Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men

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.

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.

An airport hotel with a difference, this boutique gem is a destination in itself with stylish rooms, mouth watering food and an exquisite atmosphere.

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.

Camellia Hills is a luxurious five-bedroom bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka's tea plantations. It has a dining room, two lounge areas, and a swimming pool. The bungalow boasts breathtaking views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.

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

A lovingly restored planter’s residence set within a working tea estate, Stafford Bungalow offers an intimate glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past, where slow mornings, high tea rituals and sweeping hill country views define the rhythm of your stay.

Nestled within a working tea estate in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Goatfell is an intimate four-bedroom bungalow retreat offering peaceful surroundings, personalized service and a wonderful base for exploring the region.

Recapture the nostalgia of the plantation era at this colonial bungalow set amid the tea plantations and lush green forests of the Hanthana Hills, enjoying the timeless elegance of the décor, butler service, pool, tennis court and drinks on the veranda.

Experience a unique journey in Sri Lanka's Central Province, where a women-led business blends wellness, sustainability and luxury allowing you to explore the art of soap-making, enjoy fresh estate produce, and create lasting memories.

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.

Horton Plains is a beautiful national park in the Southern Hill Country with some wonderful hikes and breath-taking views.

The 2 hour train journey to Hatton is a glorious way to see the rolling countryside from your observation car, as you climb into the hills and tea plantations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grab a helmet and set off on mountain bike trails that wind through Sri Lanka's tea estates, hillside villages, and highland ridgelines.

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

Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by a local expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.

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.