A Kandy day trip by tuk tuk offers a vibrant and efficient way to explore the city’s cultural heritage, scenic viewpoints and hidden gems. If you’re looking for tuk tuk tours in Kandy, this guide walks you through a full-day itinerary covering the best places to visit in Kandy one day. You’ll experience a well-paced route that feels like a local’s rhythm — and you’ll discover how a Kandy sightseeing tuk tuk day tour can be both eco-friendly and delightful. Along the way I’ll highlight “things to do in Kandy for tourists” and share practical details like price, duration, vehicle type (non-AC tuk tuk) and online vs local booking tips.
Before we start: Why choose a tuk tuk tour?
Choosing a non-AC tuk tuk for your Kandy exploration gives you nimble access through traffic, personal flexibility, and a more intimate feel of the city. On a Kandy day trip by tuk tuk, you’ll enjoy open-air breezes, stop wherever you like, and avoid big buses. Many travellers booking tuk tuk tours in Kandy online report half-day or full-day packages from as low as ~$10-15 (≈USD) for 5-7 hours. However, by negotiating locally once you arrive you may get a cheaper deal — more on this later.
Morning start – Asgiriya Stupa (Asgiriya Maha Viharaya)
Begin your Kandy day trip by tuk tuk early at the temple complex known as Asgiriya Maha Viharaya. Often called Asgiriya Stupa, it sits on a rocky bluff just outside the central city. You’ll arrive while the morning light is soft, and can enjoy views over the city before the crowds arrive.
Inside you’ll see vivid murals and traditional architecture. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and legs) and remove shoes at the entrance. Spend about 30–40 minutes here, breathing in the peaceful atmosphere.
Starting here is smart: you’ll be on higher ground, fresh and ready, and then you can drift down toward the city centre. This vantage sets the tone for your tuk tuk tours in Kandy, giving you an overview before diving into busier spots.
Next stop – Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
After Asgiriya, your tuk tuk takes you into the heart of Kandy for the Temple of the Tooth relic. This is one of the most iconic places and absolutely one of the best places to visit in Kandy one day. Here you’ll join the pilgrims and tourists witnessing the daily pooja (ceremony) in the hall where a tooth relic of the Buddha is kept.
Spend about an hour here. Arrive mid-morning when the temple is active but not yet packed. The tuk tuk driver can wait nearby and you’ll continue your Kandy sightseeing tuk tuk day tour smoothly.
Mid-morning climb – Bahirawakanda Temple (Bahiravokanda Vihara)
From the city centre, your tuk tuk drives up to Bahirawakanda, home to the massive Buddha statue that looks over the city. It’s a strong stop for panoramic views and photo-moments — part of what makes things to do in Kandy for tourists so rich.
Arrive around late morning. Climb the steps, linger at the viewpoint, take in Kandy Lake and the city spread out beneath you. It gives a nice breathing space before returning to the busier lake area.
Scenic stroll – Kandy Lake and Kandy View Point
Returning toward the city you’ll stop at Kandy Lake (also called Kiri Muhuda) and then walk up to the Kandy View Point. The walk around the lake is peaceful and you’ll enjoy the interplay of nature and urban life.
Your tuk tuk can wait at the View Point while you spend 20-30 minutes absorbing the views. This leg of your Kandy day trip by tuk tuk offers a relaxing interlude before lunch.
Quiet history – Kandy War Cemetery
After lunch, drive out to the peaceful Kandy War Cemetery. This spot often gets overlooked, but it is meaningful and one of the more unique things to do in Kandy for tourists.
Rows of headstones and well-kept lawns commemorate Allied soldiers from WW2. Allocate about 20-30 minutes here. The peace of this place gives a contrast to the vibrant temple visits
Botanical beauty – Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya)
Next, you’ll head to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, a short ride from Kandy. This stop is a must on any Kandy sightseeing tuk tuk day tour and firmly among the best places to visit in Kandy one day.
Spend about 40-50 minutes strolling under tall palms, orchids and lakeside benches. Your tuk tuk will pick you up at the entrance when you’re ready to move on.
Craft insight – Wood Carving and Wood Factory Family House
Returning towards the city, stop at a local family-run wood carving workshop and factory. Here you’ll observe skilled artisans crafting furniture or sculptures, part of the authentic experience of tuk tuk tours in Kandy.
Take 30 minutes, chat with the craftsmen, see the boards, hand tools and finished pieces. It’s a meaningful addition to your day and adds depth to what to do in Kandy beyond the usual.
Gem shopping stop – Gems Museum Kandy
Finally, wrap your Kandy day trip by tuk tuk with a visit to the Gems Museum of Kandy. Sri Lanka is famous for gems and this stop gives you a chance to learn and browse.
Spend maybe 20 minutes, see how stones are cut, polished and set, and then decide if you’d like a souvenir. This completes your full-circle tour of culture, nature and craft.
Booking details: Price, duration & vehicle type
Vehicle type: non-AC open-air tuk tuk (ideal for the city + hills)
Duration: Full-day about 7–8 hours (start ~08:00am, finish ~3-4pm)
Online portals (e.g., Klook, Get Your Guide) list “Kandy city tuk tuk tours full day” from USD ~$12-15 per person for group size.
Booking locally at your hotel or via a driver on arrival can cut costs further, especially if you negotiate for 1–2 people. For local booking, expect maybe USD ~$10-12 or equivalent — ask for full day, include all stops, no hidden extras.
Tips: Confirm pick-up time, inclusions (fuel, driver waiting time, tolls) and whether lunch is included or your responsibility.
Summary of the day’s flow
Early morning at Asgiriya Stupa
Temple of the Tooth Relic
Bahirawakanda Temple viewpoint
Stroll around Kandy Lake & View Point
Kandy War Cemetery
Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya)
Wood Carving & Wood Factory stop
Gems Museum
This sequence uses the geography of Kandy to minimise back-tracking and uses a tuk tuk’s agility to glide through the day. That makes it a genuinely local-style rhythm and one of the better things to do in Kandy for tourists.
Conclusion: Recommendations
A Kandy day trip by tuk tuk blends heritage, nature, and local culture in one unforgettable day. From ancient temples to scenic gardens, each stop feels authentic and easy to explore. Choosing tuk tuk tours in Kandy supports locals, saves money, and delivers a truly personal, eco-friendly sightseeing experience.
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