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Kandy & the Hill Country

Kandy & the Hill Country

Central Province3.5 hours by car

The cultural heart of Sri Lanka, set around a serene lake and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — the island's most venerated Buddhist site. The surrounding hills are carpeted with tea plantations, botanical gardens, and misty mountain trails.

Top experiences

Temple of the Tooth
1

Temple of the Tooth

Witness the evening puja ceremony at Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine.

Royal Botanical Gardens
2

Royal Botanical Gardens

147 acres of tropical splendour — orchid houses, giant bamboo, and avenue of royal palms.

Tea Factory Visit
3

Tea Factory Visit

Tour a working plantation and learn the art of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup.

When to visit

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The best time to visit Kandy & the Hill Country depends on the coast and altitude.

JanGreat
FebGreat
MarGreat
AprGreat
MayOff
JunOff
JulGood
AugGreat
SepGreat
OctOff
NovOff
DecGood
Great Good Off-season

Tours that include Kandy

The Classic Sri Lanka
10 days

The Classic Sri Lanka

The essential Sri Lanka experience. From the buzz of Colombo to the ancient kingdoms of the Cultural Triangle, the cool heights of tea country, and the colonial charm of Galle Fort. This is the journey that captures every facet of the island.

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The Grand Tour
14 days

The Grand Tour

For those with the time to go deeper. This two-week journey covers the cultural heartland, the wild east coast, the misty hill country, and the golden south — with room to breathe between each chapter. Our most comprehensive introduction to Sri Lanka.

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