From Kandy: Matale Region Tour

Exploring the captivating Matale region from Kandy promises a day filled with culture and natural splendor. For just £83.78, travelers can embark on an 11-hour journey that unveils the historic Nalanda Gedige, the fragrant Euphoria Spice Gardens, the sacred Aluviharaya Temple, and the serene Sembuwatta Lake. With knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, this tour offers an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage while surrounded by its striking landscapes. Those seeking to uncover the enchanting blend of past and present in the Matale region won’t want to miss this compelling experience.

Good To Know

• A comprehensive 11-hour tour from Kandy exploring the cultural and natural highlights of the Matale region, including Nalanda Gedige, Euphoria Spice Gardens, Aluviharaya Temple, and Sembuwatta Lake.
• The tour is priced at £83.78 per person and includes private air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, bottled water, and an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• Key attractions on the tour include the 8th-10th century Nalanda Gedige with its fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, and the Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple where the Tripitaka was first written.
• The tour also offers opportunities to explore the diverse local spices and herbs at the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the artificial Sembuwatta Lake.
• Recommendations for the tour include bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, packed breakfast, and avoiding pets, oversized luggage, smoking, and alcohol.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Matale Region Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and natural wonders, promising an immersive experience for visitors.

Priced at £83.78 per person, the tour includes a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, pickup and drop-off, and a duration of 11 hours.

Highlights include the Hindu-Buddhist fusion architecture of Nalanda Gedige, the spice and herbal gardens of Euphoria, the historical significance of Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple, and the scenic Sembuwatta Lake.

The tour includes entrance fees, bottled water, and all taxes and service charges, making it an all-inclusive experience.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a packed breakfast if needed, as the tour has some restrictions.

Nalanda Gedige

Nestled within the Matale Region, Nalanda Gedige stands as a remarkable fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles, dating back to the 8th-10th century. Visitors can explore this historic site and marvel at its intricate carvings and sculptures, including the famous erotic tantric depictions.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Hindu-Buddhist fusion
Era	8th-10th century
Highlights	Erotic tantric sculptures, moonstone
Visit Duration	1 hour

The site offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, blending the spiritual influences of two major religions. Nalanda Gedige’s artistic and historical significance makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Matale Region.

Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens

Visitors to the Matale Region can explore the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, where they’ll learn about the region’s diverse array of local spices and herbs.

The one-hour visit allows guests to discover the cultivation and harvesting of these natural ingredients. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the medicinal and culinary uses of the plants.

Sights include rows of vibrant herbs, fragrant spice trees, and demonstrations of traditional drying and processing techniques.

Exploring the gardens offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s botanical heritage and the importance of these local resources.

The experience complements the other historical and natural highlights of the Matale Region tour.

Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple

Situated along the Matale River, the Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple dates back to the 1st century BCE. This historically significant site is the location where the Tripitaka, the sacred Buddhist scriptures, were first written down.

Visitors can explore the expansive network of caves and learn about the temple’s rich history. The key highlights include:

1. Caves carved out of rock with intricate carvings and artwork.
2. Opportunities to witness religious ceremonies and observe devout Buddhist practices.
3. Stunning natural surroundings, including the Matale River, that provide a serene atmosphere.
4. Knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance.

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Sembuwatta Lake

Amid the lush, verdant landscapes of the Matale region stands the captivating Sembuwatta Lake. This artificial lake offers a serene haven for visitors, with its shimmering waters and breathtaking vistas.

Guests can take in the stunning scenery, whether they choose to explore the lake’s shores or cool off in its natural swimming pool. The lake also provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography, as the golden light reflects off the calm surface.

With a visit duration of around one hour, Sembuwatta Lake is a must-see attraction on the Matale region tour, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to take in the region’s natural beauty.

Inclusions

The Matale region tour package includes an array of valuable inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy complimentary entrance fees to the Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple and Sembuwatta Lake, ensuring seamless access to these remarkable attractions.

Plus, transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an English-speaking chauffeur guide to share insights.

Travelers will also receive 1 liter of bottled mineral water per person and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

These thoughtful inclusions demonstrate the tour operator’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and enjoyable journey through the Matale region.

The key inclusions are:

1. Entrance fees to Aluviharaya and Sembuwatta Lake
2. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
3. English-speaking chauffeur guide
4. 1 liter bottled mineral water per person

Important Information

Travelers embarking on the Matale Region Tour should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable footwear, and sunglasses.

The tour has a few restrictions – no pets, shorts, oversize luggage, smoking, alcohol, or drugs are allowed.

Drive time may vary due to traffic conditions, but the tour provider can arrange for photography stops with reasonable parking.

It’s recommended to bring a packed breakfast if unable to eat at the hotel before the tour.

Guests should check availability for starting times and participant numbers.

Bookings can be easily canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recommendations

Bringing a packed breakfast is advisable if guests are unable to eat at the hotel before the tour.

Plus, it’s recommended to check availability for starting times and the number of participants to ensure the tour aligns with the visitor’s preferences.

When planning the tour, it’s crucial to cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund if necessary.

Here are some other recommendations:

1. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
2. Bring sunglasses to shield eyes from the sun.
3. Avoid bringing pets, oversize luggage, or engaging in smoking, alcohol, or drug use.
4. Photography stops can be arranged, but be mindful of reasonable parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour’s inclusions do not restrict passengers from bringing their own provisions. However, consuming alcohol or smoking is prohibited during the tour.

How Many People Are Typically on This Private Tour?

The private tour allows for a customizable group size, typically 1-4 people, as it’s a private excursion. The tour will not have any additional participants beyond your booking party.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests, subject to availability and any additional costs.

Is There a Way to Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Yes, you can store your luggage at the tour operator’s office in Kandy during the tour. They’ll keep it secure and return it to you at the end of the day.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

Travelers typically don’t need a visa for this tour, as it’s within Sri Lanka. However, it’s always best to check your specific visa requirements before booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating Matale Region Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the ancient Nalanda Gedige to the serene Sembuwatta Lake, the journey promises an immersive experience, enhanced by knowledgeable guides and inclusive amenities. Whether seeking historical significance or scenic landscapes, this 11-hour tour provides a well-rounded discovery of the Matale region’s treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: