Pinnawala & Kandy Day Trip from Colombo: A Guide for Explorers

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide for your Pinnawala & Kandy day trip from Colombo? You’ve come to the right place! This itinerary will show you the must-see spots and give you an idea of the amount of time you’ll need to cover the best activities in both locations.Kandy and Pinnawala are two very popular day trip destinations from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is full of amazing natural landscapes, historical sites, and local flavors. Pinnawala is home to the amazing Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, an incredible conservation park dedicated to caring for the endangered Asian elephants.Combined, these two locations make for an awesome day trip from Colombo. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from a Pinnawala & Kandy day trip from Colombo, with information on key attractions as well as tips on how best to explore both destinations. Let’s get started!

Key Attractions

When planning a Pinnawala & Kandy day trip from Colombo, it is important to consider what you would like to see during your visit to each destination. Here are some key attractions worth checking out in each location.

Kandy

1. Kandy Lake – A 7.2-acre lake located in the heart of Kandy. It serves as a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
2. Sri Dalada Maligawa – Also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this temple is considered one of the holiest places for Buddhists. Entrance is permitted for visitors.
3. Kandy Market – Here you can browse a variety of crafts and spices, or sample some delicious local cuisine.
4. Royal Botanical Garden – An amazing garden located on the outskirts of Kandy. The garden is home to hundreds of plants, including some very rare species.

Pinnawala

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – This is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. The orphanage works hard to protect and look after its elephants, offering visitors up-close and personal views of these majestic creatures.
• Minneriya National Park – This national park offers great opportunities for wildlife on safari. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards, birds, and more.
• Ramboda Falls – A breathtaking natural waterfall set in a spectacular landscape. A great spot for hiking and taking in views of the surrounding hills.
• Lunugamvehera National Park – This national park is home to various flora and fauna including elephant, leopards, water birds, and monkeys.

Getting to Pinnawala and Kandy

The typical way most people visit these two destinations is by taking a guided tour from Colombo in a private car or public transport. Depending on what type of transport you choose, it can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to complete the journey by road. You can also take a train from Colombo Maradana Station or bus from Pettah Bus Stand. Whichever method of transport you choose, make sure you book in advance and bring snacks and drinks along for the ride. The cost of a private car tour will vary based on your pick-up and drop-off location, as well as your choice of attractions. Public transport is much less expensive, but may take longer depending on traffic and road condition.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Day Trip

For your Pinnawala & Kandy daytrip from Colombo to be a success, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to explore both locations fully. A typical day trip itinerary would look something like this:

• Start early – Leaves Colombo early in the morning to save time and make sure you have enough time to explore both locations.
• Stop in Pinnawala first – Spend your morning at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage followed by lunch at one of the local restaurants.
• Make your way to Kandy – After lunch, make your way over to Kandy, where you can explore the sights and sounds of this enchanting city.
• Rest up before heading home – Once you’ve had your fill of Kandy, make sure to get some rest before heading back home.

The great thing about planning a Pinnawala & Kandy day trip from Colombo is that it can be customized according to your preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add some more sights or activities in either destination. Or if you’re short on time, focus on just one location and make sure to cover the key attractions within it. Some additional tips for making your trip run smoothly would be:

• Bring money: Make sure you have enough cash with you for entrance fees, meals, souvenirs etc.
• Dress appropriately: It’s important to dress appropriately while visiting temples or sacred sites.
• Pack water: With the Sri Lankan heat it’s always best to stay hydrated so make sure you pack enough water or drinks.
• Don’t rush: Remember to take your time and really enjoy the beauty of both places.

Conclusion

A Pinnawala & Kandy day trip from Colombo is an amazing way to explore two very different parts of Sri Lanka in just one day. The key attractions at both locations are sure to provide visitors with plenty of memorable experiences. When planning your trip, remember to plan ahead, book train or bus tickets in advance, and check with local authorities which attractions are open and closed (such as during COVID-19). Follow all health protocols while travelling and have an enjoyable time! And don’t forget to book activities when you arrive in Sri Lanka with GetYourGuide! Book Now!.