Temple of the Tooth & Royal Botanical Gardens Tour

Discovering Kandy: An Honest Review of the Temple of the Tooth & Royal Botanical Gardens Tour

Taking a day trip from Colombo to Kandy is a popular way to experience Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural gems. This Temple of the Tooth & Royal Botanical Gardens Tour promises a mix of spirituality, lush greenery, and local charm—all in a single, guided package. While the tour offers a convenient way to tick off these highlights, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

One of the things we particularly like about this tour is the organized, private transport that makes the day smooth and less stressful. Plus, the opportunity to see the Royal Gardens and learn about Sri Lanka’s flora is a real treat, especially for nature lovers. However, a potential caveat is that the timing can be tight, and some travelers might find the schedule packed, leaving little time for lingering or spontaneous exploration.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a well-rounded introduction to Kandy’s main attractions without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It suits travelers who appreciate a guided experience, value convenience, and are interested in cultural sites and botanical beauty. But if you’re craving a more relaxed, in-depth day or prefer exploring at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Convenience & Comfort: Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and air-conditioned transport, making the day hassle-free.
• Comprehensive Visit: Combines spiritual, cultural, and natural highlights in one tour.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of each site.
• Time Management: The day runs approximately 14-17 hours, so expect a long but rewarding day.
• Cost vs. Value: At $91 per person, the tour offers a good way to see multiple sites, but entrance fees are not included, which adds to the overall cost.
• Authentic Highlights: You’ll get to visit UNESCO-listed sites like the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens, along with some free time for lunch and optional dinner.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Your day starts early with a 6:00 am pickup, setting the tone for a full adventure. The first stop is the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist site. As you approach the gold-roofed complex, you’ll notice the intricate architecture and the signs of its significance for local Buddhists. Inside, the heavily guarded chamber housing the tooth relic is mostly closed to visitors, but you can observe the elaborate gold casket-shaped stupa where the relic is kept. During puja (prayers and offerings), the atmosphere becomes especially vibrant and reverent.

A key point is that admission isn’t included, so you’ll need to pay at the gate. Expect a crowded scene, especially during busy times, with long queues that some travelers find overwhelming. One reviewer mentioned that “there are really many people, and you stand close in long lines,” which is typical for this UNESCO-listed site.

The Royal Botanical Gardens

After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, the tour moves to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just 6 km from Kandy’s center. This 60-hectare expanse was once exclusive to Kandyan royalty but is now open to the public. Here, you can wander among orchids, royal palms, and the impressive Cannonball Tree, which gets its name from its large, spherical fruits.

Highlights include the Javan fig tree, with its massive trunk and umbrella-like canopy, and the 40-meter-high Burma bamboo, which offers a striking contrast to the lush greenery. The gardens are renowned for their diversity and beauty, making it a perfect spot for plant enthusiasts or anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city.

Entry to the gardens is also not included in the tour price, so be prepared for that extra cost. Travel writers have noted that the gardens provide stunning views and photo opportunities, further enriching your experience.

Cultural and Local Experiences

Aside from these two main sites, the tour includes some free time for lunch (at your own expense), with suggestions to explore Kandy’s bustling markets or local eateries. You’ll then enjoy a cultural performance, which often features traditional dance and music, a nice way to cap off your culture.

On the way back to Colombo, the tour includes a stop for dinner (at your own expense), giving you a chance to try local cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Transportation & Comfort

One of the big advantages of this tour is the air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long day more comfortable. The pickup and drop-off service saves you from navigating busy streets or arranging taxis. Plus, the free Wi-Fi onboard (upon request) can help you stay connected or share your experiences in real time.

Given the start time of 6:00 am, be prepared for an early morning start—necessary to fit everything into the day. The total duration of 14 to 17 hours means you should be ready for a full, energetic day, especially if you’re not used to such long excursions.

Guides and Tour Quality

While reviews don’t specify individual guides’ names, travelers generally appreciate knowledgeable guides who can provide context and share interesting facts about the sites visited. This adds value, especially for travelers unfamiliar with Sri Lanka’s history and culture.

Pricing & Value

At $91 per person, this tour offers a good balance of convenience and access to key sites, especially considering it includes transportation, water, and a guided experience. However, remember that admission fees for the temple and gardens aren’t included, so the overall cost can rise depending on your spending.

Given the large crowds at the Temple of the Tooth, some visitors might feel that the experience could be rushed or less intimate. Still, for many, the benefit of seeing multiple highlights in one day outweighs this drawback.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a guided, hassle-free day exploring Kandy’s iconic sights. It’s ideal if you enjoy culture combined with natural beauty and prefer travel arrangements handled for you.

However, if you’re someone who prefers flexibility, more time at each site, or a self-guided experience, this tour might feel a bit structured or rushed. Plus, travelers with limited mobility should consider the physical demands, as walking and waiting in queues are involved.

Final Thoughts

The Temple of the Tooth & Royal Botanical Gardens Tour offers a practical way to see some of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and natural sites in a single day. It combines the spiritual atmosphere of Kandy’s most revered temple with the visual delight of lush botanical gardens, all wrapped up in the comfort of air-conditioned transport.

While the experience is definitely on the long side and involves some extra costs for entrance fees, it still represents a good value for those wanting a guided overview without the stress of planning. The knowledge of guides, coupled with the scenic beauty and cultural richness, makes it a worthwhile option for most first-timers or travelers with limited time.

Just be prepared for crowds at the Temple, and consider your pace and physical stamina. For those who want a comprehensive, organized day that hits the main highlights of Kandy, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees for the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens are not included. You will need to pay at the respective sites.

What is the start time for this tour?
The tour begins at 6:00 am, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with air-conditioned transport, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 14 to 17 hours, depending on traffic and how much time you spend at each site.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and queuing, so it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility limitations.

Can I buy food and drinks during the tour?
Meals are not included; you can purchase lunch and dinner at your own expense during designated free times.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

In summary, this tour offers a solid introduction to Kandy’s spiritual, botanical, and cultural highlights. It’s well-suited for travelers who value convenience, guided insights, and a full day of exploration, while those seeking a quieter, more relaxed style may want to consider alternative options.