Embark on a journey to the heart of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country, where rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and cool, refreshing breezes await. The island’s central highlands offer a serene escape from the tropical lowlands, blending natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and colonial charm.
From the sacred city of Kandy to the emerald slopes of Nuwara Eliya and the laid-back village life of Ella, each stop along the way reveals a different shade of Sri Lanka’s timeless charm. Whether you’re sipping freshly brewed Ceylon tea, walking through flower-filled gardens, or riding the famous highland trains, the hill country promises a journey filled with relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and begin your scenic drive to Kandy, nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka. The drive takes you winding through charming countryside, small towns, and offers occasional glimpses of distant mountains.
Depending on your arrival time, you can stop at the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Pinnawala — a sanctuary where you can learn about elephant conservation and, if desired, interact responsibly with these gentle giants. Continue the journey upward as the air grows cooler and the landscape transforms into forested hills.
Once you reach Kandy, check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. If time allows, enjoy a quiet walk by the tranquil Kandy Lake or simply unwind while soaking in the cool hill country atmosphere. Dinner will be served at your hotel or at a nearby restaurant offering views of the surrounding hills.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kandy.
After a relaxed breakfast, begin your day by visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic—a revered Buddhist temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic. Take your time exploring the temple complex and its surrounding gardens.
Next, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, located just outside the city. These expansive gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, featuring a rich collection of orchids, royal palms, and exotic plants from around the world.
Return to Kandy for lunch, perhaps at a café overlooking the lake or a quaint spot nestled in the hills. In the afternoon, if you’re in the mood, you can browse through Kandy’s local markets or visit a gem and craft boutique to learn about the city’s traditional industries.
For a scenic finale to the day, take a short drive to a viewpoint for panoramic sights of Kandy at sunset. The evening is yours to relax—enjoy a quiet dinner and the peaceful charm of the hill capital.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kandy.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Kandy and begin your scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England" for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush tea-covered hills. The journey itself is a highlight, as the road winds through misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and endless stretches of tea plantations.
En route, make a stop at a working tea plantation and factory, where you’ll learn the art of tea production—from plucking to processing—and enjoy a warm cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea surrounded by panoramic views.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your charming hill-country hotel. In the afternoon, explore the town at your own pace. Visit the picturesque Gregory Lake, where you can take a gentle stroll along the waterfront or enjoy a peaceful boat ride. Optionally, you may also visit Victoria Park, especially beautiful if you're traveling during flower-blooming seasons.
End your day with a cozy evening in the cool mountain air, perhaps with a hot cup of tea by a fireplace, and enjoy dinner with views of rolling hills under a blanket of mist.
Dinner and overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and prepare for one of the most scenic journeys in Sri Lanka—the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This world-famous ride takes you through breathtaking landscapes of tea estates, rolling hills, cloud forests, and charming rural villages. The train moves at a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully absorb the serene beauty of the hill country.
On arrival in Ella, a laid-back mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush greenery, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to unwind and take in the views.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxed walk through the town or settle in with a cup of local tea at a hilltop café overlooking the valley. If time and energy permit, you might take a short stroll to Little Adam’s Peak for sunset—an easy yet rewarding hike offering stunning vistas over Ella Gap.
Return to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful evening wrapped in the cool mountain breeze.
Dinner and overnight stay at Ella.
Wake up to fresh mountain air and a slow-paced morning in Ella. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway bridge hidden amidst dense greenery. Time your visit to watch a train cross the viaduct—an unforgettable sight and a photographer’s dream.
Next, you can visit Ravana Falls, a beautiful cascade just a short drive away, where you can enjoy the mist and surrounding nature.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax at your hotel, visit a nearby tea estate for another round of tasting, or explore Ella town’s cafes and local shops. For those looking for something extra, a spa treatment or Ayurvedic massage can be arranged to completely unwind in this highland haven.
As evening sets in, enjoy a relaxed dinner with panoramic views—Ella’s peaceful charm will surely leave you enchanted.
Dinner and overnight stay at Ella.
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the misty mountains of Ella and begin your journey back to Colombo. The drive takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours, descending from the cool highlands to the bustling lowlands. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes—from rolling tea estates and forested hills to lush farmland and vibrant towns. Optional stops can be made en route to stretch your legs, enjoy a local snack, or admire a scenic viewpoint one last time.
Upon arrival in Colombo, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may choose to take a short evening drive around the city, passing landmarks like Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and the Old Parliament Building. For those interested, Colombo offers a mix of shopping, art galleries, and boutique cafés to enjoy before your journey comes to an end. Spend your final night in comfort, reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Dinner and overnight stay at Colombo.
After breakfast, take one last stroll along the beach, collecting seashells and memories of your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to the island paradise of Sri Lanka with a heart full of cherished experiences and a camera full of beautiful memories.
