Three Temples Visit and Kandy City Exploration Private Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Asgiriya Maha Viharaya

   Visit Asgiriya Maha Viharaya, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious and historically significant Buddhist monasteries. Tucked away on a quiet hilltop overlooking Kandy, this peaceful complex serves as one of the two main monastic chapters responsible for the Sacred Tooth Relic. What you will see: Explore ancient shrine rooms, impressive Buddha statues, historic stupas, and traditional Kandyan architecture amidst lush green surroundings. What you will do: Walk through the serene monastery grounds away from the city crowds. Your private guide will share fascinating stories about the history of the Asgiriya Chapter, traditional Buddhist monastic life, and its vital role in preserving Sri Lankan culture. Enjoy a moment of quiet reflection and stunning elevated views of the Kandy valley.

   30 minutes here

2. Mahaweli River

   Experience the natural beauty of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest and most iconic river, as it winds through the lush greenery of the hill country. What you will see: Enjoy scenic drives along the picturesque riverbanks, surrounded by dense tropical trees, rolling hills, and rich birdlife. You’ll witness peaceful water flows and scenic bridges offering great photographic opportunities. What you will do: Pause for a quick photo stop along the river, take in the cool tropical breeze, and relax amidst nature. Your guide will share interesting insights into how the Mahaweli River shapes the region's agriculture, history, and daily local life.

   15 minutes here

3. Kandy

   Experience Sri Lanka's living artistic heritage at an authentic local wood carving workshop. Kandy has been the center of traditional craftsmanship for centuries, famous for its intricate wood art inspired by the historic 14th-century Embekke Devalaya. What you will see: Watch master artisans actively hand-carving intricate designs—such as traditional floral motifs, lotus patterns, and mythical figures—using age-old hand chisels and techniques passed down through generations. You will also see different types of indigenous timber, including teak, mahogany, and ebony. What you will do: Observe live wood-carving demonstrations up close and learn about the delicate step-by-step process from raw timber to finished masterpiece. Feel free to interact with the craftsmen, ask questions about their traditional techniques, and browse unique, hand-crafted souvenirs directly from the artisans.

   30 minutes here

4. Temple of the Gadaladenia

   Step back into the 14th century at Gadaladeniya Temple, an ancient rock-hewn sanctuary famous for its unique blend of Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition and South Indian Dravidian architecture. What you will see: Explore a magnificent stone temple structure built on a natural rock outcrop during the Gampola Kingdom era. Admire the main shrine room housing a massive seated Buddha statue beneath a beautifully detailed stone arch (Makara Thorana), as well as the unique Vijayothpaya (a central stupa sheltered by a four-pillared roof). What you will do: Walk across the smooth rock terraces and absorb the peaceful, ancient atmosphere. Your private guide will explain the fascinating history of the Gampola Kingdom and highlight the rare South Indian architectural influences and stone carvings. Capture amazing photos of the ancient stone architecture set against rolling green hills.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

5. Pilimathalawa Tea Factory

   Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea culture with a visit to a traditional tea factory in Pilimathalawa, surrounded by scenic green tea hills. What you will see: Observe the step-by-step production process of authentic Ceylon Tea. You will see heavy traditional machinery at work—from the initial leaf-withering stages to rolling, fermenting, drying, and grading into various tea qualities (such as BOP and OP). What you will do: Take an informative guided walkthrough inside the factory led by an expert. Learn how raw tea leaves are transformed into rich, aromatic tea, and end your visit with a relaxing tea tasting session to sample a fresh, hot cup of pure Ceylon Tea. You can also purchase factory-fresh, premium tea to take home.

   45 minutes here

6. Lankatilaka Temple

   Experience the breathtaking grandeur of Lankatilaka Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the 14th-century Gampola Kingdom perched atop a granite rock formation. What you will see: Marvel at the whitewashed temple built on Panhalgala rock, showcasing Sri Lankan and South Indian architecture. Inside, admire the seated Buddha statue, vibrant centuries-old frescoes, and rare rock inscriptions, along with traditional shrines dedicated to guardian deities. What you will do: Ascend ancient stone steps while enjoying 360-degree views of surrounding green valleys and countryside. Your guide will share historical stories and explain the peaceful harmony between Buddhist and Hindu traditions within the complex.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

7. Discover Embekka Dewalaya, world-famous for its extraordinary 14th-century wooden craftsmanship and intricate architectural carvings from the Gampola Kingdom. What you will see: Explore the historic Hall of Pillars (Digge), adorned with over 500 unique wood carvings depicting mythical creatures, dancers, wrestlers, and floral patterns. You will also see traditional Kandyan timber architecture and the sacred inner shrine. What you will do: Admire the unparalleled skill of medieval Sri Lankan artisans up close. Your private guide will explain the stories and symbolism behind each carving, including the iconic double-headed eagle (Bherunda Pakshaya) and blooming lotus designs.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

8. Royal Botanical Gardens

   Explore the world-renowned Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, famous for its vast collection of tropical flora, historic trees, and peaceful landscaped grounds. What you will see: Discover over 4,000 plant species, including a stunning Orchid House, a giant Javan fig tree, majestic Royal Palm avenues, and a historic suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River. What you will do: Take a leisurely walk along shaded pathways, photograph rare tropical flowers and exotic trees, and enjoy a serene natural escape near Kandy while learning about the garden's rich history.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Discover Sri Lanka’s world-renowned gemstone heritage with a visit to an authentic Gem Museum and Lapidary in Kandy. What you will see: Watch an educational short film on traditional gem mining in Sri Lanka, view a vast display of precious rough and polished gemstones—including famous Blue Sapphires—and observe skilled craftsmen cutting and polishing raw gems. What you will do: Learn how gemstones are extracted from riverbeds and processed into fine jewelry. Interact with gem experts, learn how to identify authentic natural gems, and enjoy a relaxed, certified browsing experience.

   30 minutes here

10. Mallawaarachchi Kandyan Dance

    Ceremonial Welcome & Live Drumming: The show opens with Magul Bera (ceremonial drums) and Pooja Netuma, a traditional dance performed to invoke blessings upon the audience. Classical & Regional Dances: Experience a variety of traditional acts, including the Mayura Netuma (Peacock Dance) imitating graceful bird movements, the Pantheru Netuma (tambourine dance), and athletic classical Udarata Natum (Kandyan high-country dance) showcasing pirouettes and silver-adorned regalia. Masked "Devil" Dances: Watch performers portray mythical stories wearing hand-carved Sri Lankan Raksha masks traditionally used in village rituals. Fire Stunts & Fire Walking Finale: The performance climaxes with Gini Sisila—a thrill-filled finale involving fire-eating, flame twirling, and barefoot walking across glowing embers.

    Pass by without stopping

11. The 88-Foot Giant Buddha Statue: Stand in awe before the 27-meter (88-foot) white Buddha statue depicted in the Dhyana Mudra (meditation pose), which was completed in 1992 as a symbol of tranquility for the region. Panoramic Hilltop Views: Climb the stairs winding up behind and beside the statue to reach elevated viewing galleries. From the top, enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of Kandy Lake, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the city center below. Spiritual Etiquette & Rituals: Experience traditional Buddhist customs by leaving shoes at the entrance, walking quietly around the sanctuary, lighting oil lamps, or laying flower offerings at the shrine. Sunset & Evening Twinkling Lights: Visit during the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the central highlands, and stay until dusk to see the city lights turn on across the valley. Local Folklore: Learn about the history of "Bahirawa Kanda" (Gnome Mountain

    30 minutes here

12. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    A visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy brings travelers to Sri Lanka's most revered UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual sanctuary. Situated within the historic Royal Palace Complex along the shores of Kandy Lake, this experience immerses guests in centuries of royal history, sacred Buddhist traditions, and classical Kandyan architecture. Daily Rituals & Hewisi Drumming (Thevava): Observe the ceremonial pooja services held three times daily (morning, noon, and evening), accompanied by rhythmic Hewisi drumming and horn playing as the casket chamber is opened for devotees. The Sacred Shrine Chamber: Step inside the two-story inner shrine (Vadahitina Maligawa) to view the elaborate, jewel-encrusted golden stupa-shaped casket that houses the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Royal Architecture & Golden Canopy: Explore the historic Royal Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) with its carved wooden pillars, hand-painted murals,

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

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 12 travelers per booking

Operated by

Ceylon IT Tours Sri Lanka

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• 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