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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 2-day private tour of Kandy, Sri Lanka, where history, culture, and nature converge. Begin your journey with a visit to Giragama, renowned for its Ceylon Tea plantations, and experience the tea-making process firsthand. Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, and explore its rich heritage, including the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and vibrant local markets. Enjoy a cultural show that showcases traditional music and dance. On the second day, stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and visit the spice gardens in Mawanella. This tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking driver-guide, and meals, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Giragama: Visit a tea plantation and factory for an authentic Ceylon Tea experience.
Kandy: Explore the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, including the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
Botanical Gardens: Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, featuring an orchid house and giant Javan fig tree.
Mawanella: Discover the agricultural zone known for its tea, rubber, vegetables, and spices.
Kandy City Centre: Stroll through the bazaar, arts and crafts centre, and gem museum.
Cultural Show: Enjoy traditional music and drumming in Kandy.
After breakfast in your beach hotel, start your adventure to Kandy. On route proceed to Giragama and visit a tea plantation site. Visit a tea factory in Giragama for an authentic experience curled around a cup of tea. Watch how tea is being processed before they are graded, and send your taste buds to the edge with a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea just off the estate! Upon completion, proceed to Lunch at The Kandyan Arts (included). Then proceed to Kandy and explore the city (duration 3hrs approx.). Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with latest and world-class brands, bazaar, an arts and crafts centre, as well as a gem museum and lapidary. Walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. After exploring the city, return to the hotel, for check-in and a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the Botanical Gardens. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions and an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights, the orchid house and giant Javan fig tree, of this place which overflow in grace. Upon completion, proceed to visit the spice garden in Mawanella. Stop by the side of a spice garden, into which you will be most welcome, and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! On completion, return to your respective beach hotel.
What's Included
Tour Guide
Operated with English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation
1 night’s accommodation at Hotel Topaz or similar 3* in Kandy.
Meals
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch at the Kandyan Art Residency (Day 1), and 1 Dinner (Day 1).
Transport
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Entrance Fees & Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Kandy Temple, Cultural show (Day 1); Peradeniya Botanical Garden (Day 2).
What's Not Included
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included.
International Flights
International flights are not included.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
The pick-up time from Bentota hotels is around 05.30 am and Negombo hotels around 06.30 am
The drop-off time at Bentota hotels is around 05.30 pm and Negombo hotels around 04.00 pm
One pax booking is assigned to a single room. For two adults and more, prices are per person sharing the double room. Single room supplement available upon additional cost (optional extra)
Price from Bentonta Hotels also covers pick-up and drop-off from hotels located in Kalutara and Mount Lavinia
Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally
Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk
Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available with basic insurance cover
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. The official check-in time at all hotels is from 12 to 14:00 pm, and check-out time at all hotels is at 11:00 am
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Please note that alcoholic beverages will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious days
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kandy
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Topaz or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kandy
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Topaz or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 1 night's accommodation at the Hotel Topaz or a similar 3-star hotel in Kandy, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
What type of guide will be accompanying us on the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking driver-guide.
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 1 breakfast, 1 lunch at the Kandyan Art Residency (Day 1), and 1 dinner (Day 1).
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 1 night's accommodation in a standard hotel category, specifically at Hotel Topaz or a similar 3-star hotel.
What are the main activities included in the tour?
The main activities include visiting a tea plantation and factory in Giragama, exploring the city of Kandy including the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, attending a cultural show, visiting the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and stopping by a spice garden in Mawanella.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided during the tour.
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Kandy Temple, cultural show (Day 1), and Peradeniya Botanical Garden (Day 2).
What should I wear when visiting temples and religious sites?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house.
What time will we be picked up and dropped off from the hotels?
The pick-up time from Bentota hotels is around 05:30 am and from Negombo hotels around 06:30 am. The drop-off time at Bentota hotels is around 05:30 pm and at Negombo hotels around 04:00 pm.
Are there any optional excursions or additional services available?
Yes, optional excursions and additional services can be provided for an additional charge.
Is there any specific clothing recommended for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is most suitable for traveling in Sri Lanka. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can also be very useful during your stay.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes, it is indeed
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Fairly good
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Up to 40KG per person
What currencies are required for this tour?
Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards
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Reviews of this operator
Ewhite
Myanmar Delights, Private Tour
31-Jan-2022
Excellent guide tour, we choose superior category with a beach extension, we choose privat better to manage properly the time expend in the temples . The guide showed us the real live in markets.. just amazing . Good local restaurants ¡ really good value for money. we booked as well 1 hour bike ride through the temples.. and the ballon ( such a incredible feeling )
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Susana Patricio
Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour
23-Jan-2020
It was a fantastic experience, the country, the people, their entire culture. My driver was a charming person, very friendly, fun, always available and very professional. My only complaint is in relation to the hotels, as they are of low quality, taking into account that in my reservation I had made an extra payment for better accommodation, which in fact did not happen. Everything else was incredible and I highly recommend it
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Silvia Thoma
The Pick of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
16-Apr-2020
The itinerary was well designed and it was an unforgettable memory of Sri Lanka. Shall definitely visit again to experience more... Can't Wait...!!
AngelaMakowski's
Review for Sacred Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
17-Apr-2020
Wonderful Tour. Sri Lankan hospitality was amazing and people are super sweet. Thank you so much for everything. The gifts were amazing. Thank you...
Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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