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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy: Our most recommended tours and activities

Pinnawala & Kandy Day Trip from Colombo

1. 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.

Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

2. Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

Explore the best of Sri Lanka with this tour to the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, rolling tea plantations in Ella, the chance to see wild elephants in the Udawalawa National park. Day 1 - Be welcomed by your guide at the Colombo International Airport where your guide will take you to your hotel in Colombo. Day 2 - Journey from Colombo to Sigiriya after eating a filling breakfast. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Relax before heading to the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya before having dinner and staying at a 4-star hotel in Sigiriya. Day 3 - Travel to Kandy after a hearty breakfast to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which holds the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. Take some time to unwind in your hotel before proceeding to see the amazing flora at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Eat dinner and stay overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kandy. Day 4 - Next, have a full breakfast before heading to Ella to walk among the lush tea plantations. Learn more about the colonial history of Sri Lanka and take in stunning landscape views. Return to your hotel in Ella for dinner and to rest. Day 5 - After breakfast, drive to Udawalawa National park where you can spot elephants in their natural habitat.

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 Colombo: 2-Day All-Inclusive Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Tour

4. From Colombo: 2-Day All-Inclusive Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Tour

Take a 2-day adventure and tour Sri Lanka and see the many natural and rural sights. Discover popular destinations and take a boat ride on Gregory Lake. Visit St. Clare and Devon waterfalls, tour a tea factory, enjoy the botanical gardens in Kandy, and much more. Enjoy an early pickup from your hotel in Colombo, Negombo, or Mount Lavinia and head towards Nuwara Eliya. En route visit St. Clare and Devon waterfalls and taste a delicious lunch at Nuwara Eliya. After lunch, proceed to the Pedro tea factory and tea plantation. If you wish, you may also pluck tea with estate workers. Arrive back to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel. Later, ride by boat on Gregory lake and enjoy a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy your dinner with one complimentary beer per person. Afterward, enjoy an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Wake the next morning and eat breakfast before you drive to Kandy. En route, visit the Ramboda waterfalls. Then, find yourself at the Peradeniya botanical gardens, one of the best in all of Asia. Afterward, eat lunch at Oakray Restaurant, then proceed to tour the city of Kandy. Make a visit to the Kandy Temple and Kandy itself, the hill capital of hill country. It is known as the last stronghold of Sinhalese kings after the Portuguese, Dutch, and British ruling periods. For Buddhists of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a sacred site, known to the home of Dalada Maligawa. After witnessing the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, depart back to your hotel, arriving in the evening.

Colombo or Negombo: Temple of the Tooth Kandy Day Trip

5. Colombo or Negombo: Temple of the Tooth Kandy Day Trip

Your day will begin with pickup from your Colombo or Negombo hotel from where you will transfer to Kandy. En route to Kandy you will visit a tea factory and a tea plantation. You will later visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, which was formed by Alexandar Moon in 1821 during the British colonial period. He used the garden for coffee and cinnamon plants, and the garden includes more than 4,000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Following the gardens you will enjoy lunch at a recommended restaurant, after which you will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This is the site that Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth relic calls home. The Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic is the most sacred and venerated temple in Sri Lanka, and is a must-see when visiting Sri Lanka. You will then enjoy a Kandy city tour which will include time for shopping. Following that you will transfer back to Colombo to be dropped off at your Colombo or Negombo hotel.

From Bentota: Kandy Tour with Tooth Temple & Gardens Visit

6. From Bentota: Kandy Tour with Tooth Temple & Gardens Visit

The day begins with hotel pickup in Bentota. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle through mountain valleys and tea plantations to Kegalle, and take in the delicious aromas of its spice gardens which attracted merchants from all over the world to the ports of Sri Lanka.   Continue on to the ancient capitol of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Explore the the area surrounding Kandy Lake and check out the Hindu and Buddhist temples within the Natha Devale. The next stop on the route is the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, home to over 8,000 different species of trees and plants. Finally, visit a local tea factory and relax with a cup of unblendes, fresh Ceylon tea before the return journey.

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

7. 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.

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

8. 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

From Negombo: 8-Day Ramayana Themed Private Trip & Temples

9. From Negombo: 8-Day Ramayana Themed Private Trip & Temples

Day 01 You will be picked up from your hotel or the airport in the selected cities and greeted by your personal guide and take you to Colombo. Overnight stay at Ceylon City Hotel or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 02 You will drive to Rumassala in Galle (approx. 2 hours). It is part of the Himalaya Hill that was fallen when Mighty Hanuman was carrying it to find life-saving herbs for saving the life of both Lords Rama and Lakshmana. After this visit, you will be taken to Ussangoda (approx. 2 hours drive). It is believed that Lord Hanuman torched some parts of King Ravana’s empire and Ussanggoda is on the torched areas. Proceed to Katharagama (approx. 2 hours) and visit Kataragama shrine. It is said that God Kataragama came from India, married a Jungle Girl from Sri Lanka and lived here. Overnight at Lake Wind Resort or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 03 After breakfast, you will be driven to Ella (approx. 3 hours) where you can visit Ravana falls and Ravana Caves. The locals believe that King Ravana has lived in one of the caves above the waterfalls. On completion, you will be driven to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2 hours), en-route visit Hakgala Botanical gardens and Seethai Amman Temple. Overnight at Camellia Lake Resort or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 04 In the morning, you will visit the Gayathri Peedam where King Ravana's son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and poojas and in return was granted super natural powers by lord Shiva. After this visit, we will drive to Kandy (approx. 3 hours) en-route visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple - on the hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sita. Overnight at Oak ray City Hotel or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 05 Today you can do a city tour of Kandy including visits to Botanical Garden and Temple of Tooth Relic. Overnight at Oak ray City Hotel or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 06 After breakfast drive to Sigiriya. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple. In the afternoon, you can climb the Sigiriya rock fortress. Overnight at Sungreen Hotel or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 07 Today you will be driven to Munneshwaram Temple and Mannavari Temple (approx. 5 hours). Munishwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here and Mannavari Temple is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Overnight at Camelot Beach Resort or Similar hotel on B&B basis. Day 08 There is no itinerary planned today. You will be driven to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or the selected cities.

Kandy: City Tour by Tuk-tuk with Lunch and Dance Performance

10. Kandy: City Tour by Tuk-tuk with Lunch and Dance Performance

Learn about the history and traditions of Kandy on this city tour by tuk-tuk. Visit various temples and cap off your day by watching a cultural show. After being picked up from your hotel, start your day by visiting the Kandy temple. Pay your respects at the Palace of the Sacred Tooth Relic where the tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Then, head over to the audience hall which boasts unique Kandyan architecture. Proceed to the hidden treasure that is the Bahirawakanda temple. Marvel at the large seated Buddha statue enshrined in the temple, which is visible from almost anywhere in Kandy. At the top of the temple, admire the incredible views of the city. Continue your tuk-tuk ride to visit the flourishing Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Wander through the paths of green lawns and learn about a wide variety of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Enjoy some free time for shopping before finishing your tour with an unforgettable traditional Kandyan dance performance with drummers, fire dancers, and more. This cultural show will captivate your ears and eyes with displays of local culture and art.

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What people are saying about Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 14 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.

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.

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.