DAY EXCURSION • ELEPHANT SANCTUARY • SPICES • KANDYAN TEMPLES

Colombo – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Spice Garden & Three-Temples Loop – Colombo

A thoughtfully curated full-day tour for wildlife enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and heritage lovers who want to experience Sri Lanka's iconic elephant sanctuary, aromatic spice traditions, and Kandyan-era temple architecture—all nestled in the scenic foothills near Kandy.

Pinnawala RiverBathing

Mawanella SpiceGarden

EmbekkeWoodcarvings

Lankathilaka &Gadaladeniya

From ›

EUR 20,000per guest

Discount available for 4 or more guests

Full Day (Approx. 13–14 hours)

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Colombo

TOUR CODE: RE-EXC-08

Tour Overview

Journey from Colombo into the lush tropical foothills of the central hill country. Begin your day at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, to witness the world-famous river bathing spectacle as a large herd of rescued elephants splash and play in the Maha Oya river. Continue through the aromatic spice groves of Mawanella to taste fresh herbal teas and learn about Ayurvedic plants. In the afternoon, explore the architectural gems of the Three-Temples Loop: the stone citadel of Gadaladeniya, the world-renowned 14th-century carved wooden pillars of Embekke Devalaya, and the dramatic cliff-top frescoes of Lankathilaka Viharaya.

ThemeWildlife Conservation, Ancient Temple Architecture & Cultural Immersion

DurationFull Day (Approx. 13–14 hours)

Start / End PointColombo

Travel ModePrivate air-conditioned vehicle

Pinnawala & Temples Loop Preview1:45 mins

Tour Highlights

A PERFECT BLEND OF GEMS, CULTURE, NATURE AND HISTORY

Elephant Herd River Bathing

Embekke Intricate Wood Pillars

Aromatic Spice Plants & Oils

Lankathilaka Rock-Top Vista

Route Map

YOUR FULL DAY (APPROX. 13–14 HOURS) JOURNEY ACROSS SRI LANKA

Itinerary Stops & Waypoints

Colombo DepartureEarly Morning Start

Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageRiver Bathing Spectacle

Mawanella Spice GardenHerbal Tasting

Three-Temples LoopEmbekke & Gadaladeniya

Colombo ReturnScenic Mountain Road

1Colombo

2Pinnawala

3Mawanella

4Three-Temples

5Colombo

Day by Day Itinerary

A JOURNEY FILLED WITH UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Morning

Colombo to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

06:30 AM departure from Colombo. Arrive in Pinnawala to witness the bottle-feeding of calves and the grand river bathing session at 10:00 AM.

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Midday

Mawanella Spice Garden & Lunch

Tour an educational spice grove in Mawanella, learn about traditional Ayurvedic healing, and enjoy an authentic hill country lunch.

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Afternoon

The Three-Temples Loop of Pilimathalawa

Visit Embekke Devalaya's carved wooden pillars, Gadaladeniya stone temple, and the magnificent whitewashed cliff temple of Lankathilaka.

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Evening

Return Drive to Colombo

Relax as your private chauffeur navigates the scenic hill road passing fruit stands and cascades back to Colombo.

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Gallery

MOMENTS FROM THIS JOURNEY

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Inclusions

✓Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout the day

✓Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage entrance tickets and river viewing access

✓Entry permits to Embekke, Gadaladeniya, and Lankathilaka temples

✓Spice garden guided tour and herbal tea tasting

✓Authentic hill country lunch and bottled water

Exclusions

✕Personal purchases at spice or craft shops

✕Driver and temple guide gratuities

Good to Know

ℹModest attire required for all temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)

ℹShoes must be removed when entering temple sand courtyards

ℹGreat camera opportunities during the elephant river crossing

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