Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men

Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the center 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.

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.

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.

Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalized service.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.