Exploring the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, the Kandy All-Inclusive City Tour offers an immersive 11-hour experience for visitors. Journeying through the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Giragama Tea Factory to the revered Temple of the Tooth, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into Kandy’s rich heritage. With convenient transportation, a leisurely lunch, and insights from an English-speaking driver, the tour promises a seamless adventure. However, as with any experience, there are mixed reviews to consider. Intrigued by the possibility of discovering Kandy’s vibrant tapestry of history and tradition? Let’s delve deeper into what this tour entails.
Good To Know
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The Kandy All-Inclusive City Tour offers an 11-hour exploration of the city’s top attractions, including the Giragama Tea Factory, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, and the Temple of the Tooth.
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The tour is priced from ₨2,035 per person and includes pickup, air-conditioned transport, lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking driver.
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While the tour covers Kandy’s highlights, it has received mixed reviews, with some travelers feeling the pace was rushed and the driver provided limited information.
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Alternatively, renting a TukTuk allows for a more personalized and self-paced exploration of Kandy’s vibrant streets, hidden markets, and local cafes.
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Visitors are advised to dress respectfully when visiting sacred sites and maintain an open mind to best experience Kandy’s rich cultural heritage.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Kandy City Tour offers an all-inclusive, 11-hour exploration of this captivating Sri Lankan city. Priced from ₹2,035 per person, the tour includes pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking driver.
Highlights include the Giragama Tea Factory, where visitors learn about tea processing and enjoy high-grown tea, and the Peradeniya Botanical Garden with its diverse plant species.
The tour also covers the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, Kandy Lake, a cultural show, and the iconic Temple of the Tooth. Lunch at the Oak Ray restaurant is included, as are all entrance fees and taxes.
While reviews suggest some dissatisfaction, the tour remains a convenient way to experience Kandy’s top attractions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kandy.
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors to the Kandy City Tour begin their day at the Giragama Tea Factory, where they’ll learn the intricate process of tea production and savor the flavors of high-grown Ceylon tea.
Next, they explore the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, marveling at its diverse plant species, including the stunning orchids.
The tour then takes them to the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, offering scenic views of the city below.
At Kandy Lake, they learn about its history, having been built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807.
Included Services
The Kandy City Tour includes a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.
The tour provides pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Kandy or Peradeniya, and transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. An English-speaking driver will guide you throughout the tour, providing insights and information.
Entrance fees to the Botanical Garden, Bahirawakanda Temple, Cultural Show, and Temple of the Tooth are all included, allowing you to fully explore these iconic sites.
Lunch at the renowned Oak Ray restaurant is also provided, ensuring you’re well-fed during your adventure.
Plus, all government taxes are covered, leaving you to simply learn about the rich cultural tapestry of Kandy.
Participant Information
Adults aged 12 to 99 are welcome to join the Kandy City Tour. Children aged 6 to 11 can participate, accompanied by a guardian. Infants 5 and younger are free of charge.
Age Group | Price |
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Adults | From ₨2,035 |
Children | From ₨1,525 |
Infants | Free |
The tour is designed to accommodate travelers of all ages, ensuring an enriching experience for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or introducing your little ones to the wonders of Sri Lanka, the Kandy City Tour caters to diverse interests and abilities.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Notes
When visiting sacred sites like the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue and the Temple of the Tooth, it’s important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
The tour guide will advise you on the appropriate dress code before entering these religious locations. While the tour has received some mixed reviews, it’s crucial to be mindful of local customs and traditions to have a meaningful cultural experience.
Feedback suggests exploring Kandy independently or renting a TukTuk may provide a more engaging way to discover the city’s highlights.
With some flexibility and an open mind, you can make the most of this all-inclusive Kandy city tour.
Customer Reviews
Although the Kandy City Tour boasts an all-inclusive package, customer reviews suggest a mixed experience.
One reviewer noted "the tour felt rushed, with little time to properly explore the sites."
Another complained, "the driver provided minimal information and seemed disinterested."
Feedback also indicates dissatisfaction with the quality of the included services:
- The lunch at Oak Ray restaurant was deemed "mediocre at best."
- The cultural show, while intriguing, "lacked engagement and authenticity."
- Some visitors felt the temples and gardens were "not adequately covered" during the tour.
Given these concerns, travelers may consider exploring Kandy independently or renting a TukTuk for a more personalized and enriching experience.
Independent Exploration
Given the concerns raised about the quality and engagement of the Kandy City Tour, travelers may consider exploring the city independently.
Renting a TukTuk, for instance, allows for a more personalized experience, where visitors can set their own pace and discover hidden gems.
Wandering through the vibrant streets, one can stumble upon bustling markets, charming cafes, and intriguing alleyways.
The Kandy Lake provides a serene backdrop for a leisurely stroll, while the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic offers a profound culture.
Independent exploration empowers travelers to curate their own Kandy adventure, potentially leading to more meaningful encounters and a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich heritage.
Renting a TukTuk
What better way to explore Kandy’s vibrant streets and hidden gems than by renting a TukTuk? This three-wheeled vehicle allows you to weave through the bustling traffic, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells of the city at your own pace.
With a TukTuk, you can:
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Maneuver down narrow alleyways to uncover local markets, artisanal shops, and charming cafes that larger vehicles can’t access.
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Stop and start as you please, hopping on and off to explore landmarks and attractions that pique your interest.
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Engage with your TukTuk driver, who can offer insider knowledge and recommendations to enhance your Kandy experience.
Renting a TukTuk empowers you to customize your city tour, ensuring a more immersive and memorable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities as the itinerary includes several walking activities and access to some sites may be challenging. It’d be best to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations before booking.
Can We Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch?
The tour company offers a range of dietary options, including vegetarian and halal meals, to accommodate guests’ preferences. Visitors should simply specify their dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour company offers the flexibility to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can inquire about additional options and costs to customize the itinerary and spend more time exploring the highlights of the Kandy region.
Can We Make Changes to the Standard Itinerary?
The tour operator generally allows some flexibility to customize the standard itinerary. Travelers can request changes to the order of visits or add/remove certain activities based on their interests and preferences, subject to availability and additional costs.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, group discounts are available for the Kandy tour. Groups of 4 or more can save up to 15% off the per-person price. Travelers should inquire about group rates when booking to take advantage of these savings.
The Sum Up
The Kandy All-Inclusive City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Visitors can expect to visit iconic sites, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and gain insights from an English-speaking driver. While some reviews have been mixed, the tour provides a convenient and efficient way to experience Kandy’s rich heritage. With air-conditioned transport and pickup/drop-off services, it’s an appealing option for those seeking a hassle-free cultural experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Kandy
- Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk with hotel Pickup and Dropoff
- Private Kandy City Tuk-Tuk Tour and Cultural Dance Show
- Kandy: City Tuk-Tuk Day Tours with a Local Guide
- Kandy City Tour: UNESCO heritage city and temple visit
- Kandy Private City Tour With Local Guide
- Kandy : Pinnawala Elephant Safari Tour with Kandy City Tour
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- From Colombo or Negombo: Pinnawala, Kandy & Tea Factory Tour
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- Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk with hotel Pickup and Dropoff
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Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Kandy we have reviewed
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- From Colombo or Negombo: Pinnawala, Kandy & Tea Factory Tour
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