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 Royal Botanical Gardens and Victoria Golf & Country Resort will get you outdoors. Venture out of the city with trips to Knuckles Mountain Range (in Matale), Millennium Elephant Foundation (in Kegalle) and Pinnawala (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Pinnawala Handicrafts Emporium). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, stroll through Udawattekele Sanctuary, contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, and get engrossed in the history at Raja Museum.

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

Colombo to Kandy is an approximately 1.5-hour combination of taxi and train. You can also do a combination of taxi and flight; 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 Gregory Lake. Explore Nuwara Eliya's surroundings by going to Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail (in Ohiya) and Ella (Ravana Ella Falls & Little Adam's Peak). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Kande-ela Reservoir and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Galway's Land National Park.

To see reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Nuwara Eliya trip app.

You can drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can travel back home.