Discover the wonders of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage on a captivating day trip from Colombo. Journey through scenic landscapes to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you’ll witness the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Then, explore the ancient and revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and spiritual significance. This well-curated tour promises an immersive experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. What awaits you on this remarkable adventure?
Key Points
- This day tour from Colombo offers visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth, with a total travel time of approximately 3.5 hours.
- The tour includes a 2-hour exploration of the Kandy Temple, which houses a significant Buddhist relic, and a 3-hour stay at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- The tour package provides free hotel pickup/drop-off within 12 km of Colombo, air-conditioned transportation, and entry fees for the scheduled attractions.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for individuals over 95 years old, and guests are encouraged to communicate specific needs with the tour operator.
- Customer feedback suggests delays and concerns about service quality, highlighting areas for improvement for the tour operator.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Pricing and Discounts
- Booking and Cancellation
- Transportation and Inclusions
- Accessibility and Restrictions
- Customer Feedback
- Key Highlights
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?
- Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Trip?
- Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
- How Much Time Is Allowed for Exploring Each Site?
- What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Temple of the Tooth?
- 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
Tour Overview
This day tour excursion starts from Colombo and takes visitors to explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy.
The tour lasts one day and covers approximately 3.5 hours of travel time to reach Kandy from Colombo. The main stops include a 2-hour visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and a 3-hour stay at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Optionally, travelers can also visit the Giragama Tea Factory and a spice garden.
With free hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and all entry fees included, this tour provides a comprehensive way to experience these top attractions near Colombo in a single day.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a complimentary hotel pickup within 12 km of Colombo, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the historic city of Kandy.
Upon arrival, visitors spend approximately 2 hours exploring the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses a prominent Buddhist relic.
Afterward, the journey continues to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where guests can observe the daily routines and feeding of these majestic creatures for around 3 hours.
Along the way, travelers have the option to visit a Giragama Tea Factory and a Spice Garden, though these aren’t part of the core itinerary.
The day trip is designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders.
Pricing and Discounts
Travelers can save up to 10% on the price of this day trip, with costs ranging from $81.46 to $73.31 per person. This flexibility in pricing allows visitors to find an option that fits their budget.
Plus, the tour operator offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan and budget for the excursion.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking this day trip is made easy, with a reserve now and pay later option available to visitors.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for last-minute changes in plans.
The tour price ranges from $81.46 to $73.31 per person, with a potential 10% savings.
Free hotel pickup and drop-off services are included within a 12 km radius of Colombo.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, though not recommended for individuals over 95 years old.
With these convenient booking and cancellation policies, travelers can confidently plan their Colombo day trip to explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Kandy Temple of the Tooth.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Inclusions
An air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver transports visitors on this day trip, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. Included in the tour package are parking fees, transport-related expenses, and bottled water to keep travelers hydrated throughout the journey. Entry tickets to all the scheduled attractions, such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Kandy Temple of the Tooth, are also covered as part of the tour.
The key inclusions of this day trip are:
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Free hotel pickup and drop-off within 12 km from Colombo.
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Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver.
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Entry tickets to all places and activities.
With these thoughtful inclusions, travelers can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences without worrying about additional costs or logistical concerns.
Accessibility and Restrictions
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to fully participate in the experience. However, it’s not recommended for individuals over 95 years of age.
| Accessibility | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Not suitable for individuals over 95 years |
| Accommodates mobility challenges | – |
| Full participation for all visitors | – |
While the tour caters to a wide range of participants, it’s important to consider the age and mobility needs of each traveler. Guests are advised to speak with the tour operator if they have any specific concerns or requirements to ensure the day trip meets their needs.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have provided mixed feedback on their experiences with this day trip, with an overall rating of 2 out of 5 based on a single review.
The review highlighted several issues that have impacted the customer’s satisfaction:
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Delays: The review mentioned dissatisfaction with the handling of transportation incidents, leading to delays that disrupted the planned itinerary.
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Service quality: Concerns were raised about the overall service quality and the responsiveness of the tour operators.
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Expectations not met: The review suggested that the actual experience didn’t fully align with the promises made in the tour description, leaving the customer feeling disappointed.
While a single review may not be representative of all experiences, these points provide valuable feedback for the tour operators to address and improve the overall customer experience.
Key Highlights
Amid the diverse offerings of this day trip, the highlights include the captivating Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the renowned Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
At Pinnawala, visitors can witness the world’s largest herd of captive elephants and observe the elephants’ daily bathing ritual.
The Kandy Temple, home to a relic of Buddha’s tooth, is an architectural and cultural marvel. Visitors will spend approximately 2 hours at the temple, exploring its ornate interiors and learning about its significance.
The tour also includes a stop at the Kandy Viewpoint, providing panoramic vistas of the city.
With a well-paced itinerary and seamless transportation, this day trip offers an immersive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks on the tour. The tour provider encourages bringing any food or beverages you may need during the day’s activities to ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the excursion.
Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Trip?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the trip. The tour includes stops at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Temple of the Tooth, both of which have restrooms for travelers to use.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
The tour allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can opt to include or exclude optional visits to Giragama Tea Factory and Spice Garden based on their preferences and interests.
How Much Time Is Allowed for Exploring Each Site?
The tour allows 2 hours for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and 3 hours for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Visitors can also optionally visit the Giragama Tea Factory and Spice Garden during the day, though the time allotted for these is not specified.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Temple of the Tooth?
Visitors to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy are expected to dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and knees, and removing shoes before entering the sacred site. Revealing or casual attire is generally not permitted.
Colombo: Pinnawala Orphanage, Kandy Temple of Tooth Day Trip
Recap
This day trip from Colombo offers an enchanting experience, allowing visitors to witness the world’s largest captive elephant herd at Pinnawala Orphanage.
Plus, the tour includes an exploration of the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy.
With scenic drives, optional visits to a tea factory and spice garden, and comfortable transportation, this tour promises a memorable adventure filled with natural wonders and cultural significance.
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