Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy
Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive

Outty Ranking 54 4.5 · 8 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $85

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$85
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive worth booking?

Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive is a 8-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $85 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (8)
Duration
8 hours
From
$85 per person

We'll start by 11.30AM in the morning from where you staying in Kandy. Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will shift to an open concept 4×4 safari jeep and will reach the Kaudulla, Minneriya or Hurulu eco national pa

What you get

    About this experience

    We'll start by 11.30AM in the morning from where you staying in Kandy. Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will shift to an open concept 4×4 safari jeep and will reach the Kaudulla, Minneriya or Hurulu eco national park (based on the transitioning behavior of wildlife creatures) where the largest elephant gatherings are happening in Sri Lanka. Spotting them near the lake will be one of the most interesting highlights of your Sri Lanka trip. Other than that there are other wildlife creatures such as endemic Sri Lankan Sambar Deers, Axis deers, 02 types of endemic monkeys, wide range of birds and the list goes on. Our trekker will direct you to the spots where you can spot these creatures. Evening Snacks will be provided during the safari experience. In the end, we will drop you to Trincomalee, Niaveli and along the memories grabbed throughout the day.

    What's included

    Included

    • Evening snacks
    • Hotel pickup and drop (by Car or MPV)
    • Safari drive with experienced trekker
    • Bottled water

    Not included

    • National park entrance fee

    What you'll see and do

    1. Minneriya National Park

      Minneriya National Park was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in the third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important bird areas of Sri Lanka.

      240 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Shared Safari

      Shared Shuttle &. Safari Pickup included

    • Sunrise Safari

      Private Taxi & Jeep Pickup included

    • Private Safari

      Shared shuttle & Private Jeep Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tuktukdude Leisure

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Min No of participants: Kindly note that the min no of participants for this experience is 02 and if you are a solo traveler, please reach us via TripAdvisor customer support to let us know the possible dates for you to participate. We will do our best to take you on board for a shared experience. Happy holidays! :)

    Photos

    Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 2Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 3Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 4Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 5Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 6Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive in Kandy, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    8 verified traveler reviews for Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    king_of_muffins · August 2026

    Perfect way to get from Kandy to Trinco with an amazing safari to see wild elephants!

    Tour was excellent from start to finish. I had been looking for transport from Kandy to Trinco and came across this tour advertised in a few places. Had a couple questions, so reached out directly to the operator. They were brilliant; responsive, answered questions and so booked directly. Breaking up the long drive from Kandy to Trinco with a safari helps you ensure that you are making the most out of the day. Driver was on time, friendly, nice vehicle. Swapped to jeep with a guide midway, who took us to Minneriya National Park. They flex between a couple national parks depending on where the elephants are gathering. August being an excellent time to visit, given it is the largest known gathering of Asian elephants in the world, also means the parks can be busy… the safari guide had planned ahead an bought tickets in advance, so we didn’t have to wait to enter. We had the most amazing experience, with lots of elephants migrating and very close up to our jeep. A fruit snack stop on the way back to our shuttle vehicle and then smooth remainder of the journey on to Trinco. Highly recommend this shuttle and safari option for crossing Sri Lanka between Kandy and Trinco. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    flon117 · October 2025

    Great drive and incredible safari tour!

    My driver Chamith was really professional and the drive was very nice, we even saw elephants by the road! The safari was also incredible and the guide had so much information about the elephants and the park. It was a great way to get to Trinco from Kandy and worked perfectly for me 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    olgam972017 · July 2025

    Wonderful day, memorable experience

    This was Trinko to Kandy tour. It was wonderful, we enjoyed the whole day so much. Everything was very well planed from the village experience and very tasty lunch to elephant safari. We are very happy that we could see elephants from a very close distance, thanks to our guide. The driver Rasika was perfect, all praises for him, too!

    via Tripadvisor

    H9682GEkellyc · March 2025

    Don’t book… they may just cancel

    Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive Kandy Do not book..they may just cancel your tour with very little notice!! 999796016 This dreadful company didnt write back to my request to leave a little bit earlier for my tour so I whats appd them the day prior and I got this response! Due to high operational costs, we are unable to proceed with this tour. We sincerely appreciate your understanding of this unexpected situation. However, we can arrange a private taxi for you at an additional cost of $65 USD if you’d like to proceed. Please let us know how you’d like to proceed.

    via Tripadvisor

    Natelle_S · August 2024

    Good safari

    We enjoyed our safari, as we got to see a lot of elephants as well as water buffalo. Leopards are not in this part of Sri Lanka but still worth seeing. It’s a busy park with many keeps doing the tour, be prepared.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $85 to $120
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)44
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)37
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kandy.

    How much does Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive cost?

    +

    Prices start at $85 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 Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 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 Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Kandy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive?

    +

    Around 3 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?

    +

    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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kandy to Trincomalee Shuttle & Safari Drive start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, Chauffeur guide and Tour organizer. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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