Highlands & Tea Country Retreat – 12 Days

Hill stations, scenic train rides, and tea experiences
Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season in the hills)
Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, slow travelers, couples, and wellness seekers


Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Kandy

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

  • Warm welcome by your tour guide.

  • Scenic drive to Kandy (approx. 3.5–4 hours).

  • Stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (optional).

  • Check-in at a hilltop hotel in Kandy.

  • Relax and enjoy the cooler mountain breeze.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Dinner


Day 2: Sacred Temple of the Tooth & Royal Botanical Garden

  • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Witness traditional drumming rituals.

  • Explore the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya – home to over 4,000 species of flora.

  • Leisure walk around Kandy Lake in the evening.

  • Option: Attend a cultural dance performance featuring Kandyan drummers and fire walkers.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 3: Traditional Arts, Crafts & Kandy City Exploration

  • Visit a traditional wood carving and batik workshop.

  • Explore a local gem museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s sapphires.

  • Discover the National Museum of Kandy and its historical treasures.

  • Stroll through the local market and enjoy some authentic Kandyan snacks.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 4: Scenic Train to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Factory Experience

  • Transfer to Peradeniya or Kandy Railway Station.

  • Scenic train journey to Nanu Oya, one of the most picturesque rides in the world.

  • Pickup and transfer to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England.”

  • Visit a working tea plantation and factory – learn tea plucking, processing, and tasting.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 5: Horton Plains National Park & World’s End Hike

  • Early morning drive to Horton Plains (approx. 1.5 hrs).

  • Embark on a moderate 9km trek to World’s End and Baker’s Falls.

  • Return to Nuwara Eliya for lunch.

  • Rest and enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps with high tea at the Grand Hotel.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 6: Gregory Lake & Colonial Walk

  • Boating or horse riding at Gregory Lake.

  • Visit Victoria Park and admire the old-world charm.

  • Explore colonial-era architecture: Post Office, Hill Club, and English cottages.

  • Evening free for shopping or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 7: Transfer to Ella – Ravana Falls & Nine Arches Bridge

  • Scenic drive to Ella through winding tea country roads.

  • Stop at Ravana Falls for photos and relaxation.

  • Check-in at a boutique hotel with panoramic views.

  • Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge before sunset.

Overnight: Ella
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 8: Hike Little Adam’s Peak & Local Village Life

  • Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak for stunning sunrise views.

  • Walk through tea estates and meet local tea pluckers.

  • Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in a village setting.

  • Free time to relax, shop for crafts, or get a spa treatment.

Overnight: Ella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9: Visit Lipton’s Seat & Tea Legacy

  • Early departure to Lipton’s Seat – where Sir Thomas Lipton once sat to survey his tea empire.

  • Visit Dambatenne Tea Factory for an immersive tea heritage experience.

  • Optional stop at Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Overnight: Ella
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 10: Transfer to Colombo via Ratnapura (Gem City)

  • Depart Ella and drive through the Sabaragamuwa Province.

  • Stop at Ratnapura, the “City of Gems”.

  • Visit a local gem mine and museum.

  • Continue to Colombo and check-in at a city hotel.

Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 11: Colombo Highlights & Shopping

  • Explore Colombo city: Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and Colombo Fort.

  • Visit Gangaramaya Temple and the tranquil Beira Lake.

  • Enjoy shopping at ODEL, Barefoot, Laksala, or Pettah Market.

  • Optional: Sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar or fine dining dinner.

Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 12: Departure Day

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

  • Take back beautiful memories of Sri Lanka’s hill country and heritage.

Meals: Breakfast


Inclusions:

  • Private air-conditioned transport with English-speaking guide

  • 4–5 star accommodation (or luxury boutique on request)

  • Daily breakfast and dinners

  • Scenic train tickets

  • Entrance fees to mentioned attractions

  • All government taxes

🧳 Optional Add-ons:

  • Ayurveda spa treatments

  • Candlelight dinner in the hills

  • Cooking class in Ella or Kandy

Inquiries