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Sigiriya Lion Rock
3h · Admission ticket not included
A 5th-century royal fortress built on top of a 200-metre rock, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests pass the water gardens, the famous frescoes and the giant Lion's Paw entrance, then climb about 1,200 steps to the summit ruins, with sweeping views over the jungle.
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Dambulla Cave Temple
2h · Admission ticket not included
Five cave shrines carved into a hillside, filled with over 150 Buddha statues and painted ceilings dating back more than 2,000 years. Also a UNESCO site. There's a short uphill walk to reach the caves.
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Matale Herbal and Spice Garden
1h
A guided walk through a garden growing cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla. Guests learn how the spices are used in cooking and Ayurvedic remedies. Products are for sale, but there's no pressure to buy.
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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
2h · Admission ticket not included
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to a relic of the Buddha's tooth. Guests see the golden-roofed shrine, the museums and daily worship, with drumming and offerings at puja times. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
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Kandy Lake
30m
A peaceful man-made lake in the centre of Kandy, right beside the Temple of the Tooth. It's a nice evening stroll with views of the hills around the city.
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Ramboda Waterfall
30m · Admission ticket not included
A tall, multi-tiered waterfall on the mountain road into the highlands. Guests can see it from viewpoints along the way.
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2h · Admission ticket not included
A walk through a working tea factory to see how fresh leaves are withered, rolled, dried and sorted into Ceylon tea. The tour ends with a tasting overlooking the tea estates.
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Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya
45m · Admission ticket not included
A well-kept Victorian-style park in the middle of town, with flower beds, shady trees and birdlife.
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Gregory Lake
1h · Admission ticket not included
A scenic lake on the edge of town with walking paths, and options for boat rides, pony rides and cycling.
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Nuwara Eliya
Pass by
Known as "Little England," this cool hill town has colonial-era buildings, a pink post office, flower gardens and local markets. It's a noticeable change of climate from the lowlands.
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Horton Plains National Park
4h · Admission ticket not included
A high-altitude plateau of grassland and cloud forest. Guests walk a 9 km loop trail to World's End, a sheer cliff with a drop of about 870 metres, and Baker's Falls. An early start gives the best chance of clear views before the mist rolls in.
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Nanu Oya railway station
4h · Admission ticket not included
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world from Nanu Oya to Ella, winding through tea plantations, misty hills, waterfalls and small mountain villages. Your chauffeur drives ahead and meets guests at Ella station.
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Nine Arches Bridge
1h
A colonial-era stone railway bridge set in the jungle, and one of Sri Lanka's most photographed spots. Timing the visit with a passing train is a highlight.
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Little Adam's Peak View Point
2h
An easy hike, about 45 minutes each way, through tea fields to a summit with panoramic views over Ella Gap and the surrounding hills. It suits most fitness levels.
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Ravana Ella Falls
30m
A wide waterfall right beside the main road, tied to the legend of King Ravana from the Ramayana. It's a quick photo stop on the way south.
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Udawalawe National Park
3h · Admission ticket not included
A 4x4 jeep safari through open grassland, well known for some of the most reliable wild elephant sightings in Asia. Guests may also see water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and many bird species.
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4h · Admission ticket not included
An early morning boat trip into the Indian Ocean to look for blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins and turtles.
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Galle Dutch Fort
3h · Admission ticket not included
A 17th-century Dutch fort and UNESCO site, with cobbled streets, colonial buildings, a lighthouse, boutique shops and cafés. The walk along the ramparts at sunset is especially beautiful.
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Unawatuna
2h
A curved, sheltered beach with calm water, good for swimming and snorkelling, and lined with beach cafés.
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Madu River Buddhi Boat Safari Balapitiya
2h · Admission ticket not included
A boat ride through mangrove tunnels and small islands, including a cinnamon island and a traditional fish therapy stop. There's plenty of birdlife and sometimes monitor lizards or crocodiles.
