9 days in Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Itinerary

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Royal Botanical Gardens will get you outdoors. Venture out of the city with trips to Millennium Elephant Foundation (in Kegalle), Knuckles Mountain Range (in Matale) and Victoria Golf & Country Resort (in Rajawella). There's lots more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, tour the pleasant surroundings at Udawattekele Sanctuary, and make a trip to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

For where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Kandy road trip app.

Colombo to Kandy is an approximately 3-hour combination of taxi and flight. You can also take a train; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Nuwara Eliya.

Sitting high up in the hills, the green and pleasant Nuwara Eliya offers both a rich history and proximity to pristine natural areas.

Get in touch with nature at Horton Plains National Park and Little Adam's Peak. Explore Nuwara Eliya's surroundings by going to Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail (in Ohiya) and Ravana Ella Falls (in Ella). There's more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Gregory Lake and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Galway's Land National Park.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Nuwara Eliya holiday maker site.

Traveling by car from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya takes 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.