Day Tour From Kandy — Pettigala Peak Hike & Cave Temples
A 2,000-year-old cliff-face cave temple, a forest hike to 360° views over Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles range, Kandyan-era murals at Degaldoruwa — then the Temple of the Tooth and a Kandyan Cultural Show to close the day.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Kandy combines one of the region's most rewarding hikes with two exceptional cave temples and an afternoon of Kandy's finest cultural landmarks. The day begins early, driving 22 km from Kandy to the village of Henagahawela near Teldeniya, where the ancient Bambaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya — a cliff-face cave temple over 2,000 years old, with Brahmi inscriptions and cave paintings — serves as the starting point for the hike to Pettigala Peak. The summit rewards with 360° views over Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles mountain range.
The afternoon is spent at the beautifully preserved Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara cave temple, the atmospheric Ehelepola Walauwa Wax Museum, the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and an unforgettable Kandyan Cultural Show to close the day.
Day Itinerary
Tap any stop to expand the full description, highlights and things worth knowing before you go.
Stop01
Bambaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya
Bambaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya
Explore this remarkable cave temple built into a cliff face, dating back over 2,000 years. Ancient Brahmi inscriptions and cave paintings adorn the rock walls, while steep stone steps lead up to the summit caves, monks' quarters (Avasa) and ancient rock shelters (Lenas) with carved drip ledges. One of the most atmospheric and least-visited ancient sites in the Kandy region.
Highlights
- A cliff-face cave temple over 2,000 years old
- Ancient Brahmi inscriptions and cave paintings
- Summit caves, monks' quarters (Avasa) and rock shelters (Lenas) with carved drip ledges
- One of the least-visited ancient sites in the Kandy region
Good to Know
- Nothing is sold on-site — bring your own water and snacks
- Cover shoulders and knees for the temple
Stop02
Hike to Pettigala Peak
Hike to Pettigala Peak
The trail begins just past the top of the temple steps and climbs approximately 200 m through forest to the 760 m summit — roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on pace. This is a genuine hike: expect roots, loose rock and some overgrown sections. The reward is outstanding — 360° views over Victoria Reservoir and the full sweep of the Knuckles mountain range, superb for sunrise and golden-hour photography.
Highlights
- A ~200 m forest climb to the 760 m summit
- 360° views over Victoria Reservoir
- The full sweep of the Knuckles mountain range
- Superb light for sunrise and golden-hour photography
Good to Know
- Sturdy hiking shoes are essential — roots, loose rock and uneven terrain
- Rocks can be slippery after rain; conditions are checked before setting out
- Friendly trail dogs often accompany hikers — a little food for them is welcome
Stop03
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
A short drive brings you to this quietly magnificent cave temple, far less visited than the main Kandy sites. Take time with the 18th-century ceiling murals inside the rock shrine — some of the finest and best-preserved examples of Kandyan-era painting anywhere in Sri Lanka. The intimate scale and peaceful atmosphere make this a highlight of the day.
Highlights
- 18th-century ceiling murals inside the rock shrine
- Some of the finest Kandyan-era painting in Sri Lanka
- Far less visited than the main Kandy sites
Good to Know
- Degaldoruwa is quiet and unhurried — take your time with the murals
Stop04
Lunch
Lunch
A relaxed lunch break at a recommended local restaurant en route back into Kandy.
Highlights
- A recommended local restaurant chosen by your driver-guide
- A well-earned break after the morning's hike
Good to Know
- Lunch is at your own cost
Stop05
Ehelepola Walauwa Wax Museum
Ehelepola Walauwa Wax Museum
A beautifully preserved Kandyan-era manor house brought to life with historical wax figures depicting key figures and scenes from the last kingdom of Kandy, located close to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Highlights
- A beautifully preserved Kandyan-era manor house
- Wax figures and scenes from the last kingdom of Kandy
- Steps from the Temple of the Tooth
Good to Know
- Open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Stop06
Sri Dalada Maligawa — Temple of the Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa — Temple of the Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site, housing the relic of the Buddha's tooth. The ornate golden-roofed shrine sits at the heart of the Kandy Lake complex. Allow time to explore the inner shrines and the museum at your own pace.
Highlights
- Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site
- The ornate golden-roofed shrine
- Inner shrines and the temple museum
Good to Know
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — and remove shoes at the entrance
Stop07
Kandyan Cultural Centre — Dance Show
Kandyan Cultural Centre — Dance Show
A spectacular performance of traditional Kandyan dance, low-country dance styles, acrobatics and a dramatic fire-walking finale. One of the most vivid and energetic cultural experiences in Sri Lanka — a fitting close to a full day in the Kandy region.
Highlights
- Traditional Kandyan and low-country dance styles
- Acrobatics and drumming
- A dramatic fire-walking finale
Good to Know
- The show runs approximately one hour
Tour Highlights
Pettigala Peak
A forest hike to a 760 m summit with 360° views over Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles range.
Bambaragala Cave Temple
A 2,000-year-old cliff-face temple with Brahmi inscriptions, cave paintings and ancient rock shelters.
Degaldoruwa Murals
Some of the finest and best-preserved 18th-century Kandyan-era ceiling paintings in Sri Lanka.
Kandyan Cultural Show
Traditional dance, acrobatics and a dramatic fire-walking finale to close the day.
Day at a Glance
| Time | Stop | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Depart Kandy | ~40 min drive to Henagahawela near Teldeniya |
| 8:00 AM | Bambaragala Viharaya | 2,000-year-old cliff-face cave temple |
| 8:30 AM | Pettigala Peak | Forest hike to 360° summit views |
| 11:00 AM | Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara | 18th-century Kandyan-era murals |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch | Local restaurant en route to Kandy |
| 1:30 PM | Ehelepola Walauwa Wax Museum | Kandyan-era manor and wax figures |
| 3:00 PM | Temple of the Tooth Relic | Inner shrines and temple museum |
| 4:45 PM | Kandyan Cultural Centre | Dance, acrobatics and fire-walking show |
Practical Notes
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes — essential for Pettigala; roots, loose rock and uneven terrain
- Water and snacks — nothing sold on-site at the temple or on the trail
- Modest clothing — shoulders and knees covered for temple visits
- A small amount of food for the trail dogs who often accompany hikers
- Rain jacket if visiting in the wet season — rocks can be slippery after rain
Good to Know
- The Pettigala hike is moderately challenging — suitable for reasonably fit travellers
- Rocks on the trail can be slippery after rain; check conditions before setting out
- Degaldoruwa is quiet and unhurried — take your time with the murals
- The Kandyan Cultural Show runs approximately one hour
What's Included
Included in This Tour
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver-guide
- All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Bottled water en route
Not Included
- Meals (lunch at own cost)
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Ready to Hike Pettigala?
Tell us your travel date and group size, and our team will arrange your full day from Kandy — an early start for the summit views, cave temples by late morning and the Cultural Show to finish.