Colombo Trip Overview
Known for spirituality and laid-back charm, Kandy has everything peaceful and balmy about it. The beautiful Sri Lankan city is also a popular attraction for the Buddhists. There are quite a few temples, meditation centers with dense nature around, and exciting trails. Go around and discover eternal comfort as you plan a much-awaited trip to Sri Lanka.. Located in the Central Highlands, just a few kilometers to the south west of Kandy, a 7km (4mi) path links the Embekke, Lankathilake and Gadaladeniya temples. The path takes you past fertile rice fields and through small bustling towns lined with colorful houses and the sight of local woman swathed in vibrant saris.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Soak in the breathtaking views as you explore the Mystic City of Kandy
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Known for spirituality and laid-back charm, Kandy has everything peaceful and balmy about it. The beautiful Sri Lankan city is also a popular attraction for the Buddhists. There are quite a few temples, meditation centers with dense nature around, and exciting trails. Go around and discover eternal comfort as you plan a much-awaited trip to Sri Lanka.. Located in the Central Highlands, just a few kilometers to the south west of Kandy, a 7km (4mi) path links the Embekke, Lankathilake and Gadaladeniya temples. The path takes you past fertile rice fields and through small bustling towns lined with colorful houses and the sight of local woman swathed in vibrant saris.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Soak in the breathtaking views as you explore the Mystic City of Kandy
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo/Colombo – Kandy
Stop At: Geragama Tea Factory, Geragama Estate Rd, Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka
Ceylon Tea is one of the unique features which makes Sri Lanka known throughout the continent. There are number of tea plantations spread throughout the country and your visit to Sri Lanka would Be in vain if you miss visiting of theses tea factories. Giragama is one of the premium and the oldest tea plantations in Sri Lanka, located close to Kandy. Guided tours are available (in different major languages) that show you all the steps – from brining in the fresh green leaves to packing premium Ceylon tea, ready for shipments. After enjoying a cup of high grown processed tea, you will set out to explore the plantation to conclude your tour with the tea estate experience. Do not forget to buy couple of tea packs at the end of your visit from the tea shop.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Located outside the hustling city of kandy Peradeniya Botanical garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The origin of the gardens dates back to the 14C century, but they were not formally established until 1843 when the British took control of the Kandyan Kingdom. During the development of the gardens, a wide variety of plants were moved from several other parts of the island including Slave Island in Colombo and Kalutara on the west coast. Many species were also shipped from Kew Gardens in London, which has the most diverse botanical collection in the world.The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one prime vacation spot of slope nation and remains very overwhelmed with travelers consistently. One can pack some nourishment to appreciate an outside outing here or can savor the cafeteria inside serving neighborhood and western food.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Bahirawa Kanda Rd, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is situated on a hill named just 2 km from the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This beautifully sculptured white Buddha statue was built in 1972. Standing at 88 feet, it is considered as one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. There is a Buddhist temple located alongside the Buddha statue in the Bahirawa Kanda hill. The hill provides panoramic views of the Kandy city including the mountain range nearby and the Bogambara prison. Devotees can worship in the temple.The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue displays Lord Buddha seated in the Nirvana pose and can be viewed from the entire city of Kandy. The best time to climb up the hill for spectacular views of the Kandy city is at night when the entire city is lit up with lights.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
One of the greatest attraction and a must do for the visitors of the hill country, Kandy, is to take a walking tour around Kandy Lake which dominates the heavenly location with its cascading beauty. A silent stroll especially during the sunset time, enjoying the sounds of nature is a splendid way of coming close to Mother Earth and devouring the blissfulness. Being based next to Temple of the Tooth this is an artificial lake built in 1807 by the Royal King of Sri Lanka.The whole walk is around 2.1 mile and consists of enchanting scenic splendor covered with several rest zones where one can sit and enjoy the harmony and serene beauty of the Temple and the lake. In the midst of the lake there is a small island with palm trees making the lake look more eye arresting.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake Club – Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Watch a Kandyan cultural show and be awed by the spectacular dance, acrobatics, costumes and music. Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but has now spread to different regions of the island. Originated from a dance performed by Indian shamans who came to the island, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in Sri Lankan culture and is a much-anticipated event during perahera processions. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kapkariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay in a 3 Star Hotel In Kandy
Day 2: Kandy – Negombo/Colombo
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Preserving the Relic of Buddha in this haven of refuge, it was declared that whoever houses and protects it is automatically given the power to rule the country. The artefact serves as a significant symbol of Sinhalese identity and pride. Everyday thousands of white-clad pilgrims make their way to this hallowed space, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani for their offerings and prayers, known as pujas. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket, visitors and devotees always visit the Temple during puja just to have a look at the well protected inner shrine where it is kept.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya, 6HM7+JX7, Daulagala, Sri Lanka
A mere kilometre away stands the imposing Lankatilaka Vihara (monastery), the best example of architecture during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV who made Gampola the capital of Sri Lanka during the mid-fourteenth century. Built on natural rock, the temple mixes stone, plaster and wood within its uniquely Sinhalese architectural style and is home to many ancient paintings which draw people from afar.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Embekke Devalaya, Embekka Village Three Kilometers from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Handessa 20480 Sri Lanka
The Embekke temple was built by King Vikramabahu III to honour King Mahasena who ruled Sri Lanka from 277 to 304 AD. The Devalaya (temple) has three main areas; the Sanctrum of Garagha, Dancing Hall and the Drummers Hall which is beautifully decorated with splendid wood sculptures and carvings of dragons and fierce battles between lions and elephants.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gadaladeniya, Sri Lanka
Lastly we arrive at the Gadaladeniya temple which is made almost exclusively from stone and is considered one of the largest stone temples on the island. It is another example of an imposing temple built during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV during the mid- fourteenth century and following the Sinhalese architecture style from the Polonnaruwa era. The main shrine in the temple has a seated Buddha statue underneath a dragons arch (‘Makara Thorana’) which is richly decorated.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
