Private Transfer
Udawalawe → Kandy
Door-to-door private transfer · Experienced English-speaking driver
Distance
223 km
Duration
6.5 – 7 hours
Starting from
$112
Trip type
One-way
Udawalawe to Kandy Transfer
The return from Udawalawe to Kandy climbs from the dry southern lowlands through Wellawaya and Haputale, ascending steeply through tea estates via Nuwara Eliya before the final run into Kandy. Morning departures give the best visibility on the Haputale hairpins.
What the Drive Is Like
Roads
A5 from Kandy through Nuwara Eliya, then descending via Welimada and Haputale to Wellawaya on the A4 before the final run to Udawalawe. Mountain roads with hairpin bends dominate the first two-thirds; the road widens and straightens only after Wellawaya. Mist and rain are common above 1,500 m.
Scenery
Tea estates begin shortly after Kandy and dominate the high plateau around Nuwara Eliya. The descent past Haputale offers sweeping views across the southern plains on clear days. Below Wellawaya the landscape opens into dry lowland with scattered jungle and the flat savannah surrounding Udawalawe reservoir.
★ Travel Tips
- This is one of the longest hill-country transfers, factor in extra time if it has rained recently, as landslip clearance can delay the A5.
- Nuwara Eliya is a natural lunch stop at the midpoint; Gregory Lake is walking distance from the town centre.
- Arrive at Udawalawe safari park before 6 am or after 4 pm for the best chance of elephant sightings near the reservoir edge.
⊟ Train Alternative
The hill-country rail line runs from Kandy through Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) and on to Haputale, but there is no station for Udawalawe, the rail option covers only part of this route.
$ Pricing Breakdown
Tolls, parking & waiting charges extra. Price per vehicle, not per person.
This is a standard estimate based on distance
For your real, current best price with any ongoing offers and discounts applied, send us a quick enquiry below or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within 2 hours with a firm quote.
✓ Included
- Private A/C vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Fuel
- Door-to-door service
- Meet & greet (airports)
× Not included
- Toll charges
- Parking fees
- Waiting charges
- Driver accommodation (overnight trips)
Towns Along the Way
Your driver can stop at points of interest along the way, just ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Udawalawe to Kandy transfer cost?+
Private transfers start from $112 per vehicle (one-way). The rate is $0.5 per km with a minimum fare of $50. Tolls, parking & waiting charges extra.
How long is the Udawalawe to Kandy drive?+
Approximately 223 km — around 6.5 – 7 hours. Times vary with traffic and any stops.
Can I book a return trip?+
Yes. Return transfers are quoted separately. Mention your return date in the notes when enquiring.
Get a Quote
Udawalawe → Kandy
223 km · From $112
Fleet Options
Recommended Vehicles for This Route
All vehicles include an experienced English-speaking driver.
Honda Fit Shuttle
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Toyota Axio
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Toyota Prius
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Toyota Allion / Premio
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Plan Your Visit
Top Places to Visit in Kandy
Make the most of your trip — these attractions are in and around Kandy.
1 kmTemple of the Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and has been the most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka since the 4th century AD.
Explore →
1 kmUdawattakele Forest Reserve
A 104-hectare protected cloud forest reserve directly above central Kandy, with 68 recorded bird species and multiple walking trails through bamboo groves and tropical trees.
Explore →
1 kmKandy Lake
Artificial lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha in 1807 at the centre of Kandy, encircled by a 3km walkway and flanked by the Temple of the Tooth.
Explore →
Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A 26.8-metre white seated Buddha statue on Bahirawakanda Hill overlooking central Kandy, visible from most of the city and accessible by a 30-minute walk or tuk-tuk.
Explore →
Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden covering 147 acres on a meander of the Mahaweli River, established in 1821 with over 4,000 plant species including a 350-year-old Java fig tree.
Explore →
Hanthana Mountain Range
A ridge of peaks reaching 1,467m immediately south-west of Kandy, offering half-day hiking trails through tea estates with views over the Kandy valley.
Explore →
Embekke Devale
A 14th-century Hindu-Buddhist devale in Udunuwara near Kandy, renowned for its intricately carved wooden pillars depicting wrestlers, peacocks, and mythological figures.
Explore →
Lankatilaka Vihara
A 14th-century rock temple in Udunuwara near Kandy built under King Bhuvanekabahu IV, with a 14-metre Buddha shrine carved into a granite outcrop and notable Kandyan frescoes.
Explore →
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