Kandy’s charm isn’t just in its stunning scenery and sacred sites; it’s also in how you experience them. The best way to soak up the city’s atmosphere is through a thoughtfully curated tour. Whether it’s the thrill of zipping around on a tuk-tuk or the comfort of a private full-day journey, Kandy offers options for every traveler. We particularly like exploring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — a UNESCO site — in style and comfort, or catching a Kandyan dance show as part of a city highlight tour. With so many options tailored to different interests and budgets, it’s an ideal place for flexible exploring.
If you’re keen on authentic local transport, tuk-tuk tours give a lively, up-close view of the city’s streets and hidden corners. For those wanting to learn about Kandy’s history and culture more deeply, private tours often include visits to botanical gardens, tea factories, and scenic viewpoints, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Our favorite? Combining cultural visits with an engaging guide makes for an unforgettable day — especially when you can customize the itinerary.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the types of tours available and what makes each one special before diving into detailed reviews of each option.
Quick Overview
Kandy’s city tours range from affordable tuk-tuk rides to luxury private day trips. Many tours focus on the city’s key landmarks, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Others combine scenic viewpoints like the Kandy View Point with cultural performances or visits to spice gardens. For a truly comprehensive experience, some tours extend to nearby attractions like Ambuluwawa Tower or Gampola’s mountain views. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk
At number 2 on our list is the Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk, which has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 123 reviews. Priced at just $12 per person and lasting around 5 to 6 hours, this tour offers a personalized look at Kandy with experienced drivers. This company specializes in tailored tuk-tuk rides, so you get to see the city’s highlights comfortably and at your own pace. The itinerary includes a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with scenic stops at the Kandy View Point and Bahirawakanda Temple. One of the key benefits is the ability to avoid crowds and explore quieter spots, as confirmed by reviews praising the driver’s local knowledge and friendly service. Guests love the flexibility and the opportunity to see both famous landmarks and lesser-known viewpoints.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a flexible, fun introduction to Kandy with a local guide in a small, eco-friendly tuk-tuk.
2. Kandy City Explore Tour Morning/Evening Private Tour
Ranking just behind the tuk-tuk experience, the Kandy City Explore Tour provides a more traditional approach, with a private guide and tuk-tuk. For only $5 per person over 5 hours, it offers excellent value. This tour covers main attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and Bahirawakanda Buddha, with flexibility to accommodate your requests. Reviewers highlight the ease of booking and the opportunity to see the city’s key sights without the hassle of negotiating taxis. While less detailed in the description, its focus on personalized service makes it a good choice for travelers wanting a straightforward overview of Kandy’s highlights.
Bottom Line: An affordable and flexible private tour suitable for those who want a quick, personalized city overview.
3. Kandy City Tour by Lux Tours Lanka
At number 4, the Kandy City Tour by Lux Tours Lanka offers a full-day private experience for around $5.50 per group, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for a comprehensive exploration. The tour is highly customizable, with highlights like the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Botanical Gardens, and other hidden gems. The driver-guide loves the city and provides tailored insights. Guests appreciate the ability to visit both well-known and lesser-seen sights, with some reviews mentioning visits to the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya and Udawattakele Forest Reserve. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace and in-depth cultural insights.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private tour with a focus on off-the-beaten-path highlights, perfect for those who want to customize their day.
4. Kandy City Tour With Ambuluwawa Tower
Ranking fifth, this 8-hour private tour for $13 per person combines city highlights with a nature adventure. The big draw is a visit to Ambuluwawa Tower, where you climb a spiral staircase to enjoy 360-degree views of the hills. The tour also visits the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth, and offers cultural performances like Kandyan dance. Guests enjoy the mix of natural beauty and cultural sites, with reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and the scenic stops. This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and outdoor activity, all in a comfortable private vehicle.
Bottom Line: An engaging choice for those who want a scenic, diverse day that includes panoramic views and cultural sights.
5. Kandy Heritage City Tour by tuktuk
This 5-8 hour tour claims a perfect 5-star rating for its personalized approach and access to Kandyan landmarks like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens. The guide offers deep insights into Kandy’s heritage, with the added bonus of cultural performances. Reviewers love the small-group intimacy and the chance to see less-touristy spots. The tour balances culture with sightseeing, making it ideal for history and culture enthusiasts who want a relaxed pace and tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in cultural stories and authentic experiences, with flexible scheduling.
6. Kandy City Tour with Ambuluwawa Tower
This 8-hour tour for $13 per person takes you up Ambuluwawa Mountain for stunning views from the Ambuluwawa Tower. Alongside, you’ll visit Bahirawakanda Buddha, Temple of the Tooth, and Royal Botanical Gardens. Guests appreciate the “excitement of riding tuk-tuks to scenic spots” and the opportunity to explore the multi-faith center and biodiversity complex. It’s well-suited for travelers craving a bit of outdoor adventure combined with cultural sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Offers a scenic, activity-rich experience perfect for those who enjoy combining nature with culture.
7. Kandy Heritage City Tour by tuktuk
This tour earns a 5-star review and offers 5 to 8 hours exploring Kandy’s key sites in a small group. Highlights include Kandy View Point, Kandy Lake, Eternal Flame, and cultural performances. Visitors enjoy the personalized service and the chance to see hidden cultural corners without the crowds. It’s an excellent option for travelers wanting a blend of sightseeing, culture, and a touch of local life.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an in-depth cultural tour with flexibility and personal attention.
8. I Day Kandy City Tour
Ranking high with a 5-star rating, this long tour (12-14 hours) is designed for travelers wanting to pack in almost every major site in one day. It includes visits to Kandy View Point, Bahirawakanda Buddha, Botanical Gardens, Kandyan Cultural Centre, and the Temple of the Tooth. The tour also features free traditional foods and a visit to a tea factory, adding to the value. It’s highly recommended for those with limited time and who want to see everything in a single, organized day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free overview of Kandy’s highlights.
9. Kandy City Tour in a TukTuk
This 10-hour tuk-tuk tour offers a mix of cultural, spiritual, and scenic experiences, including the Temple of the Tooth, Embekka Dewalaya, Bahirawakanda Buddha, and Royal Botanical Gardens. Reviewers praise the “friendly, knowledgeable driver” and the flexibility to customize the day. It’s suitable for those who want a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and local stories.
Bottom Line: A flexible, full-day adventure perfect for those craving local flavor and a personal guide.
10. Kandy: Guided City Tour by Tuk-Tuk
This 4.5-hour tour is for travelers interested in a quick, guided introduction to Kandy. Highlights include the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake, with a focus on local insights. Guests enjoy the ease of sightseeing in a tuk-tuk while learning about the city’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide. It’s a good option if your time is limited but you want to cover the main sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who still want a rich introduction to Kandy.
11. Kandy Private Guided City Day Tour by Local
Rated 4.9, this day tour combines tuk-tuk and car journeys for a fully customizable experience. It includes visits to famous monuments and cultural spots, with flexible options to add or skip sites based on your interests. Reviewers love the personalized attention and the opportunity to explore less touristy parts.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a tailored, private experience with local insights.
12. Kandy City Tour with Ambuluwawa by Tuk Tuk
This 4-8 hour tour for up to 3 people covers Ambuluwawa Tower, Bahirawakanda Buddha, Temple of the Tooth, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Reviewers highlight its informative stops and good value, especially for small groups. The tour suits travelers interested in combining viewpoints, culture, and nature.
Bottom Line: Compact, scenic, and flexible—ideal for small groups wanting variety in one day.
13. Explore Kandy Full Day Tuk Tuk City Tour
This full-day tour (3-5 hours, depending on pace) gives you an up-close look at Kandy’s markets, gardens, and cultural sites. It includes a cooking class and visits to less crowded spots, making it perfect for travelers seeking authenticity. With reviews praising the local flavor and personalized service, it’s suited for those wanting to experience Kandy beyond the typical tourist stops.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want an immersive, interactive day with a focus on local life.
14. Kandy City Sightseeing and Ambuluwawa Tower by Tuk Tuk Tour
Topping the list at around 7 hours for $20 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Kandy and Ambuluwawa Tower. The itinerary includes temples, viewpoints, botanical gardens, and a cultural dance show. Reviewers mention its value for money and the joy of combining sightseeing with scenic views. It’s ideal for travelers eager for a full, varied day.
Bottom Line: Well-rounded, flexible, and great for those wanting a full taste of Kandy’s sights in one trip.
How to Choose the Best Kandy City Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and personal interests. For a budget-friendly introduction, the private tours costing around $5-$12 offer great value and flexibility. If you love scenic views and outdoor activity, tours with Ambuluwawa Tower or botanical gardens are ideal. Those seeking deep cultural experiences will appreciate tours that include traditional dance performances or visits to less touristy temples. For a comprehensive day, the full-day private tours or the sightseeing package with Ambuluwawa are your best bets. Booking early, especially during peak seasons, guarantees availability and the best choices.
Kandy’s cityscape is full of surprises—whether you prefer zipping through on a tuk-tuk, relaxing in a private vehicle, or exploring on foot. For best results, match your tour choice to your interests: cultural highlights for history lovers, scenic viewpoints for nature fans, or full-day experiences for those who want to see everything. Remember, booking in advance helps avoid last-minute disappointments, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods. No matter which option you choose, your exploration of Kandy will be memorable, authentic, and full of stories to tell back home.