(For other information on solo travel with no single supplements and solo-priced lodging, go to our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net, and for our complimentary “Updated 2020-2021 Solo Travel Guidebook”, be sure to register while there.)
UPDATE 2021: Sri Lanka is open to foreign tourism!
BE SURE TO SAY SOLO TREKKER 4 U SENT YOU!
KANDY – THE LAST KINGDOM OF SRI LANKA
(For our Sri Lanka special newsletter, please email us with the message “Add me to the Sri Lanka newsletter list”.)
General Information
Official Name | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
Government Type | Republic |
Area | 65,525 km |
Currency Code | LKR |
Independent | 4th February 1948 |
Administrative Capital | Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte |
Commercial Capital | Colombo |
Ethnic Groups | Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%,
other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census) |
Languages | Sinhala (official and national language) 74%,
Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8% |
Religion | Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10%
(2001 census) |
Time Zone | Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT.
(Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe.) |
International Dialing | +94 |
Electricity | 230. 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. If you travel with a laptop computer bring a stabilizer |
Average Temperature | 27.0 °C (81 °F) |
KANDY
On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative from Nkar Travels & Tours will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your destination
Transfer from Airport to Colombo city – 44 USD one way in a Car
Transfer from Airport to Kandy – 120 USD one way in a Car
Transfer from Colombo to Kandy – 140 USD one way in a car
Kandy the popular charming hill capital of Sri Lanka is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is the cultural center of the island and a UNESCO heritage city. The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined at the Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the tooth. While in Kandy, a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must where you can see around 4000 species of plants. The arts and crafts center in Kandy, the main Buddhist monasteries Malwatta and Asgiriya Monasteries are places that must be visited. Kandy is a great place for souvenir shopping and to learn about its rich culture and history.
Go on a city tour in Kandy visiting Temple of the Tooth relic. Later in the evening, attend a cultural show filled with traditional Kandyan dancing.
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 1 pax): USD 100 per person
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 2 pax): USD 82 per person
Considering the city of Kandy as the hub, you will be able to do the below day excursions.
KANDY – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA – KANDY
After breakfast, start the journey to Sigiriya.
En route, stop by the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple.
The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla dated to the 2nd century BC is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities.
Later in the day, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka close to Dambulla. It is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, the most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings makes the tedious climb to the top easy.
Return to the hotel.
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 1 pax): USD 160 per person
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 2 pax): USD 115 per person
KANDY – PINNAWALA – KANDY
After having breakfast at the hotel, start the journey to Pinnawala.
Pinnawala is situated in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka close to Kegalle town. An orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants is located at this village remarkably known as ‘Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage’. The orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and visited daily by many local and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clearly to observe the elephants bathing and feeding which is quite an experience. The orphanage was launched to provide a lifeline to the orphaned baby elephants and adult elephants lost in the wilderness.
Return to the hotel.
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 1 pax): USD 85 per person
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 2 pax): USD 65 per person
See also this active solo vacation led by a top Sri Lankan expert travel company: Walking Tour of Enchanting Sri Lanka | Solo Trekker (solotrekker4u.com)
KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – KANDY
After having breakfast at the hotel, start the journey to Nuwara Eliya.
En route, stop by the Ramboda Falls.
Continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya.
Later in the day, go on a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Also, visit a tea plantation and factory to observe how world famous Ceylon Tea is made.
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city is considered to be one of the most important locations for tea cultivation and well known for its cool climate being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial period. Many private homes have also maintained their old English-style lawns and gardens. The town wakes up with many activities in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New year. Main allure during April season include the motor and horse racing events.
Return to the hotel.
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 1 pax): USD 105 per person
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 2 pax): USD 73 per person
KANDY – KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE – KANDY
After having breakfast at the hotel, start the journey to Matale.
From Matale, climb on board a Tuk tuk, that would take you close to the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Go on a half a day trek in Knuckles.
The Knuckles Mountain Range with 34 peaks is situated in the central province of Sri Lanka close to city of Matale, which is also known as Dumbara mountain range by the locals. It is one of the eco-tourism spots of Sri Lanka. The range’s resemblance to knuckles of a clenched fist is the reason for its name. Its trekkers delight due to its forest trails, cool environment.
Return to the hotel.
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 1 pax): USD 130 per person
Supplement for entrance Fees and transport in a car (Based on 2 pax): USD 85 per person
*** END OF TOUR ***
4 STAR Hotel Options
Earl’s Regent: https://www.aitkenspencehotels.com/regentkandy/
Ozo Kandy: https://www.ozohotels.com/kandy-srilanka
5 STAR Hotel Options
Earl’s Regency: https://www.aitkenspencehotels.com/earlsregency/
Golden Crown Hotel: http://www.thegoldencrownhotel.com/
OTHER CONDITIONS:
Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally. Visits to wild life parks will be at client’s own risk. Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).
Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka, and while it is certainly up to the discretion of each client, to a certain extent it is recommended in order to guarantee the best level of service. We can provide you with a list of recommended tipping scales if you wish, or suggest an all-inclusive tips package that can be included in the total cost and that we, as NKAR, will promise to distribute fairly to ensure the best possible service.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
31 days or less : 100% cancellation charge.
60 – 32 days : 50% cancellation charges
90 – 59 days : Loss of 30% non-refundable deposit
SPECIAL ROOM REQUESTS:
Where Special requests i.e. Room locations, Interconnecting /Adjacent rooms, Double/Twin beds, Smoking rooms & non-smoking rooms etc. are an important factor in the choice of holiday, please advise us when the booking is made. We will pass on your request to the hotel but cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Unforeseen escalation in fuel prices, new taxes/levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with reasonable prior notice
GENERAL REMINDER:
HOTEL RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1200hrs – 1400 hrs. The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1100hrs. Hotel Check in/Check out times are fixed and there is no guarantee for early/late check in /out unless paid for
PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Sri Lanka: Custom Tour from Kandy, the Last Royal Capital | Solo Trekker (solotrekker4u.com)
Sri Lanka Safari Wildlife and Ecotourism | Solo Trekker (solotrekker4u.com)
Solo Travel Cultural Adventure Sri Lanka One Trip Many Journeys (solotrekker4u.com)
Sri Lanka Adventure with Optional Maldives Add-On (solotrekker4u.com)