Kandy and Nuwara Eliya: temples and tea

Day 1: Arrive in Kandy

Kandy

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic · 2 h. Wear white or light clothes covering shoulders and knees; the evening puja (~6:30pm) is the most atmospheric.
• Bahirawakanda Buddha statue viewpoint · 1 h

Local tip: Wear white or light clothes covering shoulders and knees; the evening puja (~6:30pm) is the most atmospheric.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kandy

Kandy

• Kandy Lake walk · 1 h
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya · 3 h. 15 min from town; the orchid house and the giant Java fig are the highlights. Carry an umbrella.
• Kandyan cultural dance show · 1 h. Shows start around 5pm near the lake; pair with the evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth.

Local tip: 15 min from town; the orchid house and the giant Java fig are the highlights. Carry an umbrella.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya · Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Private car ~3h via Ramboda (train to Nanu Oya ~4h)

• Tea factory & plantation tour · 1.5 h. Pedro and Mackwoods estates near town run short tours with tastings; factories process in the morning.
• Victoria Park & 'Little England' town walk · 1.5 h. Post office, racecourse and colonial bungalows; evenings are cold.
• Sita Amman Temple (Sita Eliya) · 1 h. 6 km out on the Badulla road; believed to be where Sita was held. Shoes off, donations welcome.

Local tip: Pedro and Mackwoods estates near town run short tours with tastings; factories process in the morning.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

• Gregory Lake walk & boating · 2 h
• Hakgala Botanical Garden (Ashok Vatika) · 2 h. A few minutes past the Sita Amman Temple; roses peak Apr–May.
• Ramboda Falls stop · 1 h. On the Kandy road; pair with a tea stop at the estates around Ramboda.

Local tip: A few minutes past the Sita Amman Temple; roses peak Apr–May.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya → Negombo

Negombo · Nuwara Eliya to Negombo, Private car ~5h

• Negombo beach sunset · 2 h. Currents can be strong; swim only Nov–Apr and where others are swimming.
• St Mary's Church & Dutch Fort gate · 1 h

Local tip: Currents can be strong; swim only Nov–Apr and where others are swimming.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Negombo

Negombo

• Negombo lagoon & mangrove boat trip · 2 h. Go early for birds and fishing boats coming in.

Local tip: Go early for birds and fishing boats coming in.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps