
Colombo to Kandy Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Colombo to Kandy Day Tour worth booking?
Colombo to Kandy Day Tour is a 11-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $87 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $87 per person
Covering Kandy’s must-sees in a day of sightseeing could be stressful by yourself, with cabs or tuk-tuks to hail, and negotiate with, at every stop. This private tour takes away the transport hassles, with private air-conditioned transport and a driver-guide to ferry you around. Explore the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth, experience a cultural show, tea factory, and gem museum; and hear background on the sights along the way.
What you get
About this experience
Covering Kandy’s must-sees in a day of sightseeing could be stressful by yourself, with cabs or tuk-tuks to hail, and negotiate with, at every stop. This private tour takes away the transport hassles, with private air-conditioned transport and a driver-guide to ferry you around. Explore the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth, experience a cultural show, tea factory, and gem museum; and hear background on the sights along the way.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
Steep stairs lead to hilltop views from this Buddhist place of worship with a souvenir shop.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Kandy View Point
Kandy City View Point is a place to capture the picturesque view of Kandy city. It stands overlooking the Kandy Lake with the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the background. ... It is also called Arthur's Seat and is supposedly the highest point in Kandy standing 550 meters above sea level.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Ceylon Tea Museum
The Ceylon Tea Museum is located in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, which was originally constructed in 1925. It is situated 3 km south of Kandy. Hanthana was one of the first successful areas to cultivate tea following the failure of coffee production on the island.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show
The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance & Cultural Heritage Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. ... It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind to be established in Sri Lanka.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ceylon Classic Tours and Travel service (Pvt) Ltd
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
5 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Colombo to Kandy Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Really Enjoyed Our Kandy Day Trip
We did a day trip from Colombo to Kandy and it turned out to be such a nice experience. I was a little worried about doing Kandy in just one day, but everything went smoothly and we never felt too stressed about the time. The drive itself was enjoyable, especially seeing the scenery slowly change as we got closer to the hills. Our driver was friendly and easy to travel with. He knew the roads well, drove carefully, and never rushed us when we wanted to spend a little extra time at a place. He also suggested a few stops along the way that we probably would have missed on our own. The whole day felt relaxed and well managed. We got to see the main highlights of Kandy, enjoy some local food, take plenty of photos, and still make it back to Colombo comfortably. It was a short trip, but definitely worth doing. Really happy with how the day turned out and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy Colombo Kandy day tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this lovely review! 😊 We’re really happy to hear that your day trip to Kandy turned out better than you expected. It’s especially nice to know that you felt relaxed throughout the day and had enough time to enjoy the places, food, and scenery without feeling rushed. We’ll also be very happy to pass your kind words on to our driver — he’ll really appreciate them. Thank you for choosing Ceylon Classic Tours. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we hope you’ll visit Sri Lanka again someday!
via Tripadvisor
Colombo to Kandy, Totally Worth the Day✨
We did a day trip from Colombo to Kandy and honestly had a really good time. The journey itself was enjoyable, especially once we started getting into the hills and the views changed completely. We visited the Temple of the Tooth, walked around Kandy Lake, and spent some time exploring the city without feeling rushed. Our driver was friendly, on time, and knew the roads well, which made the whole day much easier. Everything went smoothly from pickup in Colombo to the drive back. It was a long day, but definitely worth it and we came back with some great memories. I’d happily recommend this trip to anyone staying in Colombo and wanting to experience Kandy in one day.💯
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your day trip from Colombo to Kandy and the beautiful scenery along the way. It’s great to know you had a relaxing time visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and exploring the city. We’re also delighted that our driver made your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you for your kind recommendation—it truly means a lot to us! We hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka for another memorable experience
via Tripadvisor
A Lovely Day Away from Colombo
We had a really enjoyable day travelling from Colombo to Kandy. The journey itself was part of the experience, especially as the busy city gradually changed into greener landscapes and beautiful countryside. Kandy had a completely different atmosphere, and we enjoyed taking our time to explore and take in the surroundings. Our driver was friendly, relaxed, and very helpful throughout the day. He drove safely, knew the roads well, and was happy to stop whenever we wanted a photo or a short break. Nothing felt overly planned or rushed, which made the day feel more natural and enjoyable. It was a simple day trip but one we genuinely enjoyed, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone staying in Colombo who wants to experience Kandy comfortably
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable journey from Colombo to Kandy and that you appreciated the beautiful scenery along the way. We’re especially happy to know that our driver made your trip comfortable, safe, and relaxed, while giving you the flexibility to stop for photos and breaks whenever you wished. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We truly appreciate you choosing Ceylon Classic Tours and hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka for another memorable experience. Warm regards, Ceylon Classic Tours
via Tripadvisor
A Day Well Spent from Colombo to Kandy
We had a really enjoyable day travelling from Colombo to Kandy. The whole experience felt easy and relaxed, with beautiful scenery along the way and plenty of interesting places to see. Kandy itself was definitely worth the journey, and we enjoyed having enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Our driver was friendly, polite, and very helpful throughout the day. He drove safely, kept us comfortable, and was happy to share local information and recommend good places to stop. Everything went smoothly from the morning pickup to the return journey. It was a simple day trip, but we genuinely enjoyed it and came away with some great memories. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone staying in Colombo and wanting to experience Kandy in a comfortable way
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable and relaxed journey from Colombo to Kandy. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way and had enough time to explore Kandy comfortably without feeling rushed. We’re also very happy to hear that our driver made your journey safe, comfortable, and enjoyable while sharing helpful local information. Thank you for recommending our Colombo to Kandy tour. Your kind words and support mean a lot to our team. We hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka again for another memorable journey! Warm regards, Ceylon Classic Tours
via Tripadvisor
A Really Enjoyable Day from Colombo to Kandy
We had a really enjoyable day travelling from Colombo to Kandy. The journey itself was beautiful, and we got to see a different side of Sri Lanka along the way. The tour was well organized without feeling rushed, and we had enough time to enjoy the places we visited and take some photos. Our driver was friendly, polite, and very helpful throughout the day. He drove carefully, arrived on time, and also shared some interesting local information whenever we asked. He made sure we were comfortable and didn't hesitate to help with anything we needed. It was a smooth and enjoyable day from Colombo to Kandy, and we were very happy with the overall experience. Definitely recommended for anyone planning a day trip to Kandy
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey from Colombo to Kandy and found the experience comfortable, smooth, and well-organized. It’s also great to know that our driver was friendly, helpful, and made your day enjoyable. Thank you for your kind recommendation. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka again! Warm regards, Ceylon Classic Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ceylon Classic Tours and Travel service (Pvt) Ltd, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.9.
See everything Ceylon Classic Tours and Travel service (Pvt) Ltd runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Colombo to Kandy Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kandy.
How much does Colombo to Kandy Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $87 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kandy usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Colombo to Kandy Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kandy is not rushed.
Is Colombo to Kandy Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kandy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Colombo to Kandy Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kandy can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kandy and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Colombo to Kandy Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kandy within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kandy?
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On Outty we rank every Kandy experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk, Tours and Transportation in Sri Lanka, Kandy City Tour By Best Guide Lanka Tours. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kandy?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; Alcoholic beverages; Snacks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Colombo to Kandy Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 35 listed pickup locations in and around Kandy. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Colombo to Kandy Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Colombo to Kandy Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Colombo to Kandy Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kandy. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Colombo to Kandy Day Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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