Kandy & Hill Country 5 nights

Heading into the heart of the island of Sri Lanka, this tour takes in the sacred city of Kandy, followed by a scenic train journey to the elevated tea country.

Day 1

You will be met & assisted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport and will be driven to Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs by road).

Check in at the gorgeously boutique Kandy House.

Overnight stay at Kandy House.

Day 2

After breakfast, take a tour of Kandy with your guide.

Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy is a World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. The city crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.

A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum and lapidary, and taking in the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

In the evening, witness a colourful and energetic cultural show.

Day 3

After breakfast, proceed to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya to explore the lush and exuberant flora.

At one time, these idyllic gardens were only accessible for Kandyan royalty, now; they are open to the public and attract over 2 million visitors annually. Just 4 miles outside of Kandy, the Botanical Garden is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Meander into the sprawling, 147 acre oasis, passing well tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by a vast expanse of magnificently landscaped lush, green turf. Towards the north of the entrance you will find a cafeteria serving Sri Lankan specialties under a roofed veranda. Here, one can recharge before coming to some of the garden’s highlights: the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree.

Transfer to Peradeniya Train Station after lunch. You will then take a scenic train journey from Peradeniya to Hatton (Approx. 2.5 hrs by train).

The train journey between Colombo and tea country is undoubtedly the best in Sri Lanka. Winding through the lofty hilltops, you will be exposed to unparalleled views of some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive scenery. You will be travelling in the privately-owned, ExpoRail carriage; the highest class available on this journey. Guests in the ExpoRail carriage enjoy air conditioning, plug sockets and a typical Sri Lankan meal served at –seat. The highlight of this option, though, is the open-air viewing deck at one end of the carriage, which offers an ideal platform for taking photos and absorbing the incredible surroundings.

Your Chauffeur Guide will come and collect you from the Hatton Train Station and transfer you to your Tea Trails Bungalow.

Check in at Ceylon Tea Trails, the world's first tea bungalow resort.

Evening at leisure, we recommend a bungalow-to-bungalow hike with your butler, where you can enjoy your dinner at a bungalow of your choice.

Day 4

After breakfast, you will learn about the story of the world famous Ceylon with the resident tea planter at Tea Trails.

Perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, Sri Lanka’s panoramic Central Highlands are glorious to behold. Misty shelves of lush tea bushes banking around serene valleys make this not only one of the most dramatic settings in Sri Lanka but indeed the world. Often described by the Sri Lankan tourist industry as ‘little England’, the tea plantations in the Central Highlands now represent a harmonious collision of East and West. Victorian buildings pepper the landscape, juxtaposing the daily hubbub of tea pickers and water buffalo commuting through winding lanes. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls presents breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Feel free to rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.

Afternoon at leisure at the Tea Trails resort.

Day 5

After breakfast, depart for Colombo by road (approx. 5 hrs by road).

If time permits, perhaps stop at one of the many road-side stalls to pick up souvenirs, spices or a fresh fruit snack.