Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families. Remote villages to explore, national parks to visit and leopards to find, tuk tuks to take through ancient temples – the list is endless. Through this itinerary you’ll be able to experience all the highlights with a great combination of wildlife, adventure and culture before finishing up with some relaxing time on the beach, making sure that everyone is kept entertained.

The Kandy House is a restored ancestral home set in the hills on the edge on the historical city. Spend the days sightseeing in and around Kandy, or simply lazing in the tropical gardens by the infinity pool, being truly spoiled by the fantastic staff.

Goatfell is a beautiful and intimate 4 bedroom bungalow retreat located in the heart of the hill country on a working tea estate. Recently opened, this is a hugely exciting addition to the Hill Country and a great base from which to explore.

Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the center of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.

Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.

Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalized service.

An airport hotel with a difference, this boutique gem is a destination in itself with stylish rooms, mouth watering food and an exquisite atmosphere.

Thotalagala is a former 19th century plantation bungalow which has been lovingly converted into a luxurious boutique hotel in the east of the hill country.

Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.

Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.

Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species

and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.

Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by local a expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.

Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.

Experience an exciting combined rafting and canyoning adventure upstream from Kitulgala on the Kelani River, tackling Class II and III rapids, jungle hiking, jumping into plunge pools, and navigating waterslides, concluding with a delicious lunch.

This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.

During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.

This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.