Exploring the spiritual heart of Kandy by tuk-tuk, the ‘Three Temples Loop‘ offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors begin their day with a visit to the intricate wood carvings of Embekka Dewalaya, followed by the remarkable architecture of Sri Lankathilaka Temple and Gadaladeniya Temple. With options to tour a tea factory and the Royal Botanical Garden, this personalized journey provides a memorable glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether seeking to deepen their understanding of the island’s spiritual traditions or simply enjoy a unique mode of transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the cultural capital of Kandy.
Key Points
- This 6.5-hour tour visits three historic temples in Kandy: Embekka Dewalaya, Sri Lankathilaka Temple, and Gadaladeniya Temple, showcasing their remarkable architecture and wood carvings.
- The tour includes an optional hotel pickup, and small-group or private format for a personalized experience, as well as the opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
- Entrance fees for the three temples and the Royal Botanical Garden are included, and additional optional experiences, such as the Gems Museum and Spice & Herbal Ayurvedic Center, are available.
- The tour has received positive customer reviews, with praise for the excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and flexibility in customizing the itinerary to personal interests.
- The tour provides a seamless door-to-door service, with convenient pickup from the Kandy hotel and direct return after the tour completion.
Tour Overview
This Three Temples Loop in Kandy Day Tour by Tuk Tuk is a 6.5-hour activity that allows visitors to explore three historically significant temples in the Kandy region for a starting price of $13.76 per person.
Guests can reserve the tour and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour offers optional hotel pickup, where visitors will be picked up from their Kandy hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled 8:30 AM departure.
The tour can accommodate private or small groups, providing a personalized experience. With a focus on the Embekka Dewalaya, Sri Lankathilaka Temple, and Gadaladeniya Temple, this comprehensive day tour immerses travelers in Kandy’s rich cultural heritage.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kandy.
Itinerary Highlights
Commencing at 8:30 AM, the tour picks up guests from their hotels in Kandy and embarks on a journey through several historical and cultural highlights of the region.
The tour visits:
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Embekka Dewalaya, a 14th century temple renowned for its ornate wood carvings.
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Sri Lankathilaka Temple and Gadaladeniya Temple, both featuring remarkable architectural designs.
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A tea factory, offering an opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry.
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The Royal Botanical Garden, a lush oasis showcasing the country’s diverse flora (optional).
After exploring these captivating sites, the tour wraps up with visits to a wood carving family house, a Big Buddha statue, and Kandy’s iconic viewpoint before returning guests to their hotels.
Embekka Dewalaya Details
The 14th-century Embekka Dewalaya boasts a rich cultural heritage, having been built during the reign of King Vikramabahu III.
Its ornate wood carvings, especially in the Drummers Hall, are a significant draw for visitors, featuring 125 series of decorations and 256 liyawela designs that showcase the temple’s architectural and artistic mastery.
Dedicated to the Kataragama deviyo and the local deity Devatha Bandara, the temple holds immense spiritual significance for devotees.
With its intricate, detailed carvings and long-standing history, Embekka Dewalaya offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry, making it a must-visit destination on the Three Temples Loop in Kandy.
Entrance Fees
Alongside the captivating sights visitors will encounter on the Three Temples Loop in Kandy, there are several entrance fees associated with accessing these cultural treasures.
Specifically, admission to the Lankathilaka Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple, and Embakke Devalaya each incurs a $1 fee, while entry to the Royal Botanical Garden costs $9 and attending the Kandyan Culture Dancing performance requires a $6 ticket.
Plus, optional experiences include:
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Visiting the Gems Museum
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Exploring the Sri Lankan Spice & Herbal Ayurvedic Center
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Touring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for $9
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Admiring the Big Buddha Statue for $1
Optional Experiences
Along With the main sites on the Three Temples Loop tour, visitors can also opt to explore the Gems Museum, experience the Sri Lankan Spice & Herbal Ayurvedic Center, or tour the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for an additional $9 fee.
The Gems Museum offers a fascinating look at Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage, allowing travelers to learn about the intricate process of gem mining and cutting.
Likewise, the Spice & Herbal Ayurvedic Center provides an immersive experience into the country’s traditional medicinal practices, with demonstrations and product sampling.
Meanwhile, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a renowned Buddhist shrine housing what’s believed to be a relic of the Buddha himself.
Customer Feedback
What do travelers have to say about the Three Temples Loop tour in Kandy? Overwhelmingly positive, with 5/5 ratings based on 4 reviews highlighting the tour’s caring drivers, knowledgeable guides, serene temple settings, and flexibility to customize the experience.
Reviewers praised the positive experiences with the drivers and guides, who provided excellent service and insights.
They recommended the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views at the temples, like Embekka Dewalaya’s ornate wood carvings.
Plus, the flexibility in tour customization allows visitors to focus on their personal interests.
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off options, letting visitors explore Kandy’s top temples without the hassle of transportation.
Travelers can choose to be picked up from their hotel in Kandy, meeting the driver in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled 8:30 AM departure time.
This private or small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, with the option to customize the itinerary based on personal interests.
After visiting the Embekka Dewalaya, Sri Lankathilaka Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple, and other highlights, the tour will return travelers directly to their Kandy hotel.
This seamless door-to-door service makes it easy for guests to enjoy Kandy’s rich cultural heritage without worrying about logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Temples?
When visiting temples in Sri Lanka, it’s generally expected to dress conservatively. This means covering the shoulders, chest, and knees. Visitors should avoid revealing or overly casual attire out of respect for the sacred sites.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at the Sites?
Generally, photography is permitted at most temples in Sri Lanka, but visitors should avoid flash and refrain from taking photos of worshippers or sacred objects. Specific rules may vary, so it’s best to ask for guidance from temple staff upon arrival.
Are the Tuk-Tuks Safe and Comfortable for the Tour?
Tuk-tuks are generally safe and comfortable for tours, with ample space and precautions taken by experienced drivers. They offer a unique, immersive experience exploring local sites. Passengers can feel secure and enjoy the sights during the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional activities. Travelers can opt for optional experiences like visiting the Gems Museum or the Sri Lankan Spice & Herbal Ayurvedic Center. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate personal interests.
Are There Any Tips for Avoiding Crowds at the Popular Sites?
To avoid crowds at popular sites, visitors should aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. They can also inquire about lesser-known alternative sites from the tour provider to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Recap
The ‘Three Temples Loop in Kandy Day Tour by Tuk Tuk’ offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing intricate wood carvings, remarkable architecture, and the rich history of Sri Lanka’s spiritual sites.
With options to visit a tea factory and the Royal Botanical Garden, this personalized journey ensures a memorable exploration of Kandy’s heritage in a fun and unique tuk-tuk ride.
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