Day-trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya & Tea Highlands - Highlight Tour

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Day-trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya & Tea Highlands - Highlight Tour

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(1 reviews)

8h - 11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Two of Sri Lanka's most scenic mountain roads are between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya: A5 crossing the tea region of Nuwara Eliya and A7 along Hatton crossing Sri Lanka's largest tea region, that of Dimbula. Our sightseeing day-trip includes both of them to show you the very heart of the island's central highlands. Starting at 800m above sea level, you will reach an altitude of 2031 m (at Top Pass) and spend half of the tour above 1800 m, which is the best altitude for growing tea. Almost all day long, you can enjoy highland vistas and the intense green colour of tea plantations stretching till the horizon. You will take breaks at several waterfalls and a spice garden and a tea factory, plus half an hour hiking between tea bushes at a very scenic spot, and having a small city tour in our “Little England”.

Our experienced drivers are known for careful driving. They have been doing these tours for 5 years. Their cultural & historical expertise well-founded.

Available options

Day-trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya & Tea Highlands - Highlight Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Cup of Black Tea at Damro Tea Factory

Cup of Herbal Tea at Spice Garden

Total Parking charges

Knowledgeable English speaking driver

Road Tax & Insurance Tax

1000 ml bottled drinking water per person

Passenger Insurance cover 500,000 LKR P.P

Total fuel cost

Air-Conditioned vehicle

Replacement vehicle in case of unlucky events - with new driver

Detailed itinerary

Take your break at Surathura Spice & Herbal Garden in Udapalatha, see tropical spice plants and learn more about herbs used in traditional Ayurveda and enjoy the welcome cup of herbal tea.

Stop 2

Ramboda, halfway between Gampola and Nuwara Eliya, is famous for its vistas to the lakes in Kotmale valley and several waterfalls along the road, the twin waterfall Puna Ella can be seen from a distance, when heaving a break at the observation platform, whereas Ramboda Falls in the narrow sense is situated in the garden of a hotel and restaurant. You will have an opportunity to go there for a snack or just a short hike.

When visiting the tea factory of Damro, in one of Sri Lanka's largest tea plantation historically known as Labookellie, you will learn more about all the steps of the tea leaf processing, withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting.

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s highest situated town. Due to it’s cool climate it attracted English farmers growing potatoes and vegetables and soon afterwards also the colonial high society from Colombo, for enjoying their spare time and exercising their favourite sports. The flair of a British Hill Station is the reason why Nuwara Eliya earned the nickname “Little England”. On your small city tour you will see the post office famous for its English style of timber framing and other colonial buildings such Grand Hotel and Hill Club, have a view to the golf course and the race course and see Gregory Lake outside town.

On the way back from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, we will have breaks at the observation platforms near the wide cascades of St. Clair’s Falls, sometimes called Sri Lanka’s “Little Niagara”, and Devon Falls, a classical horse-tail waterfall at a vertical escarpment measuring 100 meters.

What's not included

Entry fees of visiting site or activities

Extra person in vehicle other than those who booked

Extra excursions not mentioned in the itinerary

Food, meals, other beverages than water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.