Exploring the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of Sri Lanka can be an immersive and rewarding experience. This full-day excursion from Colombo promises to whisk travelers on a captivating journey, delving into the enchanting sights and sounds of Kandy, Pinnawala, and a local tea factory. From witnessing the majesty of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to marveling at the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, each stop on this meticulously curated itinerary offers a glimpse into the country’s vibrant heritage. With comfortable transportation, informative guides, and the opportunity to savor the renowned Sri Lankan tea, this day trip unveils a tapestry of experiences that…
Key Points
- This full-day trip from Colombo covers visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and a tea factory.
- The trip is priced at €56.51 per person and includes transportation, bottled water, and Wi-Fi access.
- Highlights include observing elephant feeding and bathing, exploring the UNESCO-listed Kandy Temple, and learning about tea production.
- The tour provides a well-rounded experience showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, natural wonders, and local industries.
- Comprehensive coverage includes entrance fees, with the option to reserve now and pay later for added convenience.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Colombo
Contents
- Key Points
- Trip Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Transportation and Logistics
- Included Costs
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Exploring Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Discovering Kandy and Tea Production
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Recommended Attire for the Trip?
- Can Children Participate in the Tour?
- Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?
- What Should Participants Bring With Them?
- Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs During the Trip?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Colombo
- More 1-Day Tours in Colombo
- More Tour Reviews in Colombo
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Colombo we have recnetly reviewed
Trip Overview and Pricing
This full-day trip from Colombo to Kandy, Pinnawala, and a tea factory is priced at €56.51 per person and lasts 12 hours.
The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option. Travelers can also choose the convenient ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option.
The reasonably-priced tour covers transportation, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and well-connected experience.
With the tour’s comprehensive itinerary, visitors can expect to explore Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and a tea factory, all while having the opportunity to purchase local arts and crafts.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Colombo
Itinerary Highlights
The tour offers a diverse array of experiences, allowing visitors to observe elephants feeding and bathing at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, explore the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and discover Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and hill stations.
Along the way, participants have the opportunity to visit gem, craft, and batik factories, where they can browse and purchase local arts and crafts.
The highlight of the trip is a visit to a tea factory, where guests can learn about the production process and sample a variety of teas.
This well-rounded itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Transportation and Logistics
Pickup is available from hotels in Colombo and Negombo, with participants advised to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Air-conditioned transportation is provided throughout the day-long excursion, which also includes bottled water and WiFi access.
Travelers can sit back and relax as they’re transported to the various destinations, including the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and a local tea factory.
The seamless logistics ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, allowing guests to focus on exploring the highlights of this full-day adventure without the hassle of navigating the transportation.
Included Costs
From Colombo: Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day Trip
Entrance fees for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage ($15) and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ($6) are included in the tour price. However, lunch isn’t provided, allowing participants to choose from a variety of restaurants with scenic views over Kandy. This gives them the flexibility to explore local cuisine and cater to personal preferences.
The tour’s comprehensive coverage includes:
-
Observing elephants at the Pinnawala Orphanage
-
Visiting the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
-
Exploring Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and hill stations
-
Touring a tea factory to learn about tea production and sample local teas
This balanced itinerary ensures a well-rounded experience without overwhelming the participants.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars for this full-day trip from Colombo, based on 45 reviews. They’ve particularly praised the transportation, which received a 4.8/5 rating.
The tour guides’ knowledge, flexibility, and strong communication skills have been highlighted as key factors in enhancing the experience. Reviewers have consistently recommended specific guides, praising their helpfulness and ability to make the tour truly memorable.
While the included entry fees and visits to local factories offer a comprehensive experience, the lack of a provided lunch has received some mixed feedback.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Colombo
Exploring Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
One of the highlights of the full-day trip is the visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where travelers can observe the herd of resident elephants during their daily feeding and bathing routines.
As the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, the orphanage provides a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close.
The visit offers:
-
A glimpse into the conservation efforts to protect and rehabilitate orphaned or abandoned elephants.
-
Insights into the elephants’ social dynamics and behaviors.
-
Appreciation for the delicate balance between human interaction and the elephants’ well-being.
-
A chance to support the orphanage’s mission through admission fees and responsible tourism.
Discovering Kandy and Tea Production
After exploring the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the full-day trip continues on to the historic city of Kandy, which was the last capital of the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms. At the heart of Kandy lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses what is believed to be a sacred relic of the Buddha. Visitors can marvel at the ornate architecture and learn about the cultural significance of this important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Following the temple visit, the tour proceeds to a local tea factory, where participants can witness the intricate process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to packaging the final product. They’ll also have the opportunity to sample various tea varieties and learn about the unique flavors and aromas that make Sri Lankan tea so renowned.
| Tea Production Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Plucking | Harvesting the fresh tea leaves |
| Withering | Removing moisture from the leaves |
| Rolling | Shaping the leaves into small, uniform pieces |
| Fermentation | Oxidizing the leaves to develop flavor |
| Drying | Removing remaining moisture |
| Grading & Packaging | Sorting leaves by quality and packing for distribution |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Attire for the Trip?
The recommended attire for the day trip includes comfortable walking shoes, light, breathable clothing, and sun protection like a hat or sunglasses. Visitors should dress for the warm, tropical climate and be prepared for some walking.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children are welcome to participate in the tour. The trip itinerary and activities accommodate families, and children typically enjoy observing the elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and learning about tea production at the factory.
Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture photos of the elephants at Pinnawala Orphanage and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, though some restrictions may apply at certain locations.
What Should Participants Bring With Them?
Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a camera, and any necessary medication. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash for incidental expenses and souvenirs. Staying hydrated by bringing a water bottle is recommended.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs During the Trip?
The full-day tour includes admission fees to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of their own lunch during the trip.
From Colombo: Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day Trip
“Our driver Yuan was very good, felt safe, he took us to many places and a super restaurant for lunch – it was a very long day for him but he smiled…”
Recap
This full-day excursion from Colombo offers a captivating blend of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural wonders.
Visitors can explore the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and learn about the country’s vibrant tea industry.
With comfortable air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, travelers can enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich heritage throughout this 12-hour journey.
You can check availability for your dates here:
