Kandy’s shopping tours blend practicality with authentic local experiences. The tuk-tuk city tour gets my vote for efficiency – you’ll hit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, wrap around Kandy Lake, and stop at the Gem Museum while having plenty of time to browse the city center shops. I especially love the Village Cooking Class tour, where you’ll learn to make a dozen true Sri Lankan dishes and shop the local market for ingredients. Both tours let you experience the real Kandy while picking up meaningful souvenirs. Check out our favorite shopping tours below.
Key Points
- Kandy City Tour includes shopping at the Kandy City Center, featuring local handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.
- Gem Museum and Factory visit offers an opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan gemstones and purchase them directly.
- Royal Botanical Gardens exploration can be combined with shopping for locally-made souvenirs and artisanal products.
- Village Cooking Class provides a culture experience and an opportunity to purchase locally-sourced ingredients and spices.
- Complimentary tuk-tuk transportation and Wi-Fi during the tours facilitate a hassle-free shopping experience in Kandy.
Kandy: City Tour and Sightseeing Shopping Tour by Tuk Tuk
Typically, the Kandy City Tour and Sightseeing Shopping Tour by Tuk Tuk offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the cultural and historical landmarks in Kandy.
This 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup from Colombo, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth Relic, and a stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake. Guests can also explore the Royal Botanical Gardens and enjoy a local lunch.
In the afternoon, the tour takes visitors to the Kandy Viewpoint for panoramic vistas, a Gem Museum and Factory, the Kandy City Center for shopping, and a cultural dance performance.
The tour is priced at €26.09 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The package includes private tuk-tuk transportation, Wi-Fi, bottled water, entrance tickets, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the highlights of Kandy.
Read our full review: Kandy: City Tour and Sightseeing Shopping Tour by Tuk Tuk Review
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Kandy: Village Cooking Class 12 Dishes With Market Tour
For those seeking a deeper culinary experience in Kandy, the Village Cooking Class offers a 3-hour immersion into the art of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Priced from €46.02 per person, the class teaches participants how to prepare 12 classic Sri Lankan dishes under the guidance of a local family.
The experience begins with a visit to the local market, where guests can select fresh produce to use in their creations. Back in the village house, participants dive into hands-on cooking, learning the techniques and flavor profiles that define Sri Lankan fare.
These recipes are influenced by diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indian, Indonesian, and Dutch. The class culminates in a lunch or dinner featuring the prepared dishes, providing an opportunity to savor the fruits of one’s labor.
Complimentary pickup and drop-off, a recipe booklet, and vegetarian options ensure a well-rounded and convenient culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Kandy: Village Cooking Class 12 Dishes With Market Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Kandy offers a variety of shopping tours to suit different interests. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant markets, learn about local cuisine, and enjoy the cultural heritage of the region. Whether you’re looking for unique handicrafts, spices, or a hands-on cooking experience, Kandy’s shopping tours provide an engaging and memorable way to discover the city’s rich traditions.