Explore the captivating historical sites of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa on this immersive guided tour from Kandy. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka as you wander through the majestic rock fortress, marvel at the impressive 297-foot tower, and uncover the fascinating history behind the beautifully restored Temple of the Tooth Relic. With an expert guide by your side, unravel the secrets of the ancient irrigation system of Panda Wewa and gain a deeper understanding of these significant landmarks. The journey promises to be a truly enlightening experience, leaving you eager to discover more about Sri Lanka’s captivating past.

Good To Know

  • Guided day tour from Kandy to explore the historic sites of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa, with pickup from hotel and transportation provided.
  • Visit the rock fortress of Yapahuwa, featuring a stupa with Kandyan-era paintings and Buddha statues, and the ruins of an ancient kingdom.
  • Discover the 297-foot wide tower of the royal palace in Panduwasnuwara, showcasing the region’s historical significance dating back to the 5th century BC.
  • Learn about Panda Wewa, the world’s first irrigation system, and gain insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Tour package includes an English-speaking chauffeur/guide, bottled water, and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kandy around 7 AM in an air-conditioned vehicle, embarking on a journey that will take you to the historic sites of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa.

The 7-hour guided tour covers the rock fortress of Yapahuwa and the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara dating back to the 5th century BC.

You’ll explore the royal palace, a 297-foot wide tower, and the restored Temple of the Tooth Relic. The tour also provides insights into the Panda Wewa, the world’s first irrigation system.

After exploring the sites, you’ll break for lunch at 2 PM, with the drive time to each location being 2.5 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors embark on a journey through time, exploring the rock fortress of Yapahuwa and the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara.

At Yapahuwa, they’ll marvel at the stupa adorned with Kandyan-era paintings and Buddha statues. The 297-foot wide tower of the royal palace stands in silent testament to Panduwasnuwara’s former grandeur, dating back to 504-474 BC.

Guests learn about the Panda Wewa, the world’s first irrigation system, and step inside the restored Temple of the Tooth Relic to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With ample time to discover these captivating sites, the tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fascinating past.

Cultural Significance

Yapahuwa served as a fortress during King Bhuvenakabahu’s last stand against the Dravidian invasion. The fortress later became a monastery for Buddhist monks, with a stupa featuring Kandyan-era paintings and Buddha statues.

This site holds immense cultural significance, showcasing the rich history and architectural prowess of the ancient kingdom. Visitors can marvel at the impressive 297-foot wide tower, a testament to the engineering feats of the past.

The ruins of Panduwasnuwara, dating back to 504-474 BC, offer a glimpse into the administrative and irrigation systems that thrived in this ancient kingdom.

Exploring these sites allows travelers to explore the captivating narrative of Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the guided tour package, transportation, an English-speaking chauffeur/guide, and one liter of bottled water per person are included.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all taxes and service charges, are also covered. However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, gratuities, or personal expenses.

Entrance fees for the Yapahuwa and Dambadeniya sites must be paid separately. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and certain items like pets, shorts, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Shoes must be removed when entering temples and places of worship.

Important Information

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, so they’ll need to make other arrangements.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring along sunglasses and a sun hat to protect themselves from the tropical sun. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, and drugs aren’t permitted.

Visitors must remove their shoes when entering temples and places of worship. This is to maintain the sanctity of these sacred sites.

Bringing a passport or ID is essential for accessing the sites. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth and respectful experience for all.

Pickup and Duration

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kandy around 7 am.

You’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle for the roughly 2.5-hour journey to the first stop, Panduwasnuwara. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to admire the scenic countryside.

The total duration of the tour is 7 hours, providing ample time to explore both the Panduwasnuwara ruins and the rock fortress of Yapahuwa.

After visiting the historic sites, you’ll break for lunch at around 2 pm, at your own expense.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, should your plans change.

Free Cancellation Policy

With this guided tour, visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind and flexibility. This policy ensures that guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized for unexpected changes in their schedules.

Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
Up to 24 Hours
Full Refund
Flexible Booking
Plan with Confidence

This thoughtful policy allows visitors to fully enjoy the cultural and historical exploration of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa without worrying about last-minute changes.

Pricing and Booking

The tour’s competitively-priced package, starting from $87.00 per person, invites visitors to embark on an enriching exploration of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa.

This full-day guided tour includes round-trip transportation from Kandy hotels, an English-speaking chauffeur/guide, and a complimentary bottle of water per person.

Pickup is scheduled around 7 am in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

Travelers can take advantage of the convenient free cancellation policy, allowing them to receive a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

With the tour’s cultural significance and comprehensive itinerary, it offers an exceptional value for those seeking to uncover the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour does not include food or drinks, so travelers are welcome to bring their own. However, it’s important to follow the guidelines and avoid any prohibited items like alcohol and drugs during the tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour does not appear to be wheelchair accessible based on the information provided. The itinerary includes visiting ancient sites with uneven terrain and stairs that may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 2 to 10 people. The small group size allows for a more personalized and intimate experience as you explore the historic sites of Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa with your knowledgeable guide.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

This tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers a personalized experience with a private chauffeur/guide, allowing you to explore the historical sites at your own pace. Group size is flexible to suit your needs.

Do I Need to Purchase Entrance Tickets in Advance?

You don’t need to purchase entrance tickets in advance for this tour. The tour package includes admission fees to both Yapahuwa and Panduwasnuwara, so you can simply join the guided excursion without worrying about tickets.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the majestic rock fortress of Yapahuwa, marvel at the impressive 297-foot tower, and explore the fascinating history of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. With insightful commentary from an English-speaking guide, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of these remarkable landmarks and the ancient irrigation system of Panda Wewa.