Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy
Kandy, LK
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Visit the beautiful and mysterious Nalanda Gedige
- Learn about spices and watch a cooking demo at Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens
- Explore the ancient rock temple Aluvihara
- Enjoy the spectacular views and swimming at Sembuwaththa Lake
- Experience the amazing sunset at Sembuwaththa Lake
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Duration 10 hours
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Private air-conditioned transport
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Entrance tickets included
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Cooking demo included
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English-speaking guide
Experience the hidden gems of Matale with the Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy tour. Uncover the mystery of the ancient Nalanda Gedige temple, where Hindu and Buddhist influences merge. Immerse yourself in the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, where you'll discover the fascinating world of Sri Lankan spices and herbs and witness a traditional cooking demonstration. Explore the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple, where sacred scriptures were once written, and soak in its spiritual atmosphere. Finally, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views at Sembuwatta Lake, a serene oasis nestled amidst lush greenery. With this tour, you'll not only uncover the cultural and historical richness of Matale but also indulge in the natural beauty that surrounds it. Don't miss the chance to book this unforgettable experience.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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10 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the hidden gems of Matale with a unique cooking experience, including stunning lake views and rich cultural insights.
Included
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Transport by a private air conditioned vehicle. -
Cooking demo at the spice garden.
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Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
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Tuk tuk ride to Sembuwatte Lake.
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1-Liter Water bottle (per-person).
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Entrance tickets to the visiting sites. (Sembuwatte Lake, Nalanda Gedige, and Matale Aluviharaya)
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Hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kandy.
Excluded
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Expenses of personal nature. -
Food and beverages.
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Gratuities (optional).
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 Sri Lanka's lush hill country, Kandy captivates with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, it holds a revered place in Buddhist tradition, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike. The city's serene lake, surrounded by verdant hills, offers a tranquil retreat, while its vibrant markets and bustling streets provide a glimpse into local life. With its blend of history, spirituality, and scenic charm, Kandy exudes an enchanting allure.
Nalanda Gedige is an old Dravidian (Pallava era) structure believed to have been built between the 8th to 10th century. At first view it’s an obviously Hindu temple from the detailed wall and roof architecture, to the little windowless main shrine. However, the ruins of the erotic tantric sculptures, and plain moonstone point to a more Buddhist origin.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.
90 minutes
Admission Included
Aluviharaya cave temple in Sri Lanka is a rock-cave temple close to Matale where Buddhist monks wrote the Tripitakas during King Walagamba’s rule. These Tripitakas originally had come down by mere word of mouth by being committed to memory by Buddhist monks of the time.
60 minutes
Admission Included
Sembuwatta is an artificial lake made from a natural spring in the area. It’s famed for its amazing views and natural swimming pool. You will be spending a relaxing hour here, allowing you to take some spectacular photos with the setting sun.
60 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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A maximum of 8 people per booking -
Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking. -
Visit nearby spice shops for souvenirs.
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Capture sunset views at Sembuwatta Lake.
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Enjoy traditional snacks at the spice garden.
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Check out local eateries in Matale.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of the Matale Highlands and embark on a captivating journey with the Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy. This tour takes you on an adventure to three hidden gems in Matale, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Uncover the mysterious Nalanda Gedige, a historic Hindu temple with hidden Buddhist origins. Immerse yourself in the vibrant aromas of spices at the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, where you'll discover the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Explore the ancient rock temple, Aluvihara, where Buddhist monks scripted the Tripitakas. Finally, experience the awe-inspiring sunset over the enchanting Sembuwatta Lake, capturing unforgettable moments.What to expect?
During this extraordinary journey, expect to be enchanted by the rich history, vibrant flavors, and awe-inspiring vistas that Matale has to offer. Explore the fascinating ruins of Nalanda Gedige, where you'll witness the architectural blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. At Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, immerse yourself in the fragrant world of spices, learning about their medicinal properties and witnessing a captivating cooking demonstration. Dive into the ancient wisdom of Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple, where sacred Buddhist texts were transcribed. Witness the stunning sunset at Sembuwatta Lake and revel in its natural beauty.Who is this for?
The Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy is perfect for adventurous souls seeking an immersive cultural and culinary experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie eager to unravel the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine, this tour welcomes all curious travelers. Embrace the opportunity to delve into the local culture, interact with friendly locals, and expand your knowledge about spices and Ayurveda. This experience caters to individuals or small groups who yearn for an intimate and personalized journey off the beaten track.Why book this?
Embarking on the Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy means immersing yourself in an authentic and unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka's hidden treasures. Unveil the enigmatic Nalanda Gedige, a unique architectural gem that combines different religious influences. Engage your senses at the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, where you'll learn the art of Sri Lankan cooking with exotic spices. Delve into the spiritual realm of the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple and connect with ancient Buddhist traditions. Witness the dazzling beauty of the Sembuwatta Lake at sunset, capturing moments of tranquility and natural splendor. This tour promises a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you with lifelong memories.Good to know
Before embarking on this adventure, remember to bring comfortable footwear, as you will explore various sites with different terrains. Dress in lightweight clothing to combat the warm climate and be prepared for occasional rainfall. Don't forget your camera to capture the captivating landscapes and moments of awe-inspiring beauty throughout this journey. Keep an open mind and an adventurous spirit to fully absorb the cultural and culinary delights that await you.Reviews
Previous visitors of the Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy have been awestruck by the beauty and cultural immersion offered by this tour. They praised the knowledgeable guides who provided interesting insights into each location, making the experience truly enriching. Travelers were especially captivated by the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens, where they uncovered the secrets of Sri Lankan spices and enjoyed a delightful cooking demonstration. The breathtaking sunset at Sembuwatta Lake left visitors spellbound, creating a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable photographs. Overall, reviews rave about the unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders that this tour offers, making it a must-book experience in Matale.
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