The Pekoe Trail

Walk among emerald hills at Ceylon Tea Trails, where restored tea-planters’ bungalows, bespoke service and rich plantation heritage invite you to slow down, savour exquisite teas and live the timeless rhythm of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.

This intimate retreat comprises just six suites in a lovingly restored 1912 colonial planter’s bungalow. With sweeping views over tea terraces and the Castlereagh Reservoir, it combines historical charm, modern luxury, and immersive highland hospitality.

Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.

Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.

Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.

From its hilltop position, Elephant Stables boasts breathtaking views over Kandy and the Knuckles mountain range. This ancestral home turned boutique hotel offers guests a tranquil stay from which they can explore Kandy's cultural heritage.

Capture the peace and serenity of Sri Lanka with a stay at award-winning Aarunya, an exclusive collection of private pool villas overlooking the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, enjoying world class hospitality, superb cuisine, and dreamy spa.

Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the centre of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.

Thotalagala is a former 19th century plantation bungalow which has been lovingly converted into a luxurious boutique hotel in the east of the hill country.

Explore Ella with your chauffeur guide. Ella is blessed with some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular views. On this tour you will visit Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Cave and Bambaragala Park.

Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species

and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.

This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.

This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today head to the centre of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colourful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.

Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.

Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.

During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.