Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy
Kandy, LK
Highlights
- Scenic drive along the famous 18 Bend Road
- Visit an ancient reservoir, Sorabora Wewa
- Explore the historic Mahiyangana Temple
- Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Veddah tribe
- Opportunity to try out primitive hunting methods
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Duration 12 hours
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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English-speaking guide
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Includes bottled water
Experience the captivating world of Sri Lanka's primitive tribes with the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy. Journey through breathtaking landscapes, starting with a scenic drive along the famous 18 Bend Road to Mahiyangana. Along the way, visit the ancient Sorabora Wewa Reservoir and marvel at the unique sluice gate. Explore the historic Mahiyangana Temple, an important site where Lord Buddha first visited Sri Lanka. The highlight of the tour is the Dambana Veddah village, where you'll immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of this primitive tribe. Witness their hunting techniques and try your hand at using their primitive longbows and arrows. This unforgettable experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Join this tour and embark on a cultural and adventurous journey like no other.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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12 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Explore the rich culture of Sri Lanka's Veddah tribe on this immersive 12-hour tour from Kandy, with scenic views and historical insights.
Included
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Hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kandy. -
Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
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Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
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Bottled water (per person).
Excluded
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Gratuities (optional). -
Entrance fees where not mentioned.
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Food and drinks.
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Kandy
Nestled amidst misty hills, Kandy, Sri Lanka, captivates with its cultural richness and natural beauty. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, it offers serene lakes, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant markets. Kandy entices visitors with its blend of history, spirituality, and picturesque landscapes.
You will be starting this tour from your hotel in Kandy at 6:00 am. Your chauffeur guide picks you up and takes you on a drive along the famous 18 Bend Road to Mahiyangana. 18 Bend Road is well known for being one of the most dangerous and spectacular roads in the world. While the recent road renovations which widened the road have reduced the danger factor; the road still remains an amazing experience with dramatic views over the valley of Mahiyangana. The next place you will visit lies within the valley and is of great archaeological value. Sorabora Wewa (also known as the Sea of Bintenna) is an ancient reservoir believed to have been constructed over two millennia ago, in the era of King Dutugemunu. Created by damming Diyawanna Oya with a 485m embankment; the reservoir uses the natural rock around it to its advantage to form a channel that acts as a sluice gate. You will be able to observe this unique sluice gate as you walk along the embankment.
30 minutes
Ulhitiya Reservoir
Your next stop along the way will be Ulhitiya Reservoir, one of the most important reservoirs in the area; formed by the damming of Ulhitiya Oya, a tributary of Mahaweli river. After learning more about the history of this reservoir, you will be continuing on to Mahiyangana. You will reach this historic city by 10:30 am.
30 minutes
It is said that this is the site of Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. The Mahiyangana Temple initially began its life a tiny stupa enshrining a handful of Buddha’s hair and was the very first stupa of the island. Later in 543 BC an Arahant named Sarabhu brought the Buddha's left collar bone, recovered from his funeral pyre, and enshrined it alongside his hair whilst also enlarging the stupa to 18 feet in height. Subsequent kings continued to enlarge the stupa until it reached its current size. The temple was renovated approximately four decades ago, and continue to be a peaceful and historic sight. You will be visiting this temple and learning more about it.
30 minutes
Veddha Village
At 12:30 pm you will be starting the hike to the Dambana Veddah village. There you will be introduced to the community of primitives and will get to see their rustic homes and lifestyles. These tribes feed themselves primarily from hunting, with a little farming added in. The hunters of the tribe will explain their innovative ways of catching prey such as rabbit, deer, and wild boar from the forests that surround the area. You may also be able to join them if they are leaving for a short hunt during the period you are there. They may let you try out their primitive longbows and arrows too. At 15:30 pm you will be leaving the village and returning to Mahiyangana. Once you get there you can choose to have lunch at one of the restaurants there, at your own cost. You will then be returning to your hotel in Kandy completing your tour by 6:00 pm.
120 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Comfortable walking shoes and hats recommended. -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. -
Try local food in Mahiyangana after the tour.
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The 18 Bend Road offers stunning views.
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Bring a hat for sun protection.
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Engage with the Veddah tribe for an authentic experience.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on a fascinating journey to explore the primitive tribes of Sri Lanka with the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy. This immersive experience takes you on a captivating adventure through the rugged wilderness, where you'll encounter the Veddahs – a community of incredibly traditional primitive tribes who still live off the land by farming. Get ready to witness their rustic homes, learn about their unique way of life, and be awed by their remarkable hunting techniques. This tour offers a rare opportunity to gain insight into a culture that has remained unchanged for centuries.
What to expect?
During the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy, you can expect to be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes as you journey through the heart of Sri Lanka. From the exhilarating drive along the famous 18 Bend Road, offering dramatic views over the valley of Mahiyangana, to visiting ancient reservoirs like Sorabora Wewa and Ulhitiya Reservoir, you'll be immersed in the country's rich history and natural beauty. The highlight, of course, is the visit to the Dambana Veddah village, where you'll witness the ancestral homeland of the Veddahs and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Who is this for?
The Aboriginal Village Tour is for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and those with a genuine curiosity about indigenous communities. It's an ideal experience for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, connect with unique communities, and witness firsthand the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Whether you're an experienced traveler or venturing into the unknown for the first time, this tour promises to be an eye-opening and unforgettable adventure.
Why book this?
Embarking on the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy is a chance to go beyond the beaten path and discover a hidden world that very few have the privilege to witness. By booking this tour, you'll support local communities and contribute to the preservation of their ancient way of life. Be prepared for a captivating journey of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic interactions with the Veddahs. It's an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Sri Lanka and create lifelong memories of an extraordinary adventure.
Good to know
For all travelers considering the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy, it's important to note that this is a full-day excursion, with a total duration of 720 minutes. Comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and insect repellent are recommended for the hike to the Dambana Veddah village. The tour includes visits to significant sites such as Sorabora Wewa and Mahiyangana Temple, offering insights into Sri Lanka's rich history and religious heritage. Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the local restaurants in Mahiyangana, at your own cost. Get ready to step off the beaten path and into a world untouched by modernity.
Reviews
Travelers who have ventured on the Aboriginal Village Tour from Kandy rave about the immersive experience and the unique opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Veddahs. They marvel at the breathtaking landscapes encountered along the way, finding solace in the untouched beauty of Sri Lanka's wilderness. Many travelers appreciate the chance to contribute to the preservation of indigenous cultures and support local communities. Overall, reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, with visitors describing the tour as an unforgettable and eye-opening adventure.
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