While Sri Lanka’s golden beaches are on all postcards and bucket lists, there’s one particular destination you shouldn’t skip. Tucked amidst a mist-veiled landscape, the island’s breathtaking hill country offers a side to the tropical paradise that you wouldn’t expect. Here’s why you should add the highlands to your itinerary, including it’s ancient heart – Kandy.
A Cultural Hub
Kandy stands proud as Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. This sacred city protects the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, drawing pilgrims worldwide to its rhythmic
traditional drumming and evening rituals – just minutes from any luxury hotel in Kandy.
The Island’s Best Tea
The hills framing the city produce some of the globe’s finest Ceylon teas. Rolling green plantations carpet the landscape, where you can tour heritage factories and sample freshly brewed leaves straight from the source.
Wellness in the Valley
Beyond the historic sites and tea plantations, Kandy is renowned for its wellness retreats. While wellness-focused programmes exist in the area, some boutique hotels, like Theva Residency Kandy, are equipped with saunas and steam therapies.
Stunning Train Journeys
Sri Lanka’s historic railways are renowned worldwide for their breathtaking views, and the line from Ella to Kandy is considered one of the best. Weave through Sri Lanka’s gorgeous landscapes on an unforgettable train journey, passing emerald tea estates, misty cloud forests, and charming hill stations.
An Escape From the Heat
If you’re looking to escape the dry season heat, there’s no better place on the island than the hill country. Kandy is surrounded by rolling mountains and is situated on an elevated area, making summer days much more bearable.
