Overview
Discover the cultural beauty of Sri Lanka with an unforgettable day tour from Colombo Port to Kandy, one of the island’s most historic and scenic cities.
Designed for cruise ship passengers arriving in Colombo, this full-day shore excursion takes you through Sri Lanka’s beautiful countryside to the ancient hill capital of Kandy.
Visit the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, discover the traditions of Ceylon tea at a tea factory and plantation, and learn about Sri Lanka’s famous gemstone industry.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in Kandy while experiencing the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
With comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a carefully planned itinerary, this excursion offers an opportunity to discover some of Sri Lanka’s most memorable attractions during your cruise stop.
Itinerary
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Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
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Explore Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and observe Asian elephants.
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Enjoy scenic views of Sri Lanka’s countryside during your journey to Kandy.
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Discover the traditions of Ceylon tea with a visit to a tea factory and plantation.
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Learn about Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones at a local gem museum and factory.
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Enjoy lunch in Kandy.
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Travel comfortably between Colombo Port and Kandy in an air-conditioned bus or minibus.
Meet your transport representative at the designated pickup location at Colombo Port.
Board your comfortable, air-conditioned bus or minibus and begin your journey towards Kandy.
Travel through Sri Lanka’s picturesque countryside, passing tropical landscapes, local towns and scenic surroundings as you make your way towards the central region of the island.
Your first major stop is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located near Kegalle in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province.
Established in 1975, the orphanage is home to a herd of Asian elephants and provides visitors with opportunities to observe these remarkable animals.
Learn about the facility’s history and the daily care of its resident elephants.
Depending on the visiting schedule, you may also have the opportunity to observe the elephants during their bathing activities near the Maha Oya River.
Enjoy this memorable experience before continuing your journey towards Kandy.
Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Located within the historic royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this sacred Buddhist temple houses a relic traditionally believed to be a tooth of the Buddha.
Explore the temple’s beautiful architecture, learn about its religious and cultural significance, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important pilgrimage destination.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic forms part of Kandy’s UNESCO-listed Sacred City and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural landmarks.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a restaurant in Kandy.
Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy your meal while experiencing the atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s historic hill capital.
Following lunch, continue your journey to discover the island’s traditional tea and gemstone industries.
Discover the world of Ceylon tea with a visit to a tea factory and plantation.
Learn about the history of tea production in Sri Lanka and explore the processes involved in transforming freshly harvested tea leaves into the world-famous Ceylon tea.
During your visit, discover the different stages of tea processing, including withering, rolling, oxidation and drying.
Depending on the facility’s visitor programme, you may also have the opportunity to enjoy a tea-tasting experience and learn about the different varieties of Ceylon tea.
Continue your excursion with a visit to a local gem museum and factory.
Sri Lanka has a long history of gemstone mining and is particularly renowned for its beautiful sapphires.
Learn about the island’s gemstone industry and discover how precious and semi-precious stones are identified, cut and polished.
Explore the craftsmanship associated with Sri Lankan gemstones and view a selection of locally produced gems and jewellery.
After completing your cultural and sightseeing experiences, begin the return journey to Colombo Port.
Relax in your air-conditioned vehicle while travelling through Sri Lanka’s scenic countryside.
The return journey will be planned according to the cruise ship’s departure schedule and the prevailing traffic conditions.
Arrive back at Colombo Port following your full-day excursion to Kandy.
The tour is planned to return by 6:30 PM, subject to traffic conditions, port procedures and your cruise ship’s boarding requirements.
The final itinerary and return arrangements will be confirmed according to your ship’s schedule.
