from town. The Royal Botanic Gardens fill a bend of the Mahaweli river on a site of roughly 147 acres, some 460 metres up. King Wickramabahu III held court on this land in 1371, Alexander Moon began laying out the modern gardens in 1821, and in the Second World War the Allies ran their Asian command from here. Today more than 4,000 species grow here, and the orchids and long palm-lined avenues are the best known. Allow a couple of relaxed hours, wear a hat and bring water. The evening is free. Your driver-guide is happy to book a table at a restaurant with a view over the lake or the hills. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Devon Hotel, Kandy or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After breakfast you head north out of Kandy for a spice garden at Matale, about 25 kilometres away. Guides walk you through the plots and show how cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves are grown and prepared, and which of them go into traditional Ayurvedic oils and remedies. You can smell, taste and, if you like, buy spices straight from the growers. Back in Kandy you have time for a second, slower visit to whichever place you enjoyed most. Many guests return to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to see it without the evening crowds, or revisit the gem gallery for a closer look at the cutting workshop. Your driver-guide will suggest what suits the time you have. Then it is time for the journey to Bandaranaike airport, about three hours by road. We plan the departure around your flight and leave a comfortable margin, with a short stop on the way if you would like a snack. Your driver-guide helps you to the check-in hall. Meals Breakfast Included Activities
Landmarks
Route mapWhere you'll stayThese are the hotels we plan to use. If one of them is full on your dates, we book another hotel of the same standard (“or similar”) and tell you its name before you travel. Devon Hotel, Kandy or similarKandy 2 nights · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel What's included
What's not included
Pickup & drop-offPickup: Your Volata Travels driver-guide meets you in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, with a name board. Pick-up from a hotel in Colombo or Negombo can also be arranged. Drop-off: Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure flight, with the timing planned around your flight. Important informationItinerary order and overnight stops can be adjusted to fit your dates and pace — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed departure. Cancellation policyAll cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. 19.1 Unless otherwise specified in your quotation, the following cancellation terms will apply to your booking: 19.1.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 61 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit. 19.1.2 Cancellations received 60 – 46 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25% of the tour price. 19.1.3 Cancellations received 45 – 29 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. 19.1.4 Cancellations received 28 – 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 75% of the tour price. 19.1.5 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price. 19.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net-based fares are used. 19.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details. 19.4 Volata reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred in excess of your cancellation fee as a result of cancellation.... What travellers say5.0 average from 6 customer reviews D deny, India Butifull Sri lankaGood Costomer Service WC Wei Chen, China The airport transfer was smooth, and the hotel and daily transportation arrangements were reliable. We appreciated having everything organized in advance. JT Jason Tan, Malaysia We had a relaxing holiday and enjoyed seeing so much of Sri Lanka. The itinerary was practical and well paced, with convenient travel between stops. The vehicle was comfortable throughout, making the trip feel smooth and enjoyable. PM Priya Mehta, India Sri Lanka was a pleasure to discover. The itinerary was nicely paced and included a variety of memorable places. We also appreciated the comfortable transport, which made getting around the country simple and relaxing. TV Thomas Visser, Netherlands Fantastic Family HolidayProfessional service and a comfortable vehicle. We had a memorable Sri Lanka vacation. We liked the way the itinerary moved from the busy city areas into the cooler hill country and finally to the coast. The hotel arrangements were convenient and comfortable. R ramya, india Best OptionGood Travel Agnecy And Veery Supportive You might also like      Ready to plan your Sri Lanka trip?Tell us your dates and interests — we'll put together a private itinerary within a day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Kandy?
Three days gives you the main sights without rushing. Day one covers the elephants, the Tooth Relic temple and the dance show. Day two is for gems and the botanic gardens at an easy pace, and the last morning adds a spice garden. If you also want Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya or the beach, ask us about a longer route that continues from Kandy.
How far is Kandy from the airport?
Kandy is about three hours by road from Bandaranaike airport, depending on traffic. On this tour the drive is divided by a stop at Pinnawala, about an hour and a half from Colombo, so the first day feels shorter than the distance suggests. The return journey on the last day takes about the same time.
What should I wear at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid hats inside the temple area. Shoes and socks are left at the entrance, so slip-on footwear is easiest. Light cotton trousers or a long skirt work well in the heat. White clothing is common among local worshippers, but it is not a requirement for visitors. Your driver-guide will advise on etiquette.
Is the Pinnawala visit suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love it. They can watch the herd walk to the river, see the baby elephants being bottle-fed and spot the mahouts at work. The paths are easy for pushchairs and small legs, though it can be muddy. Keep a firm hold of small children near the animals, and bring sun cream, a hat and water.
How much walking is involved?
Very little. You walk on level paths at Pinnawala and Peradeniya, climb a few steps at the temple and stroll around the spice garden and gem museum. The botanic gardens are the longest walk, but the paths are wide and you can rest on benches along the way. Anyone with limited mobility can see the main areas at their own pace.
What is the best time to do this Kandy tour?
The central hills are generally driest from December to March, with good weather into April, but this is a tour that works in any month. Most activities are short and the temple and dance show are under cover. Afternoon showers are possible year-round, so carry a light waterproof for the gardens.
Are entrance fees and meals included?
The tour includes your private vehicle, English-speaking driver-guide and bed and breakfast at your hotel in Kandy. Entrance fees at Pinnawala, the temple, the dance show and the botanic gardens are paid separately. Lunch and dinner are your own choice, and your driver-guide can suggest good local places at every stop.
Can I combine Kandy with other places?
Yes. Kandy links easily with the Cultural Triangle around Sigiriya and Dambulla, the scenic train and tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and the beaches of the south-west coast. Tell us how many days you have and we can extend this programme or add a seaside finish to it.
What's included in the 3-day tour price?
Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport; 2 nights in 3-star and 2-star hotels (or similar), double or twin room sharing; a single room if you travel alone; Daily breakfast at your hotels (bed and breakfast); All transfers and sightseeing in a private air-conditioned vehicle; English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour; Fuel, parking, driver accommodation and highway fees. The tour costs USD 232 per person when two adults share a room, or USD 451 for one traveller in a single room, for 2 nights / 3 days. These prices are valid for travel from 8 October 2026 to 30 November 2027.
What's not included?
International flights and the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee; Lunches, dinners and drinks (breakfast is included); Entrance fees and activity fees (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and cultural show, Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens); Optional tours and optional activities; Train tickets (if you choose the scenic train); Hotel supplements when you travel on 24 December and 31 December (New Year), and the Christmas supplement on 24 December; Tips, porterage and personal expenses; Early check-in and late check-out at hotels; Travel insurance and bank charges.
Is the price the same on 24 and 31 December?
Not quite. Hotels charge a compulsory supplement for the nights of 24 December (Christmas Eve) and 31 December (New Year's Eve), and these supplements are not included in the tour price. If your dates include either night, tell us when you enquire and we will confirm the supplement for the hotels on your route before you book.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes. The order of stops, the number of nights in each place, the hotels and the activities can all be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed group departure. Tell us what you would like to change and we will send a revised quote.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. Cancellations received up to 61 days before departure result in the loss of the deposit. Between 60 and 46 days before departure a charge of 25% of the tour price applies; between 45 and 29 days, 50%; between 28 and 15 days, 75%; and 14 days or less before departure the entire tour price is forfeited. Airline tickets follow the refund policy of each airline, and special event tickets follow the policy of each event. The full Terms & Conditions are at www.volatatravels.com/terms-and-conditions.