Explore In Kandy With Lesley

Explore In Kandy With Lesley offers travelers a chance to dive into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. This 6-hour tour allows visitors to uncover the rich history and natural wonders of Kandy, the island nation’s spiritual capital. With an experienced local guide leading the way, guests can expect an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist stops. From the serene Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple to the vibrant Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, this tour promises to leave participants with a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s enduring traditions. But the true highlight may lie in a visit to the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where the journey only begins.

Key Points

• Set out on a 6-hour cultural tour of Kandy’s highlights, including the Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 3 participants and language options such as Arabic, English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
• Discover the rich history and spirituality of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former home of the Kandyan Kings.
• Learn about the tea-making process and participate in a tasting at a local tea plantation.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy and complimentary entrance to select attractions, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of Kandy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers the opportunity to explore Kandy’s cultural and natural highlights, with a duration of 6 hours and a price starting from $20.80 per person.

The group size is limited to 3 participants, and the available languages include Arabic, English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re interested in the Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or the tea plantation, this tour promises an immersive and memorable experience in Kandy’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your Kandy hotel lobby, where the driver will be holding a sign with your last name.

The first stop is the Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple, where you’ll embark on a guided tour and enjoy scenic views for about an hour.

Next, you’ll visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for a self-guided exploration lasting around 1.5 hours.

The highlight of the day is the guided tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

Finally, you’ll visit a tea plantation, where you’ll learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tasting.

Additional activities may include a visit to the Kandy View Point and a scenic sunset at Kandy Lake.

Cultural Significance

Kandy’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its profound historical and cultural significance, as the former home of Kandyan Kings and a revered center for Buddhist religious activities.

The city’s crown jewel, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, houses a revered relic of the Buddha, making it a focal point for pilgrims and devotees.

The annual Esala Perahera procession, featuring colorful dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants, is a spectacular celebration of Kandy’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the city’s ancient temples, scenic lake, and vibrant markets offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Sri Lanka’s captivating blend of history, spirituality, and tradition.

Inclusions and Exclusions

With the cultural significance of Kandy firmly established, it’s important to understand what’s included and excluded in this tour package.

This tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as free entrance to the Spice & Herbal Garden, Ceylon Tea Factory, and Gems Museum. Plus, the tour covers the cost of:

1. Kandyan Culture Dance (entrance ticket $6)

2. Royal Botanical Garden (entrance ticket $9)

3. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (entrance ticket $9)

However, the tour excludes entry fees to other attractions, as well as food and drinks.

Travelers should come prepared with cash, credit cards, and proper attire to fully enjoy this cultural exploration of Kandy.

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Important Information

Visitors should bring a hat, camera, credit card, jacket, comfortable clothes, cash, and a passport or ID card for this tour.

It’s important to note that certain attire isn’t permitted, such as shorts, large bags, drones, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, and drugs.

When visiting temples, visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, and remove their footwear and hats.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with diabetes, or pre-existing medical conditions, as well as babies under 1 year and individuals over 70 years old.

The tour may be subject to cancellation due to unfavorable weather conditions, but in such cases, visitors will be allowed to reschedule the tour.

Pickup and Drop-off

The driver will meet participants in the lobby of their Kandy hotel, holding a sign with their last name. This convenient pickup service ensures a smooth start to the tour.

The driver will then transport the group to the tour’s main stops, which include:

1. Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple for a guided tour and scenic views.

2. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for a self-guided exploration.

3. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, with a guided tour of this sacred site.

4. A tea plantation, where you will enjoy a guided tour, tea tasting, and insights into tea production.

After exploring Kandy’s cultural and natural highlights, the driver will return participants to their hotel, completing the immersive 6-hour tour experience.

Activities and Experiences

Explore In Kandy With Lesley

Activities and Experiences

Participants can enjoy Kandy’s cultural and natural wonders throughout the tour’s diverse activities and experiences. They’ll explore the serene Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple, taking in the scenic views.

Next, they’ll wander through the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens at their own pace. The highlight is the guided tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site.

Visitors can also learn about tea production at a local plantation and enjoy a tasting. Additional optional activities include a visit to Kandy View Point and a scenic lakeside sunset.

With a range of enriching experiences, this tour showcases the best of Kandy’s heritage and natural beauty.

Group Size and Languages

This tour typically accommodates a limited group size of up to 3 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Travelers can choose from a selection of language options, including Arabic, English, Hindi, and Punjabi, to enhance their culture.

This small group size allows for more interaction with the guide, better access to sites, and a more intimate exploration of Kandy’s highlights.

Here are 4 key benefits of the tour’s group size and language offerings:

1. Personalized attention from the guide.

2. Ability to ask questions and get in-depth insights.

3. Flexible itinerary to cater to individual interests.

4. Seamless communication for a truly immersive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tea Plantation Tour?

The duration of the tea plantation tour is 1 hour. According to the itinerary highlights, the tour includes a "Guided tour, tea testing, and production insights" at a tea plantation, which is listed as one of the main stops on the tour.

Is a Vegetarian/Halal Lunch Option Available?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention a vegetarian or halal lunch option. However, it’s likely that the optional lunch at a scenic restaurant can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests should inquire about this when booking the tour.

Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers private tours upon request. Guests can inquire about upgrading to a private tour experience instead of the standard group tour. Private tours provide more personalized attention and flexibility.

Is It Possible to Visit Local Markets or Shops During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention visiting local markets or shops, but the guide may be able to accommodate such requests if there’s time and interest. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the guide prior to the tour.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Information About the Local Culture and History?

The tour guide will provide detailed information about the local culture and history at each stop. They will share insights into the significance of the Buddhist temples, botanical gardens, and tea plantation during the guided portions of the tour.

Recap

Explore In Kandy With Lesley offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of Kandy, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover the city’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

From the Bahirawakanda Buddhist Temple to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the tour’s carefully curated itinerary ensures a memorable experience filled with insights into Sri Lanka’s history and traditions.

With personalized attention and a small group size, this tour is an excellent way to explore the wonders of Kandy.

You can check if your dates are available here: