Tea Estates, Sri Lanka

Kandy and The Tea Country

Kandy and the Tea Country have a fascinating history that’s central to the heritage of Sri Lanka and home to many of the island’s cultural gems.

Stopping off here is essential in order to visit the Temple of the Tooth or to lose oneself in the attractive Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and also to access the vast expansive tea plantations and mountainside hugging, montane forests.

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth

Kandy is famed for being home to Buddha’s tooth and can be seen in the courtyard of the Temple of the Tooth. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day. It is a moving experience to join the local worships in their morning worship.

Botanical Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens, which are the second-largest in the world after Kew in England, house an amazing collection of flowers and trees as well as a world-famous orchid house. It is also possible to see the outside of Lord Mountbatten’s colonial house within the gardens.

Blue Train, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka
Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka
A Tea Plucker, Galle, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Train from Kandy to the Tea Country, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka

Train journey into the Tea Hills

Experience the most magical train journey through the hill country, tea plantations and mountains to reach the highlands where we recommend you spend a few days walking, exploring and relaxing in this magnificent location.

Experiences

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.

Botanical Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Peradeniya’s Botanical Gardens

Abundant with the most incredible variety of trees from around the world, the botanical gardens also have an impressive collection of orchids and roses.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Little Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka

Little Adam’s Peak

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak to marvel at the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and tea estates.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Train from Kandy to the Tea Country, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Scenic Train Ride

Travel by train into the heart of the central highlands, passing through some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular scenery.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Experience the early morning Buddhist blessing and offerings at the Temple of the Tooth.

Train from Kandy to the Tea Country, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Tea Estates

Wake early to see the tea pickers making their way to the colourful, sari dotted tea terraces.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Kandy Cemetery, Sri Lanka

Kandy Garrison Cemetery

Take a fascinating tour around the cemetery to learn of the lives and deaths of the people who lived here in colonial times.

Suggested hotel stay

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Nine Skies £££££

  • Sri Lanka
  • Boutique

Nine Skies is a fully refurbished and traditionally stylish, tea bungalow, now a boutique hotel. Found just outside the charming town of Ella, this bungalow showcases colonial-era architecture with modern facilities and personalised service. Far-reaching views over Sri Lanka’s iconic tea-laced valleys make it a peaceful spot to explore this fascinating region.

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Camellia Hills £££££

  • Sri Lanka

Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendour of the Castlereagh Valley, in the island’s western hill country. This is the setting for five-bedroom Camellia Hills. Overlooking a mirror-still reservoir that spans five kilometres of a deep valley, this boutique hotel sits on a mountainside amidst and overlooking soft green tea bushes and pine forests. A contemporary interpretation of a tea planter’s bungalow, the hotel’s bedrooms, living and dining areas are located across a series of levels, and take advantage of the stunning hill country views.

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Kandy House £££££

  • Sri Lanka
  • Boutique

The Kandy House is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel with only nine bedrooms, more akin to staying in a private home. Located just outside Kandy it offers a cool and stylish refuge from the bustling city. There are beautiful gardens set within a six-acre estate, brimming with flowers and hummingbirds, which flit around as you have breakfast. With a pretty swimming pool, wrap around verandas and delicious food it is one of the best original properties in Sri Lanka.

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Ceylon Tea Trails £££££

  • Sri Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka’s tea estates comprises of five restored colonial-era tea planter residences. The period furnishings, private butler service and gourmet cuisine create an ambience that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury bungalows in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Tea Trails is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views you will find in Sri Lanka. Each of the bungalows can be linked by a short walk or drive between locations around the Castlereagh Reservoir or simply choose to stay in one bungalow and visit some of the others for afternoon tea before returning to your base.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Kate Hitchen

My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.

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