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Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy

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Summary

Experience Details

What You’ll Experience

Where to Meet

Reviews

Location

Kandy

Duration

10 hours

Number of Guests

1 - 8 guests

Language

English

Other

Private Experience

Digital Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Discover the hidden gems of Matale Highlands! Explore Nalanda Gedige, spice gardens, Aluvihara Rock Temple, and finish with sunset at Sembuwatta Lake. A culinary and cultural adventure.

For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

This tour takes you to three lesser-known, but amazing, locations in the area of Matale. You will first view the beautiful, historic, and completely mysterious Nalanda Gedige. Then you will have a fun-filled visit in the form of the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens in Matale, where you learn more about spices and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use. You will then move onto a serious note with the secretive and ancient rock temple Aluvihara. Finally, you will visit the spectacular Sembuwatta Lake at sunset, making for some amazing views.

What You Get

Transport by a private air conditioned vehicle.

1-Liter Water bottle (per-person).

Entrance tickets to the visiting sites. (Sembuwatte Lake, Nalanda Gedige, and Matale Aluviharaya)

Food and beverages.

Gratuities (optional).

Expenses of personal nature.

Good To Know

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Specialized infant seats are available

What You’ll Experience

Kandy (Pass By)

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

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 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

Euphoria Spice and Herbal

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.

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple

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.

1 hourAdmission Ticket Included

Sembuwaththa Lake

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.

1 hourAdmission Ticket Included

Meeting & Pickup

Pickup Point

Select a pickup point

Pickup Details

Your Hotel In Kandy

Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Read more

What People Are Saying

Overall ratings and reviews

(1)

Loved this tour!

May 19, 2025

(TripAdvisor)

Highly recommend this tour and ask for Mohan Anura as your driver/guide. He is excellent and goes out of his way to ensure you are having the best experience. Tuk tuk ride a bit bumpy but great fu...read more

from $147.37

Book Now

Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in India Standard Time.

Free cancellation (24 hours notice)

Book This Experience

Adult(1)

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Number of Guests

Adult

(5 - 80)

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Date

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Date

July

2025

Package Options

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Time

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Time

INSTANT CONFIRMATION

Available Tomorrow

from $147.37 per guest

Book Now

Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in India Standard Time.

Free cancellation (24 hours notice)

For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

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Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Kandy

Experience Details

What You Get

Good To Know

What You’ll Experience

Kandy (Pass By)

Nalanda Gedige

Euphoria Spice and Herbal

Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple

Sembuwaththa Lake

Meeting & Pickup

Cancellation PolicyCancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.Read more

Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Read more