A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Stop by temples, including the Bahirawakanda Monastery, topped by a giant white statue of the Buddha that is visible all over Kandy. Here you can join the local monks at prayers and have a private tour of areas of the monastery normally off-limits to visitors, such as the kitchens and living quarters.
Visit a local batik-making workshop. Originally a craft imported from Indonesia, a batik is a piece of 100 percent cotton or silk fabric that is put through a highly intricate, multi-step process of stenciling, wax application, dying, and drying to produce beautiful tapestries, clothing, home wares, and more.
Stop at a highly reputable Kandy jeweller and have a privately guided tour of its workshop with a senior gemologist. Throughout its history, Sri Lanka’s precious stones have been coveted by locals and foreign powers alike. The island is best known for three varieties of sapphire – light blue, royal blue and the exceedingly rare cornflower blue
If visiting during August (exact dates vary annually), attend the Kandy Perahera, an extravagant pageant paying homage to the tooth relic with a nightly procession through town that lasts 10 nights and grows progressively larger. Pageant participants include gaily decorated elephants, torch-bearers, dancers, drummers, and Kandyan chieftains.
Drive one hour from Kandy to visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnewala. Many elephants here were separated from their herds or lost parents to poachers. Remote Lands can arrange for visitors to help their loving "mahouts," or handlers, feed them.
Enjoy a private tour of a highly regarded spice and herb garden. Learn about the fascinating benefits to body and mind – not to mention cuisine – of such plants and roots as turmeric, citronella grass, vanilla pods, cocoa pods, peppercorns, aloe vera, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, curry leaves, and more.
Just outside of Kandy, visit Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, named after a Hindu goddess of sickness and healing. At once both unassuming and gaudy, the temple has 1,008 carved figures of Hindu deities on its central tower.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, home to a genuine tooth of Buddha, which legend says was retrieved from the Buddha’s funeral pyre. The sacred city of Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese kings, and the Temple of the Tooth, located within the royal palace complex, helped the city receive a World Heritage Site designation from UNESCO. Visit in the evening in time for the 7:30 p.m. puja, or blessing.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Santani is Sri Lanka’s first and only purpose-built wellness resort, set on a 48-acre former tea plantation within a secluded pristine forest and specifically designed with the highest standards of sustainability and eco-friendliness in mind. It’s 16 stylish yet minimal rooms incorporate natural ventilation instead of using air conditioning and are set amid the surrounding unspoiled wilderness. Santani offers various spa treatments and detox packages, as well as nutritional and delicious food in their elevated restaurant that caters to all tastes and requirements. The resort boasts its own private yoga pavilion and stunning infinity pool and offers excursions such as hikes to rivers, temples and waterfalls. Santani prides themselves on a personalized approach to customer service and the well-being of their guests who come to de-stress and rejuvenate with them.
Set in a wonderfully restored colonial building overlooking the rolling hills of Kandy is the luxurious Elephant Stables. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the range of cottage-style rooms and suites, right down to the swimming pool, on-site restaurant and surrounding gardens that offer a superb place to relax and wind down after a day of exploring. Warmly decorated and nicely furnished, rooms here include impressive hardwood flooring, spacious comfy beds and a range of modern facilities such as air conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar and safe. Away from the luxurious rooms, Elephant Stables boasts a signature ‘Green Room Restaurant’ that serves Indian, Thai and international favorites, and guests can also relax by the pool on one of the lavish sun loungers overlooking the greenery.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
We had a wonderful time on our trip to Sri Lanka....we definitely had numerous experiences that would not have occurred had we just used one of the bigger travel agencies.
