Hill Country Hiking: Explorations in Kandy

An ancient royal city

Explore Kandy

The gateway to the central highlands

Take one of the world’s most celebrated railway rides from Colombo and wind your way up paddy fields, jungles and mountains to reach this ancient hill capital that served as the last kingdom of Sri Lanka.

Whether it's a day out in Kandy, or sightseeing or hikes in Kandy, there’s no shortage of places to visit in this bustling hill capital. Buddhist traditions and natural beauty come together with temples, shrines and palaces scattered around the town’s centerpiece lake. The city center is characterised by noisy three - wheelers, bustling markets, and throngs of tourists, but the mist - capped mountain peaks of the Hanthana range are an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not to mention, these peaks also offer some of the best views overlooking Kandy town.

Stages of The Pekoe Trail accessible from Kandy

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 22

Attractions to explore along The Trail

Experience the very best of these unique attractions along the trail. Visit Sri Lanka’s first tea plantation, take a tea estate tour or learn about the process of growing and manufacturing Ceylon tea at a museum.

Sandagiri Maha Seya/ Viharaya

A relatively new Buddhist temple situated close to the Hanthana mountain range. The temple consists of a giant stupa, statues and image rooms with 360° degree views of the seven peaks of Hanthana and the Kandy town.

Loolkandura tea estate

The first commercial tea estate in Sri Lanka established in 1867 by Scotsman James Taylor, widely regarded as the father of the Ceylon tea industry. Highlights include a statue of James Taylor, remains of his log cabin, the James Taylor seat with iconic views, tea fields, and the Loolecondera Tea Factory, which still packages tea to this day.

James Taylor’s seat

On one edge of the Loolkandura tea plantation you will find a seat made of stone once used by the father of Ceylon tea, James Taylor. The seat faces the wide valley of the Knuckles mountain range and Victoria reservoir. Visitors can also find an easy path to climb Kondagala mountain from here.

Ceylon Tea Museum

Housed in a 1925 - vintage Hanthana Tea Factory, this museum was recently refurbished after being abandoned for more than a decade. Learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka commercialised by tea pioneers James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, browse a range of tea - processing paraphernalia, and treat yourself to a cuppa at the tea cafe. The top floor offers panoramic views of the Kandy town surrounded by the beautiful Hunasgiriya, Knuckles and Matale range.

Top Attractions in Kandy

Experience the very best of these unique attractions in Kandy. Go off the beaten path exploring botanical gardens, visiting sacred temples, and seeing Hollywood blockbuster movie backdrops in the central highlands.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden with an impressive display of plant species from around the tropical world. Highlights include an impressive collection of orchids, the extraordinary cannonball fruit tree, an avenue of royal palms, and 40m - high Burma bamboo. Another big hit is the century - old giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn with its colossal trunks, tentacle-like roots, and canopy of branches.

Temple of the Tooth

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples as it is believed to house the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. The temple can get crowded as it receives many worshippers and devotees including local and foreign tourists.

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya

This Buddhist temple is best known for its giant Buddha statue, which is visible from almost any point in the city of Kandy. The statue depicts a seated Lord Buddha in a posture associated with his first Enlightenment. Reaching a height of more than 25 meters, it is one of the tallest statues of the Buddha in Sri Lanka.

Film site of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

In 1983 award - winning director, Steven Spielberg filmed scenes for his movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ in Kandy and the surrounding areas of Hanthana. The dramatic rocky outcrop that served as a backdrop for this Hollywood blockbuster film can be viewed along the first stage of The Pekoe trail from Hanthana to Galaha.

Immersive experiences in Kandy

Experience the very best of what Kandy has to offer. Visit one of the biggest Buddhist festivals, go camping in the back of beyond or hike through a hidden forest in the heart of the city.

Kandy Perahera

One of the oldest and biggest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. This celebration is held in August each year to venerate the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha (housed at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy). The perahera lasts for several days and includes a parade of musicians, dancers, drummers, fire breathers, jugglers, and other performers.

Camping

The surrounding mountain ranges of Kandy offer a range of possibilities and locations to pitch a tent. However, it is recommended that you connect with local tour guides and/or companies for information on access, safety, and locations. Due to the high biodiversity of the region, these mountain ranges are home to a vast array of wild animals and campers should exercise caution and not wander off main paths. It is also important to dispose of waste appropriately and take any trash back with you.

A Visit to Udawatte Kele Sanctuary

Situated on a hill-ridge just behind the Temple of the Tooth, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a great escape for nature lovers. This small forest is ideal for walks, birdwatching and sighting smaller wildlife amongst the giant lianas that dominate this canopy.

Film site of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

In 1983 award - winning director, Steven Spielberg filmed scenes for his movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ in Kandy and the surrounding areas of Hanthana after being denied permission to film in India. The dramatic rocky outcrop that served as a backdrop for this Hollywood blockbuster film can be viewed along the first stage of The Pekoe trail from Hanthana to Galaha.

Other cities to Visit

Explore these charming hill country towns and cities which The Pekoe Trail passes through.

Haputale

This small town is located in the Badulla district and is perched on the south - end of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Often shrouded in mist, this charming hill town boasts spectacular views that are not to be missed on a clear day.

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Hatton

Often referred to as the tea capital of the hill country, Hatton is a busy city with lots to see and experience. Get your hiking boots ready to explore the tea estates, waterfalls and colonial bungalows in this city.

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Ella

A hip hill town that’s not to be missed on your visit to the hill country. Spend your day hiking in forested areas surrounding the town and then head out for a night in town to wind down and enjoy the nightlife.

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Nuwara Eliya

Often referred to as “Little England” of Sri Lanka, this charming hill town exudes colonial charm with well - manicured golf courses, colonial architecture, high teas and delicately flavored teas.

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