Learn more
Places to see
Kandy & Hill Country
Kandy and the surrounding and more southerly hill country combine temples and markets with the most breathtaking mountain scenery, often carpeted and covered in tea. It's in Kandy where the sacred Temple of the Tooth crowns the last royal capital and where tranquil lake views, Peradeniya’s botanical gardens, and traditional Kandyan dance preserve centuries of heritage. Beyond the city and further south you'll find the tea country, where the Pekoe Trail offers the most immersive treks through verdant plantations, cascading waterfalls, and colonial era hill stations like Nuwara Eliya and Hatton.
Ella’s dramatic viewpoints and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge showcase some the island’s most spectacular landscapes, though the area can get busy in high season. It's Haputale and Thotalagala that often has our heart; this high altitude area offers the most discreet and traditional tea pickers villages and views from Lipton's Seat are like no other. Sri Lanka's hill country and tea growing region (otherwise known as The Central Highlands) is, in many ways, central to Sri Lanka.
Unique places to visit in Kandy & Hill Country
Private experiences in Kandy & Hill Country
Explore our handpicked experiences that bring each destination to life — from local culture and cuisine to unforgettable adventures and hidden gems.
Each section offers a different view of the island’s hill country, with paths leading through tea plantations, forests, and historic landmarks like the Nine Arch Bridge. Designed to be completed one stage at a time, each walk begins early, allowing for a return to your hotel for lunch.
Unlike the more commonly visited monasteries for male monks, this visit focuses on a centre devoted to women in spiritual practice. Sri Lanka’s Buddhist tradition has deep roots, and the presence of nunneries highlights the continued legacy of Mahapajapati Gotami, the first woman to request ordination from the Lord Buddha. Today, female practitioners continue that path, dedicating themselves to study, meditation, and religious service. During the visit, a local guide will lead participants through the grounds, explaining the foundational aspects of Buddhism and the role of the nunnery within that context.
Visitors will explore areas such as meditation halls, gardens, and sacred structures including a Bodhi tree, stupa, and image houses. The setting offers a peaceful environment that reflects the values of mindfulness and simplicity. The guide will provide context for the symbolism found throughout the site and explain how these elements are used in practice by the women who live there. The experience includes a chance to speak directly with a bhikkuni about her lifestyle, beliefs, and daily routine. This conversation allows for a personal understanding of Buddhist practice from a female perspective and offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that guide this way of life.
Places to see in Kandy & Hill Country
Some of our favourite places to stay in Kandy & Hill Country
Meet our experts
Speak to our Sri Lanka experts to help you plan your trip
Want to see Sri Lanka through local eyes? Our specialists have spent years building relationships across the island and discovering places most visitors never find. They'll get to know exactly what you're looking for and design something that's completely yours. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's create your perfect Sri Lankan adventure.
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
