Matale from Kandy

Highlights

• Discover the Hindu-Buddhist fusion architecture of Nalanda Gedige.
• Get a first-hand experience and knowledge about spices and herbs, and how they are grown.
• A chance to buy the spices, herbs or even products made from them, direct from the source.
• A brilliant cooking demonstration and lunch depicting the best use of spices and herbs.
• A chance to see the secretive caves and learn the history of the rock temple Aluvihara.
• Get to see the bright and colorful images and sculptures in the Image House of Aluvihara.
• An optional complimentary sunset visit to Sembuwatta.

Overview

The Secrets of Sri Lanka – Matale Tour takes you to three lesser-known, but amazing, location 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. 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 Can Expect

Your private tour begins at 0800 hrs when your vehicle picks you up from your Kandy hotel. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you if you are unable to have your meal at the hotel. It will take one and half hours to reach your first destination, Nalanda Gedige in Matale (Travel Time 1 ½ to 2 hrs).

Nalanda Gedige is an old Dravidian (Pallava era) structure believed to have been built between the 8th to 10th centuries. 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. After viewing this structure and discussing it with your tour guide, you will be leaving for Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens at approximately 1030 hrs (Travel Time 10-15 minutes).

You will get there by 1045 hrs where you will initially receive a one hour tour of the spice and herbal gardens. During the tour, you will get to know more about the different spices and herbs, as well as how they are grown and harvested. You will leave the spice gardens at approximately 1145 hrs for the rest of your tour.

It will take up to approximately 1215 hrs to get to Aluvihara, which is supposed to mean ‘light temple’ or ‘cave with light’ based on two different beliefs.  (Travel Time 25-30 minutes) Aluvihara is most famous as the place of creation of the Buddhist religious script ‘Tripitaka’. The stupa is literally built on top of a large rock. Meanwhile, the rock itself is riddled with a cave system. As of present, 13 caves have been found, with many more buried under old cave-ins. You will have to climb up and through the rock to see the historic and interesting insides of these caves and learn more about the history within.

After an interesting hour spent poring over the interesting sights, you will be leaving Aluvihara at approximately 1315 hrs and spend some time having lunch at one of the good restaurants in the area (At your own expense). Thereafter visit Sembuwatta Lake located in the Elkaduwa area. (Travel Time 1 to 1 ½ hrs) You will get there approximately by 1600 hrs. 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.

You will be leaving the lake at 1730 hrs and returning to Kandy by 1900 hrs completing your tour.

Additional Note

• Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommended for this tour.

What's Included

• Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
• 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.
• Tuk Tuk Ride to Sembuwatte Lake.
• Cooking Class at Matale
• Hotel Pick & Drop.
• All Taxes & Service Charges.

What's Excluded

• Entrance Fees (Nalanda Gedige, Aluvihara, Sembuwatta Lake).
• Food or Drinks.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.