Quick answer
Looking for a travel agent in Kandy? Vacations Ceylon Tours is a Sri Lankan travel agency based in Colombo, and we pick you up from any hotel in Kandy. We arrange Kandy day tours, trips to Sigiriya and Sembuwatta Lake, onward travel to Ella and Nuwara Eliya, airport drop-offs and complete private tours, all with your own vehicle and driver. Message us on WhatsApp for the fastest reply.
Your travel agent for Kandy and beyond
Kandy is where many travellers pause and plan the rest of their trip. Whether you need a driver for tomorrow or a full itinerary for the next two weeks, our team plans it with you on WhatsApp and picks you up from your hotel in Kandy. Everything is private: you choose the timing, the stops and the pace.
What we arrange from Kandy:
- Kandy sightseeing with a private driver
- Day trips to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Sembuwatta Lake and the tea country
- Onward travel to Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya or the coast
- Colombo airport drop-offs from Kandy
- Complete private tours starting in Kandy
- Esala Perahera trips (July/August)
Tours from Kandy
| Tour | What you'll see | Length | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandy city tour | Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, viewpoints, gardens | Half to full day | Kandy city tour |
| Kandy day tours | Choose from tea country, temples, gardens and more | Full day | Kandy day tours |
| Sigiriya day trip | Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple | Full day | Sigiriya day tour |
| Sembuwatta Lake | Turquoise lake in the hills near Elkaduwa | Full day | Sembuwatta Lake day tour |
| Kitulgala rafting | White-water rafting on the Kelani River | Full day | Kitulgala rafting tour |
| Multi-day private tour | Sigiriya, tea country, Ella, safari and beach | 5–14 days | Private tours |
Onward travel from Kandy (approximate drive times)
| From Kandy to | About | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya | 2.5–3 hours | Kandy to Sigiriya |
| Nuwara Eliya | 2.5–3 hours | Scenic road past waterfalls and tea estates |
| Ella | 5–6 hours by road | Kandy to Ella |
| Anuradhapura | 3–3.5 hours | Kandy to Anuradhapura |
| Colombo airport | 3–4 hours | Airport transfers |
| Galle Fort and the south coast | 4–5 hours | Via the expressway |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, roads and stops.
Train note: the Kandy–Nanu Oya railway section has been closed since Cyclone Ditwah. The Nanu Oya–Ella–Badulla section reopened in June 2026. We can drive you from Kandy to Nanu Oya to join the scenic train to Ella. Read the Kandy to Ella train guide.
Best things to do in Kandy
If you have a day or two in town, don't miss:
- the Temple of the Tooth (cover shoulders and knees; see what to wear at temples)
- a walk around Kandy Lake
- the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya
- a Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening
- a tea factory in the hills around the city
See the full list: things to do in Kandy. Visiting in July or August? Read our Kandy Esala Perahera guide.
How it works
- Message us on WhatsApp with your Kandy hotel, your dates and what you'd like to do.
- We suggest a plan (a day tour, onward travel or a full itinerary) with a clear quote.
- Your driver picks you up from your hotel in Kandy at the agreed time.
- We stay in touch on WhatsApp for the whole trip.
Staying in Kandy? Let's plan your next days.
Why choose a local Sri Lankan travel agency
- Private, flexible plans: change stops or timing as you go
- Your own vehicle and driver, with no shared buses
- Honest, written quotes that list what's included
- No unwanted shopping stops
- Real people on WhatsApp, before and during your trip
Read how we work: how a Sri Lanka travel company plans your trip, or see what to look for in the best travel agency in Sri Lanka. Vacations Ceylon Tours is a local Sri Lanka travel agency based in Colombo.
Drive times are approximate. Ask us for a personal quote based on your dates, group size and hotels.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is there a travel agency in Kandy for day tours?
Yes. We're a Colombo-based travel agency that runs private Kandy day tours, with pickup from your hotel in Kandy.
Can you pick us up from our hotel in Kandy?
Yes. We pick up from hotels and guesthouses in Kandy and nearby areas. Send us your hotel name on WhatsApp.
Can you plan the rest of our Sri Lanka trip from Kandy?
Yes. Many guests contact us from Kandy and we plan their onward route: Sigiriya, the tea country, Ella, a safari and the beach.
How do we get from Kandy to Ella now?
By road (about 5–6 hours), or by road to Nanu Oya and then the scenic train to Ella. The Kandy–Nanu Oya rail section has been closed since Cyclone Ditwah.
Can you drop us at Colombo airport from Kandy?
Yes. It's usually about 3–4 hours by car. We plan the pickup time around your flight.
How do I contact you?
WhatsApp +94 72 222 3333 (fastest), email tours@vacationceylon.com, or our contact form.
Let's Plan Your Sri Lanka Journey
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.