Kandy Countryside Crafts and Temple Experience with Lunch

Kandy Countryside Crafts and Temple Experience with Lunch

By Realm Lanka Tours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
7h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Step beyond the usual tourist trail and experience authentic village life, ancient temples, and traditional craftsmanship in this immersive rural Kandy day tour. Unlike typical city tours, this journey takes you into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, where you’ll visit family-run brass and drum workshops and a weaving workshop, meet the artisans behind the craft, and support local communities directly. Explore lesser-known temples like Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekka, known for their history and stunning architecture. Savour an authentic rice and curry lunch, prepared by a local host in a peaceful village.
This private, customisable tour includes hotel pickup and local interactions. Ideal for travellers seeking eco-conscious, culturally rich experiences off the beaten track. Support community tourism and take home not just souvenirs, but stories.
On request, we can include visits to Ambuluwawa Tower, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, or the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Activity location

Pilimathalawa
- Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka

Meeting/Redemption Point

Pilimathalawa
- Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka

Check availability

Kandy Countryside Crafts and Temple Experience with Lunch in English

7h
Opening hours: Tue 7:00-18:00
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

Rp1.164.170 x 1 AdultRp1.164.170

Total

Until Mon, 3 Nov

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What's included, what's not

Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kandy city limits, Private transport in an air-conditioned car or minivan
Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankathilaka Temple, Embekka Devalaya
Authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch followed by a fruit platter
Tips/service charge for workshop artisans (brass, weaving, drum-making)
Personal expenses (e.g., snacks, additional drinks, personal shopping)
Weekend visit to the weaving workshop (not operational on weekends)

Know before you book

Public transport options are available nearby
Specialised infant seats are available
Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so we can arrange your lunch accordingly.

Activity itinerary

Pilimathalawa

Visit a traditional, family-run brass workshop in a quiet village near Kandy. This is not a factory, but a hands-on, small-scale operation where time-honored techniques are still used. Learn how raw materials are prepared, see the handmade furnace in action, and watch how molten brass is poured into moulds, joined, polished, and transformed into beautiful artefacts. Discover the cultural significance of brass in Sri Lanka, from ancient temples to everyday life. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the country's artisan heritage and supports the local community. After the demonstration, visit a small showroom to view or purchase finished items directly from the craftsmen.

Temple of the Gadaladenia

45m
Admission ticket included

Discover the historic Gadaladeniya Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built in the 14th century during the Gampola Kingdom. Set on a rocky hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this temple is known for its unique blend of South Indian Dravidian architecture and Sinhala artistic elements. Admire its stone carvings, wooden pillars, and old paintings that have withstood centuries. Learn about its history, spiritual importance, and cultural value. A peaceful and less-visited site, Gadaladeniya offers a quiet, authentic experience away from the tourist crowds, perfect for travellers seeking cultural depth and scenic beauty.

Hepana

Visit a small-scale weaving workshop that empowers rural women through traditional craftsmanship. These community-run workshops use eco-friendly wooden looms and manually operated machines—some of which still function without electricity. Watch how locally produced threads are woven into handkerchiefs, pillowcases, sarees, and more. Learn about Sri Lanka’s textile heritage, the techniques passed down through generations, and how these workshops help sustain village livelihoods. This is a meaningful stop that highlights community tourism and allows you to connect with the people behind the craft.

Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya

45m
Admission ticket included

Explore the majestic Lankathilaka Temple, a 14th-century architectural masterpiece built on a natural rock outcrop. Known for its stunning fusion of Sinhalese and South Indian design, this temple features beautifully carved stone steps, intricate wooden doorways, and centuries-old murals depicting Buddhist stories. The temple's elevated setting offers panoramic views of lush rice fields and misty hills. As you walk through the temple grounds, admire its rich history, religious significance, and unique construction techniques. A peaceful and culturally rich stop, ideal for history and architecture lovers.

Embekka Devalaya

45m
Admission ticket included

Visit Embekka Devalaya, a 14th-century temple renowned for its exceptional wood carvings—considered some of the finest in Sri Lanka. Dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama, the temple features intricately carved wooden pillars, beams, and brackets, each showcasing unique floral, animal, and human motifs. Learn the history and symbolism behind the carvings, which reflect both Buddhist and local folklore influences. Along the roadside near the temple, you can also see small artisan workshops where locals handcraft wooden masks, sculptures, and souvenirs using traditional tools and techniques. This stop beautifully blends cultural heritage with living craft traditions.

Buwelikada

Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch served in a peaceful village setting. Prepared by a local host using fresh, seasonal ingredients, your meal includes a variety of traditional curries, sambols, and accompaniments, followed by locally sourced fruits. You’ll also have the option to join a brief cooking demonstration, where you can learn how to prepare classic dishes like coconut sambol or dry fish curry using time-honored techniques. This is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to connect with local food culture and experience true Sri Lankan hospitality.

Muruthagahamula

Step into a traditional drum-making workshop in a rural village where the ancient art of crafting Sri Lankan drums is still alive. Passed down through generations, this family-run workshop produces a variety of traditional percussion instruments used in Kandyan, Sabaragamu, and Low Country dances. Learn how different types of wood are selected and carved, how animal skins are prepared and stretched to create the drum heads, and how each drum is tuned by hand. This immersive visit offers a rare opportunity to witness the cultural heartbeat of Sri Lanka and support the artisans preserving this time-honored skill.

Location

Activity location

Pilimathalawa
- Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka

Meeting/Redemption Point

Pilimathalawa
- Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka

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