Dambulla, Spice Garden, and Kandy
A Journey Through Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle to the Hill Capital
Start with the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, then travel through Matale to visit a traditional spice garden where you can learn about cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and Ayurvedic plants. Continue to Kandy for a scenic lake drive or temple visit.
This route is perfect when you are travelling between the Cultural Triangle and the hill country. The estimated price is $60 – $75 per person, and you can arrange your transfer and sightseeing day with Best SriTaxis Sri Lanka on +94 71 549 6949.
About This Tour
This multi-destination tour connects Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle with its picturesque Hill Country, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The journey begins at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five caves with over 2,000 square meters of Buddhist mural paintings and 157 statues.
Continue through Matale, the heart of Sri Lanka's spice region, where you'll experience firsthand how cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and other spices are grown and processed. Learn about traditional Ayurvedic plants and their medicinal uses from local experts.
The tour culminates in Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, where you can enjoy scenic views of Kandy Lake, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (optional), or explore the city's colonial architecture. This tour is ideal for travelers transitioning between regions or those wanting to experience multiple cultural highlights in one day.
Tour Features
- Perfect Cultural Triangle to Hill Country transfer
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Hands-on spice garden experience
- Flexible Kandy sightseeing options
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Comfortable private transportation
- Customizable itinerary
- Great photo opportunities
Tour Itinerary
Dambulla Cave Temple
Explore the magnificent Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st century BCE. Marvel at the five caves filled with Buddha statues and intricate ceiling paintings that depict Buddhist mythology.
Matale Spice Garden
Visit a traditional spice garden in Matale, where you'll learn about Sri Lanka's famous spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves. Discover Ayurvedic medicinal plants and their uses, with opportunities to purchase authentic spices.
Scenic Drive to Kandy
Enjoy a picturesque drive through Sri Lanka's hill country, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Stop at viewpoints for photo opportunities as you ascend to Kandy, approximately 500 meters above sea level.
Kandy City Tour
Arrive in Kandy and choose your preferred activities: a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake, a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (additional entrance fee), shopping for souvenirs, or watching a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
Tour Highlights
Golden Cave Temple
Explore ancient Buddhist cave temples with remarkable statues and 2,000-year-old murals at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spice Education
Learn about Sri Lanka's famous spices, their cultivation, and traditional uses in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine.
Scenic Journey
Enjoy breathtaking views during the drive from the dry plains of the Cultural Triangle to the misty hills of Kandy.
Flexible Ending
Customize your Kandy experience based on your interests - temple visit, lake walk, shopping, or cultural show.
What's Included
Your multi-destination tour includes:
Note: Entrance fees to Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and lunch are not included unless specified in your booking.
Customer Reviews
Share Your Experience
Perfect transition tour between the Cultural Triangle and Kandy! The Dambulla caves were spectacular, and the spice garden in Matale was a real highlight - we bought so many authentic spices. Our driver from Best SriTaxis was excellent - knowledgeable and flexible with our schedule. Highly recommend this tour!
Great way to see multiple attractions in one day. The cave temples are incredible - much larger than expected. The spice tour was informative, though a bit commercial. Kandy was beautiful in the afternoon light. The WhatsApp booking process with Best SriTaxis was super convenient. Only 4 stars because we felt a bit rushed at the spice garden.
Cette excursion était parfaite pour notre dernière journée à Sri Lanka. Les temples de Dambulla sont impressionnants, et le jardin d'épices à Matale était fascinant. Notre chauffeur nous a donné d'excellentes explications en anglais. La route vers Kandy offre des paysages magnifiques. Je recommande vivement!