Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo worth booking?
Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo is a 12-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $130 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $130 per person
Escape the city on a luxury private day tour from Colombo to Kandy, combining iconic attractions with authentic Sri Lankan experiences in comfort and style. Begin your journey at the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orph
What you get
About this experience
Escape the city on a luxury private day tour from Colombo to Kandy, combining iconic attractions with authentic Sri Lankan experiences in comfort and style. Begin your journey at the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe majestic elephants up close. Continue to the scenic Peradeniya Botanical Garden, known for its exotic orchids, towering palms, and tranquil surroundings. Experience Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage at the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO-listed cultural landmark. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy from Bahirawa Kanda, home to the impressive Buddha statue overlooking the city. Along the way, enjoy curated experiences with Ceylon tea, Sri Lankan gems, and local spices, adding depth to your journey. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transport guided by local experts. Luxury SUVs are available on request, and tours can be fully customized to suit your interests and schedule—just contact us.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
Not included
- Meals
- On-board restrooms
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Pinnawala
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the most famous wildlife attractions in Sri Lanka, located near Kegalle and easily visited on a day trip from Colombo. Established in 1975, this renowned elephant sanctuary is home to the largest captive herd of Asian elephants in the world, including orphaned and injured elephants rescued from across the country. Visitors can enjoy a close-up experience watching elephants during feeding times and the unforgettable river bathing sessions at the Maha Oya River, one of the main highlights of the visit. Pinnawala offers a unique opportunity to learn about elephant conservation, breeding programs, and Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage. Ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is consistently ranked among the top things to do in Sri Lanka and remains a must-visit destination for any traveler.
120 minutes here
Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Sri Lanka, located near Kandy. Spanning over 147 acres, this world-famous botanical garden is home to more than 4,000 plant species, including rare orchids, towering palm trees, medicinal plants, and vibrant flowering trees. Originally established as a royal pleasure garden and later developed during the British colonial period, Peradeniya showcases both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along landscaped lawns, explore the iconic Avenue of Palms, and admire the impressive orchid collection, one of the finest in Asia. A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and families, and is consistently ranked among the top things to do in Kandy and a must-visit destination on any Sri Lanka travel itinerary.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This revered shrine houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, an object of deep spiritual and historical significance. Located beside the scenic Kandy Lake, the temple is a masterpiece of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, featuring ornate carvings, golden roofs, and richly decorated interiors. Visitors can witness daily religious rituals (poojas) accompanied by traditional drumming, offering a powerful cultural and spiritual experience. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide and one of the top attractions in Kandy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking culture, history, and spirituality on their Sri Lanka travel itinerary
90 minutes here · Admission included
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Located atop Bahirawakanda Hill, this impressive giant Buddha statue stands as a symbol of peace and serenity overlooking Kandy. Visitors can climb or drive to the summit to enjoy spectacular views of Kandy city, Kandy Lake, and the central highlands, making it a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing. The temple complex also provides a calm spiritual atmosphere, allowing visitors to learn about Buddhist culture and Sri Lankan religious traditions. Easily accessible from the city center, Bahirawakanda is one of the top things to do in Kandy and a must-visit attraction for travelers seeking culture, spirituality, and scenic viewpoints in their Sri Lanka travel itinerary.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Kandy & Pinnawala - Standerd
Technical Visit : Gem Shop & Spice gardens visit Standard : Comfortable vehicles with air conditioning for everyday travel. Duration: 12 hours Water Bottels : Complimentry 2 Water bottles each Standard Tour: Colombo - Nittabuwa -Pinnawala - Kandy - colombo Standerd vehicles: Sedan cars , Nissan Highroof , Toyota KDH , Mini Coster , Long Costar Pickup included
Kandy & Pinnawala - Luxury
Technicle Visit: Gem Shop and Spice Garden VIP service Duration: 12 hours Snack and beverage : Arrange complimentry 2 Water Bottels and one cool drink and small snack pack for each . Standerd Tour : Colombo - Nittabuwa - Pinnawala -Kandy - Colombo Luxury & SUV: Prado 150 , BENZ C class , BMW E series , Benz Vito Pickup included
Kandy & Pinnawala - Premium
Tecnicle visit : Gem shop , Spice garden Premium: Mid-range SUVs or premium sedans offering extra comfort and space. Duration: 12 hours Arrange 2 water bottles each Standerd Route: Colombo - Nittabuwa - Pinnawala - Kandy - Colombo premium: Honda Vezzle , Sorento , Xtrail , Outlander , BYD , Premio , Voxy .MG Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eden Hewan Travels
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Health conditions are personal and vary from traveler to traveler. This tour is commonly enjoyed by elderly guests and pregnant mothers; however, if your condition involves high risk, we do not recommend joining the tour. At Peradeniya Botanical Garden, golf carts are available for hire to explore the garden, but availability is limited and carts may be fully booked at times
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Adventures
I had a great time in sri lanka and was very satisfied with the services rendered, thank you for making it a memorable one
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to know you had a wonderful time in Sri Lanka. It was our pleasure to be part of your journey, and we truly appreciate your trust. Hope to welcome you back again someday!
via Tripadvisor
Too good!
All the places that we saw and the information about those places and the guidance and the key points + a jolly nature was something that made everything very beautiful and a family like nature and atmosphere
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely words! ❤️ We’re really happy to know that you enjoyed the places, guidance, and the friendly atmosphere throughout your journey. It was our pleasure to stay connected and make sure everything went smoothly. We’re so glad our driver made you feel comfortable and like part of the family. Thank you for trusting us, and we hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka again!
via Tripadvisor
Very good
Great city tour. Rohith was friendly and professional. We covered all the main places and everything was well organized. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour with Rohith. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka for another memorable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Best excursions
An amazing trip to interesting places went with a wonderful guide. Good impressions of Sri Lanka
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re happy you enjoyed your trip and had a great experience in Sri Lanka.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $130 to $730
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo cost?
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Prices start at $130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Colombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Colombo is not rushed.
Is Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo?
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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 Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo?
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Around 1 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 Colombo 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 Colombo and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Kandy & Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo 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 Colombo 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 Colombo?
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On Outty we rank every Colombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flexi dates on all 5 to 7 days packages for car and English speaking driver, Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle, 08 Nights in Magical Sri Lanka. 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 Colombo?
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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 Colombo?
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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.
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