From Kandy: Mahiyanganya and Dambana Day Trip

This day trip from Kandy immerses visitors in Sri Lanka’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Exploring ancient reservoirs, the revered Mahiyangana Temple, and an indigenous Veddah community, the tour offers a unique glimpse into the country’s past and present. Travelers can expect convenient transportation, an experienced guide, and the opportunity to witness traditional dances and sustainable practices. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an authentic cultural experience, this day trip promises to captivate and leave you eager to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s fascinating stories.

Key Points

• A day trip from Kandy visiting the ancient Sorabora Wewa reservoir, Ulhitiya Reservoir, and the historically significant Mahiyangana Temple.
• Exploration of the Dambana Veddah village to experience the indigenous culture, traditional dances, and handcrafted tools and weapons.
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and English-speaking driver/guide included, with hotel pickup and drop-off service.
• Flexible cancellation policy allowing for full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and no upfront payment required for booking.
• The tour showcases Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, historical depth, and preserves the cultural traditions of the Veddah community.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Kandy to Mahiyanganya and Dambana typically costs K₨3,378 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront to reserve their spot.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off within 5 kilometers of Kandy, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver and guide, and entrance fees.

Travelers will visit several historical sites, such as the ancient Sorabora Wewa reservoir and the Mahiyangana Temple, which is significant for being the site of Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.

The tour also includes a stop at the Dambana Veddah village, allowing visitors to experience the local culture and traditions.

Itinerary and Highlights

The day trip starts with pickup from locations within 5 kilometers of Kandy, after which travelers will visit several key sites along the way to Mahiyanganya and Dambana.

First, you’ll stop at Horabora Wewa, an ancient reservoir constructed over 2,000 years ago.

Then, you’ll explore the Ulhitiya Reservoir, an important tributary of the Mahaweli River.

Upon arrival in Mahiyanganya, you’ll visit the historic Mahiyangana Temple, the site of Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka.

Finally, you’ll experience the local culture at the Dambana Veddah village, where you’ll learn about their hunting and farming practices.

The trip also includes a scenic drive along the famous 18 Bend Road, known for its spectacular yet dangerous views.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Spanning over two millennia, the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited on this day trip is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Sorabora Wewa, an ancient reservoir constructed over 2,000 years ago, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of Sri Lanka’s early civilizations.

Similarly, the Ulhitiya Reservoir, an important tributary of the Mahaweli River, holds significant importance as a vital water source for the region.

The Mahiyangana Temple, meanwhile, has been a site of religious importance since before 543 BC, with the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka marking it as a place of great historical significance.

Transportation and Services

For this day trip, travelers will be provided with transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, along with the services of an English-speaking driver and guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

On top of that, entrance fees and a 1-liter bottle of mineral water per person are covered within the tour price.

The transportation and services offered for this tour include:

• Air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey

• English-speaking driver and guide to provide information and assistance

• Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience

• Entrance fees to all the included attractions

• Bottled mineral water provided for each participant

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Free Cancellation and Payment

Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility to adjust plans as needed.

Plus, the tour operator allows participants to book their spot without any upfront payment, requiring payment only upon arrival.

This ‘reserve now & pay later‘ policy makes it easy for travelers to secure their spot on the tour without having to worry about an immediate financial commitment.

The free cancellation policy and flexible payment options provide peace of mind and cater to the needs of various travelers, whether they’re planning their trip well in advance or making last-minute adjustments.

Pickup Location and Duration

The tour’s pickup location is in Kandy, within a 5-kilometer radius, providing convenience for participants.

The full-day excursion lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to explore the various historical and cultural attractions along the itinerary.

Highlights include:

• Visiting the ancient Sorabora Wewa reservoir and Ulhitiya Reservoir, important tributaries of the Mahaweli River.

• Exploring the Mahiyangana Temple, a site of great historical significance since before 543 BC.

• Experiencing the traditional way of life at the Dambana Veddah village.

• Driving along the famous 18 Bend Road, known for its breathtaking yet perilous views.

• Discovering the local culture and gaining insights into the region’s rich history.

Reservoir and Temple Visits

On the day trip, participants begin by visiting the ancient Sorabora Wewa reservoir, constructed over two millennia ago as an important water source.

They then explore the Ulhitiya Reservoir, a vital tributary of the Mahaweli River, before continuing their journey to the Mahiyangana Temple, a site of great historical and cultural significance dating back to before 543 BC.

The Mahiyangana Temple is where the Buddha is believed to have made his first visit to Sri Lanka, making it a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

Visitors can learn about the temple’s rich history and its role in the country’s religious heritage.

Veddah Village Experience

After exploring the historical and cultural significance of the Mahiyangana Temple, the day trip continues to the Dambana Veddah village, where visitors can gain insights into the local hunting and farming practices of this indigenous community.

The Veddah people are known as one of the oldest inhabitants of Sri Lanka, and at Dambana, travelers can:

• Witness traditional Veddah dance performances

• Observe the construction of handcrafted Veddah tools and weapons

• Learn about the community’s sustainable farming techniques

• Engage with Veddah elders and hear their stories

• Purchase locally made handicrafts and support the indigenous economy

This immersive cultural experience offers a unique window into the centuries-old traditions of the Veddah people, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s diverse heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit the region is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. This allows for optimal sightseeing and comfortable exploration of the historical and cultural sites.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are typically available on tours, though it’s best to inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements in advance. They can often accommodate special dietary needs with prior notice.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour provider encourages capturing the scenic and cultural highlights, though recommends not using flash photography in certain locations out of respect for the surroundings.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Gear or Supplies?

You don’t need any special gear or supplies for this day trip. The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and bottled water. Just bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy the historical and cultural sights.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for the Trip?

There are no age restrictions, but the trip may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as the tour involves some walking. Children are welcome, but parental supervision is advised.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Kandy immerses visitors in Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.

Travelers will explore ancient reservoirs, visit the revered Mahiyangana Temple, and engage with the indigenous Veddah community in Dambana.

Convenient transportation, an informed guide, and the opportunity to witness traditional dances make this an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: