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Kandy Safaris & wildlife activities

Our most recommended Kandy Safaris & wildlife activities

Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

1. Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

Day 1 Explore the important historical monuments in Sri Lanka on this 3 days tour while visiting ancient Buddhist temples, museums, palaces, gardens, Buddha statues, and many more. Embark on an exciting and very rare 3-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka's holiest, the Cultural Triangle. Explore 5 UNESCO-listed sites where important historical monuments are to be found. Visit cultural triangle cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy. Stay overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya between private-guided sightseeing ventures. Get picked up in Colombo and head to your hotel in Sigiriya via Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka. The first activity of the 3 days tour is the hop-on hop-off city tour of the historical city of Anuradhapura. The tour covers a large number of historical places such as Buddhist temples, dagobas, palaces, gardens, and other remarkable structures in the city testify to the grandeur of ancient civilization. The city tour also includes the most sacred 8 Buddhist sites in the city, better known as "Atamasthana", Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. Later in the day settle in for a good night's sleep at your hotel in Sigiriya. Day 2 After breakfast leave for the Sigiriya rock fortress, home to one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your Sigiriya tour starts early morning, allowing you to escape the mid-day heat. Climb the rock and reach the summit to see the site of the King's palace, swimming pool, and king's throne. Soak up in the breathtaking scenery from the top of the pinnacle. Later drive to Polonnaruwa and see the dozens of ancient temples, Buddha statues, and many ancient structures built by ancient Kings. Witness massive stone-cut Buddha statues, dagobas, an audience hall, and much more at the cultural museum of Polonnaruwa. Later in the day Minneriya safari on an open jeep. Enhance your experience with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. Spot wild elephants, bears, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and maybe even a leopard. Stay overnight in Sigiriya. Day 3 Depart early for Colombo via Kandy, visiting a spice/herbal garden en route. In Matale, spices and herbs are used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine. Hear about this history as you explore the site with your guide. Later visit Dambulla Golden Temple and Tooth Relic Temple are sure to add another level of sacrosanctity to your experience. Dambulla hosts more than 150 Buddha statues and a large number of ancient murals. The next stop will be Kandy city. Today Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most important cities because of the presence of the temple of the sacred tooth of the Buddha. This is the most visited Buddhist temple on the island, frequented by thousands of devotees every day. Return to your hotel in Colombo.

Pinnawala & Kandy Day Trip from Colombo

2. Pinnawala & Kandy Day Trip from Colombo

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Colombo, and then relax in air-conditioned comfort on the journey to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth on arrival to see the sacred tooth of Buddha, a symbol of status that proved the worthiness of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Admire the beautiful architecture of the palace and look at the golden figurines in the shrine. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage You never miss the elephant gathering in river Then, explore some of the ancient crafts by traditional artisans, including gems, wood carving, and batik. Watch craft demonstrations and buy souvenir gifts before lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense. Continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, and go for a stroll in the 147-acre grounds. See over 4,000 different species of plants, including an exclusive collection of orchids, spices, and medicinal plants. Learn the history of the 19th-century gardens, and see famous plants such as the cannonball tree, giant fig tree, and 40-meter tall Burma bamboo.

From Colombo: Full-Day Pinnawala and Kandy Tour

3. From Colombo: Full-Day Pinnawala and Kandy Tour

Start your journey at 0600 hrs from Colombo and proceed to Kandy, pausing at Pinnawala for a visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This is the home for young elephants who have been displaced from their natural habitat at Pinnawala village in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Now housing 70 elephants, Pinnawala is home to the largest group of captive elephants in the world. Next, visit Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, renowned for its variety of ornamental, decorative & medicinal plants, more than 4000 species. This garden is best known for its collection of orchids, the largest in Asia. Thereafter, visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls. Lounge among delicately carved pillars and be amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Followed by a lunch break at a location of your choice. Cultural Dance Show - Be escorted to a performance of the traditional Kandyan dance, accompanied by tumultuous drumming. Dances include the cobra dance, mask dance, the Ginisisila, showing power over fire. This entire frenetic and colorful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act. Finally, you will begin your journey back to your hotel in Colombo at approximately 1930 hrs. En-route, you will stop at Ambepussa (restaurant of your choice) and have dinner.

From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock, Village Tour and Minneriya Park

4. From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock, Village Tour and Minneriya Park

Start your tour at 6:30 AM with pickup from your hotel in Kandy. The first stop on your itinerary will be the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. which you will reach at approximately 9:00 AM. Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, where you will discover spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Climb a series of vertiginous staircases attached to sheer walls to reach the top of the ruins. Pass a series of frescoes and a pair of colossal lion's paws carved into the bedrock. Marvel at the surrounding landscape of lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens, and quiet shrines that surround the site. After visiting the fortress, proceed to a local village in Sigiriya to experience a village tour. Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a local farmer. Afterwards, take a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Stroll through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch a traditional cooking demonstration, that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays.  After experiencing the village life of Sri Lanka, travel onwards to Minneriya National Park to go on safari. See the famous Sri Lankan elephants, rare bird species, saltwater crocodiles, Indian pythons, and an abundance of flora and fauna. On completion of the jeep safari at approximately 6:00 PM and return to your hotel in Kandy, stopping along the way for dinner, at your own expense.

Udawalawe National Park Private Full-Day Safari

5. Udawalawe National Park Private Full-Day Safari

Venture into the untamed wild of Udawalawe, the famous home to the majestic Sri Lankan elephants. Journey into the savanna grasslands in the hopes of seeing elephants, foxes, deer, water buffaloes, hares, mongooses, and bandicoots while also keeping an eye out for crocodiles in the wetland areas and many species of birds. Head to the Udawalawe Reservoir with the huge local mountains in the backdrop. See groups of crocodiles resting in the banks or swimming about the lakes, vibrant birds of prey going fishing, and herds of elephants visiting to quench their thirst and take a rest. Your guide will take you back to the entrance of the park at the end of the safari at 5:00 PM.

Sri Lanka's history, culture, wildlife, beach in 7-days tour

6. Sri Lanka's history, culture, wildlife, beach in 7-days tour

This 7-day Sri Lanka tour gives you a complete picture of the tropical island from historical temples, palaces, and other monuments in the north-central province to breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, mountains, and tea gardens in the hill country. The 7 days trip also gives you access to Yala national park, where you spot elusive leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffaloes, and many other creatures. The tour wind-up with an overnight stay on the west coast resort giving you time to relax. Day 1 Meet your driver and proceed to your hotel in Dambulla. You will be visiting a 1st century BC ancient temple today, Dambulla golden temple, and witness more than a hundred ancient buddha statues and paintings. Later Check-in at the hotel and leisure. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast, climb the Sigiriya rock fortress and see the site of the palace of King Kassapa, who lived in the palace in the 5th century AD. Today you can see his swimming pool, granite throne, and other ancient constructions. Later proceed to the historical city of Polonnaruwa and take the Polonnaruwa city tour. 3 hours city tour gives you an opportunity to witness temples, Buddha statues, gardens, the king's place, and many other important monuments. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 3 After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to the hotel in Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden. In the afternoon Kandy city and a walking tour and visit the temple of the tooth relic, Peradeniya botanical garden, and witness the Kandyan cultural show. Overnight stay in Kandy. Day 4 After an early morning breakfast, head to Kandy railway station and board the train to Nuwara Eliya. The hill country train journey lasts about 4 hours and is one of the most scenic train trips in the world. Immerse yourself in the captivating mountain scenery along the way. Later visit tea plantations and tea factory and the Nuwara Eliya city tour follows. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. Day 5 After breakfast, head to the south coast wildlife park, Yala national park, en-route stop at Ravana waterfalls and Sita Amman temple. In the afternoon Yala national park safari. Yala national park is the most popular wildlife park in Sri Lanka for wildlife tours and visitors can witness a large number of wild animals during the safari such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, wild buffaloes, etc. Overnight stay in Yala. Day 6 After a leisurely breakfast, leave for the hotel in Bentota. en-route walking tour of it Galle Fort, and a boat safari of the mangrove lagoon in Bentota ( Madu River estuary). Overnight stay in Kalutara/Bentota. Day 7 After a leisurely breakfast leave for Colombo. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport after your Colombo sightseeing tour. Your Colombo sightseeing tour includes Gangarama temple, Simamalaka, Viharamahadevi park, Cinnamon garden, Independence memorial hall, Galle face green, and town hall.

Central Sri Lanka: Ramboda Falls and Tea Factory Tour

7. Central Sri Lanka: Ramboda Falls and Tea Factory Tour

Visit the Ramboda Falls and a Tea Factory with a guided tour through a tea estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. Later go on a scenic tour in Nuwara Eliya City, the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make memories in the old red-bricked post office and relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory. Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World's End and the cooling sprays from Baker's Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.

From Kandy: "Ethos of Ceylon" 2-Day Cultural Triangle Tour

8. From Kandy: "Ethos of Ceylon" 2-Day Cultural Triangle Tour

Embark on a 2-day guided tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as well as one of its most famous National Parks. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of this region and get to know life as a villager.    Day 1: Kandy – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Sigiriya Start your journey with pickup from your Kandy hotel at 6:30 AM in an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Polonnaruwa to visit the Ancient Kingdom. Walk through the ruins of this city that flourished between the 10th and 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple, and the statue of King Parakramabahu, whose reign was considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history before heading to Minneriya National Park. In the park, take a 3-hour safari to catch glimpses of over 150 elephants, who congregate in one place during the dry season (May to October). As well as elephants, you’ll see many other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the scrublands, forests, and other areas. Head to your hotel in Sigiriya to check in.   Day 2: Sigiriya – Kandy After breakfast at the hotel, check out and visit Sigiriya’s “Lion Rock” Fortress. Climb to the 5th-century rock fortress where King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion and view the beautiful unfaded murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. As you walk through the tunnels leading to the palace you’re sure to get a feeling for times long past.  Afterwards, go on a village tour to experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Go on an oxen cart ride and enjoy a relaxing catamaran safari across a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields, ripe with their harvest before enjoying a home-cooked lunch, made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves. After this unique, immerse experience, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Kandy.

From Colombo: 8-Day Private Tour of Sri Lanka with Transport

9. From Colombo: 8-Day Private Tour of Sri Lanka with Transport

Day 1: Airport to Sigiriya / Dambulla welcome by our English-speaking driver from hotels at Colombo and drive to Sigiriya on the way Visiting Dambulla Golden cave temple Evening Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco national parks 4x4 safari according to Elephant’s availability Overnight at Sigiriya Day 2: Sigiriya to Kandy Earlier morning climb Sigiriya Rock before sun become rough which is suitable for pictures and climbing to the top and back to the hotel for breakfast after driving to Kandy on the way, Nalanda Gedige, Mathale Spice garden (only for a visit), Gem Museum and Workshop, & Hindu temple later Kandy city tour Evening View the traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Overnight at Kandy Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya After breakfast, drive to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya (Kandy) Later to Nuwaraeliya on the way Ramboda Falls, Tea Plantation, and Tea Factory after that Nuwara Eliya City Tour Overnight at Nuwara Eliya Day 4: Nuwara Eliya to Ella After Breakfast Drive to Visit Gregory Lake and Victoria Park Garden after 12.40 train ride to Ella do the gorgeous panoramic view train Evening Climbing Little Adam’s peak Ella Overnight at Ella Day 5: Ella to Tissamaharama / Yala National Park After Breakfast Drive to Tissamaharama on the way visiting Rawana waterfall and Buduruwagala Rock Temple Evening 4x4 Safari in Yala National Park Safari (most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean) Overnight at Tissamaharama Day 6: Tissamaharama to Mirissa After breakfast drive to Mirissa on the visit snake farm Evening Leisure at the beach resort. Overnight at Mirissa Day 07: Mirissa Earlier morning 6.30 AM whale watching from Mirissa. come back to hotel and travel to Bentota and visit Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center and Later visit Galle Dutch Fort (Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards) and Madu river boat safari Leisure at the beach resort. Overnight at Mirissa Day 8: Time to Say Bye Mirissa to Colombo or Negombo Wake up to a freshly-prepared breakfast at the hotel and then get ready to check out as it’s time to say ‘Goodbye’ to Sri Lanka. You will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or Negombo for your onward journey back home

Yala National Park: 3-Day Private Luxury Glamping Experience

10. Yala National Park: 3-Day Private Luxury Glamping Experience

Immerse yourself in the nature of South Asia and embark on a glamping adventure at the 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala. Upon arrival at Tissamarama, check into your luxurious campsite and get acquainted with the onsite amenities. Spend some time to relax, savor a delicious lunch at the campsite’s main restaurant or at one of the many outdoor locations. Venture out into the wilderness on a game drive to explore the natural landscapes of Sri Lanka. Keep an eye out as you look for leopards in their natural habitat. Afterward, head back to camp and freshen up before drinks, appetizers, and a delicious meal around the campfire. Wake up to freshly brewed Ceylon tea or coffee, leave the campsite, and trek through thick bushes with pathway access to a wonderful lake that offers breathtaking views and bird watching opportunities. Encounter elephants, deer, palm squirrels, wild boar, both endemic and migratory birds, butterflies, and land monitors slithering around the lake. Listen to singing birds while you eat breakfast by a private lake. Return to camp for lunch before heading out on a game drive at Bundala National Park which harbors a rich birdlife, including several species of migratory waterfowl. Take an alfresco shower followed by drinks and appetizers around the campfire before tucking into a BBQ meal. Leave for a morning game drive before breakfast. After a refreshing breakfast, check out and return to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Kandy

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Really good experience! At one of the attractions we should have visited, there was a really long queue and too many people, so our guide was good at coming up with a lot of other options we could see if we wanted. All the experiences were quite exciting! Our guide also found some great eateries along the way with really nice views each time. He was good at assessing when he was needed as a guide and when it was better for us to be alone and she stayed close by (eg at the restaurants). On the slightly long drive, he was also good at explaining what we saw when we looked out the windows and in general what Sri Lanka was like.

Thoroughly enjoyed this day trip to Kandy! CJ was an excellent guide, fantastic driver, and extremely knowledgeable. He went out of the way to make the day the most plesant and timeworthly experience possible. I highly recommend taking this trip.

Lalli (German speaking guide) and Jayasuriya (driver) did a super job. We got to see many places and were able to experience Sri Lankan culture. It was fun, thanks for that.

Very pleasant sunny day, with superb explanations. Lunch in a great spot, perfect day, thank you!

Great guide, comfortable car for a long trip, an interesting tour. Recommend.