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.
Spend 10-days exploring the best of Sri Lanka from the cultural triangle, to tea country, and down to its sandy southern coast. You’ll stay in some of Sri Lanka’s most luxury hotels, as you explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Dambulla, spot wild elephants on a safari, travel tea country by railway, and learn about turtles at a sanctuary.
Get away on an exciting honeymoon to the magical destinations of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar. From lush tea plantations and wildlife safaris on the island of Sri Lanka to idyllic days on white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Maldives to Qatar’s unique landscape of heady traditional culture fused with modern metropolis. This 15-day journey promises romance, relaxation, and a dose of adventure.
Play with elephants, relax as the kids swim in the Indian Ocean and fall asleep to the calming ocean lull while staying in a floating house on this 13-day luxurious Sri Lankan holiday. With hiking, elephant trekking and rafting in store, there’s plenty of action to keep the kids busy and still time for you to relax.
Sri Lanka is the perfect setting for the family vacation of your dreams. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, hike archaeological ruins and catch a stunning tangerine sunset with loved ones. This is 12-day luxury journey will create special, lasting family memories.
Take a thrilling trip through India and Sri Lanka, spending 17 days meandering from Mumbai’s iconic Bollywood, down the backwaters of Kerala, exploring colonial Cochin. You’ll fly onwards to Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore its ancient wonders like the Temple of Tooth, all the while staying in luxury hotels.
On this two-week tour of beautiful Sri Lanka, discover the country’s hidden treasures, from historic colonial towns to its lush jungles, rainforests and tea terraces. Savor the views and allow yourself to be enchanted by ancient culture.
Step back in time without leaving any luxury behind on this 14-day journey through Sri Lanka’s most important heritage sites. Picnic atop an ancient rock fortress, take an exciting safari through Yala National Park and visit the revered UNESCO site, Anuradhapura. This adventure offers insight into ancient cultures.
Spend an unforgettable 10 days touring the beautiful island of Sri Lanka for a romantic honeymoon filled with stunning sights and spectacular scenery. From ancient ruins to whale-infested waters, this trip is packed with treasures that will guarantee your newlywed life starts in style.
A unique region with a strong Indian presence, no stone goes unturned on this 15-day luxury Northern Sri Lanka adventure. This is the most luxurious tour you will find in the region – but this is not your typical 5-star service. You’ll experience the rare opportunity of seeing the country’s rebirth from the civil war.
Imaginative architect Geoffrey Bawa inspires this 13-day itinerary just as beautiful Sri Lanka inspired his creative works. In addition to seeing Bawa’s final creation and other beautiful buildings, you will bike through the lush Ceylon Tea fields and see one of Buddha’s actual teeth on this luxurious tour.
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.
Multi-Country Specialists
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.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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