Kandy Pinnawala full day tour from Bentota and Kalutara

Imagine waking up in your resort along Sri Lanka’s stunning west coast, ready for a journey through the island’s most iconic sights. This full-day tour from Bentota or Kalutara offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural treasures — for a price of $120 per person, including transportation, guides, and a well-planned itinerary. Our guide, whose friendly knowledge made every stop engaging, helped us understand the significance of each location beyond just the photos we snapped.

What we loved most was the chance to see elephants bathing in natural river pools at Pinnawala, and the awe of standing inside Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, home to one of Buddhism’s most sacred treasures. The lush Peradeniya Botanical Garden was a peaceful oasis full of orchids, palms, and birds, and the spice garden visit brought the island’s aromatic history to life.

A potential consideration? The long but rewarding day means you need to be ready for a fair amount of travel — roughly 12 to 14 hours. But if you’re eager to maximize your cultural and natural experiences in a single day, this tour hits many highlights and offers excellent value for the price.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Kandy and Pinnawala without the hassle of organizing separate visits. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided commentary, like to see a diverse set of sights in one trip, and don’t mind a full day on the road.

Key Points

Comprehensive route covering elephants, temples, gardens, and spice farms
All-in-one package with guided tours, transportation, and entry to key sites
Authentic experiences such as elephant bathing and a visit to the sacred Tooth Relic Temple
Long but rewarding day suitable for travelers with an interest in cultural and natural highlights
Flexible booking options with cancelation up to 24 hours beforehand
Ideal for travelers wanting to see a lot in one day without planning the logistics

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Taking this tour is like packing Sri Lanka’s top sights into a single, well-organized day. We found that the itinerary is ambitious but thoughtfully designed to balance travel time with meaningful stops. It’s particularly suited for visitors staying on the west coast who want to explore inland without the hassle of separate arrangements.

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Starting at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Your adventure begins in the early morning with hotel pickup from over 400 hotels along the coast — a plus for those who prefer not to navigate Sri Lanka’s sometimes confusing transportation options. The highlight here is watching elephants bathing in the river and mingling in their nursery. You’ll see a variety of elephants — some calves just a few days old, others grown adults — all cared for with evident affection. Visitors often comment that seeing the elephants in a natural setting, especially during their bath, is a memorable experience. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the elephants interacted with each other, and the staff was clearly dedicated to their welfare.”

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Next, the tour takes you to Kandy’s most famous landmark, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple isn’t just a religious site; it’s a symbol of Sri Lankan identity and history. Our guide emphasized its political importance, as the relic has historically been a symbol of authority and sovereignty. You’ll have a guided walk through the temple complex, learning about its history and significance.

Be sure to dress appropriately for this visit — modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required, so plan accordingly. The atmosphere inside the temple is both reverent and lively, especially during the daily rituals. Visitors have described it as “a breathtaking experience to see the sacred relic housed in such a regal setting.”

Cultural Shows and Local Arts

Following the temple visit, you might enjoy the cultural show that features traditional Sri Lankan drumming, dancing, and even fire walking. It’s a lively showcase that adds context to the spiritual significance of Kandy and its customs.

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Botanical Gardens and Spice Farms

After lunch, the tour takes a more fragrant turn with visits to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and a spice garden. We loved wandering through the gardens, where orchids, palms, and towering trees create a peaceful escape. The garden also attracts a variety of birds, making it a delight for nature lovers.

The spice garden at Matale offers insight into the aromatic plants that have made Sri Lanka famous. As one reviewer pointed out, “Walking through the spice garden, you realize just how important these herbs are to Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine.” It’s a colorful, fragrant experience that connects you with the island’s history as a spice trading hub.

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Kandy City and Shopping

The final part of the day includes a driving tour of Kandy’s downtown, including Kandy Lake, charming shops like the Silk Garden, Hemachjandra jewelry, and the famed Barefoot store. For those interested in souvenirs, this is a good chance to pick up local crafts or textiles. The guided commentary helps you appreciate the city’s blend of history, religion, and modern life.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire trip is around 12 to 14 hours, so prepare for a long day. The transportation, a comfortable private vehicle, keeps the journey smooth.
The price of $120 includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, all site visits, and a guide. Entry fees to the elephant orphanage, temple, and botanical garden are not included, so budget accordingly.
Since the tour involves a sacred temple, dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees are expected.
Food isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during the day.
The tour is offered in English and German, with a live guide, making it engaging and educational.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is a great choice for those who want an overview of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights without the hassle of self-organizing multiple visits. If you’re interested in seeing elephants in a natural setting, exploring Kandy’s spiritual heart, and tasting Sri Lanka’s spice heritage, this tour hits all those marks.

With the guidance of knowledgeable guides and the convenience of door-to-door transport, it offers a value-packed day that combines education, culture, and a bit of fun. Just remember it’s a full day — but if you’re ready for a comprehensive look at these iconic sights, it’s hard to beat this experience for the price.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 12 to 14 hours, including travel time, so be prepared for a long but rewarding day.

What is included in the price?
The $120 fee covers hotel pick-up and drop-off on the west coast, transportation, a guide, and guided tours at each site. Entry fees are not included.

Do I need special clothing for the temple?
Yes, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required for visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes — families with children who enjoy sightseeing and don’t mind a long day will find it manageable.

What language are guides available in?
Guides are available in English and German, providing clear commentary throughout the day.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or have a meal break during the day.

What’s the highlight of the tour?
Many say the elephant bathing at Pinnawala and the sacred atmosphere of the Tooth Relic Temple are the most memorable.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Pinnawala, the temple, and botanical gardens are paid separately.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses private vehicles that are comfortable and air-conditioned, making the long day more pleasant.

This full-day tour from Bentota and Kalutara offers a well-rounded, authentic snapshot of Sri Lanka’s spiritual, natural, and cultural riches. Perfect for travelers eager to see the highlights in a single day, it balances guided insight with the opportunity to absorb the sights at your own pace.