Kandy City Tour By Lesley Tuk Tuk Safari

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Kandy City Tour By Lesley Tuk Tuk Safari

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(19 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the essence of Kandy with a full-day cultural and scenic tour that takes you through some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions. Begin your journey with a spiritual visit to Asgiriya Maha Viharaya and marvel at the towering Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue. Wander through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens and the peaceful Cinnamon Garden, perfect for nature lovers seeking a serene escape.

Visit the Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, home to one of the longest walking Buddha statues in South Asia, and delve into the art of tea making at the New Giragama Tea Factory. Take in breathtaking panoramic views from Kandy View Point, explore authentic craftsmanship at the Kandy Gem Centre, and immerse yourself in local traditions during the vibrant Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show.

We proudly offer this tour for solo travelers, couples, and groups of all sizes—ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience for every kind of traveler.

Available options

Kandy City Tour By Lesley Tuk Tuk Safari

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Professional Guide

Fuel Charges

Detailed itinerary

Begin your day with a peaceful visit to this lesser-known but historically significant Buddhist temple, home to serene surroundings and traditional Kandyan architecture.

Marvel at the giant Buddha statue overlooking Kandy. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Explore a local spice garden where you'll learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom—along with a brief demonstration of traditional Ayurvedic uses.

A quick photo stop at this charming colonial-era bridge, offering scenic river views and a glimpse into local village life.

Stroll through Sri Lanka’s most beautiful botanical garden, home to over 4,000 species of plants including orchids, palm trees, and medicinal herbs. A nature lover’s paradise.

Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka’s precious gem industry. See stunning collections of sapphires, rubies, and other gems, along with insights into the mining and polishing process.

Visit one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in the area. Walk along the peaceful forest path and admire the striking life-size statues and calm spiritual atmosphere.

Experience Sri Lanka’s iconic tea culture with a visit to a working tea factory. Learn how tea is processed from leaf to cup and enjoy a fresh brew overlooking the lush plantation.

Enjoy a scenic viewpoint of Kandy Lake and the city skyline. A perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.

Watch a live Kandyan cultural dance performance featuring traditional costumes, drumming, and fire-walking. A vibrant glimpse into local heritage.

Stop 11

End the day with a visit to Kandy’s most sacred Buddhist site. This UNESCO World Heritage temple houses a relic of Lord Buddha and offers a spiritual and cultural experience unlike any other.

What's not included

Royal Botanical Gardens Entrance Fee

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show Entrance Fee

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Entrance Fee

Available languages

Guide guide

AR HI EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

17 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

️ Note: Entry fees to attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Garden, and Cultural Dance Show are not included in the tour price and must be purchased at the entrance. Lesley will assist you with ticket purchases on-site.

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.