Explore Kandy & Nuwara Eliya in 2 days

If you’re craving a quick yet immersive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country, this two-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and authentic experiences. For $300, you’ll travel from Colombo to two of the most iconic destinations—Nuwara Eliya and Kandy—with plenty of opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, tea plantations, and heritage sites.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines scenic drives with authentic local encounters — like plucking tea leaves with estate workers. Plus, the boat ride on Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya provides a peaceful, picture-perfect moment. And in Kandy, the visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden and the city tour give you a well-rounded sense of the region’s history and culture.

That said, this tour involves a fairly packed schedule, and some travelers may feel that a few stops could be leisurely extended. It’s best suited for those who want a rundown in a short time, especially if you’re comfortable with a busy itinerary and prefer guided insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Scenic route from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with plenty of photo-worthy moments
Tea plantation visit includes a factory tour and optional tea plucking experience
Waterfalls and lakes offer stunning natural sights, including Devon, St. Clare, Ramboda, and Gregory Lake
Cultural highlights like the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Kandy city tour showcase local history and art
Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide
Affordable price that includes most entry fees, meals, and hotel stays

While in Kandy, here are other experiences we've covered

Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Starting from Colombo, you’ll be picked up early in the morning and head towards the hill country—an area famed for its lush landscapes and tea estates. The first stop is at St. Clare and Devon waterfalls. These two cascades are among Sri Lanka’s most attractive waterfalls, with Devon Waterfall’s multiple tiers offering particularly photogenic views. We loved the way the tour gives you enough time here to snap photos and enjoy the cool mist, especially if the weather is warm.

Next, you’ll arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England” because of its colonial architecture and cool climate. Upon arrival around noon, you’ll enjoy a local lunch that offers a taste of Sri Lankan flavors. After fueling up, your visit continues at the Pedro Tea Factory and plantation. Here, you’ll learn how Sri Lanka’s most famous export is made, from plucking the tender leaves to processing them. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even join estate workers in plucking tea—a surprisingly authentic experience that enhances your understanding of this vital industry.

The highlight in Nuwara Eliya is the boat ride on Gregory Lake. The calm waters and surrounding hills make for a relaxing break in a busy day. We appreciated how this simple activity added a peaceful, scenic element to the trip, making it more than just another sightseeing stop. Following the lake, a city tour takes you through Nuwara Eliya’s quaint streets, colonial buildings, and lush parks. The evening concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, where you get a free bottle of beer—an unexpected but welcome touch for those who enjoy a cold drink after a day of sightseeing.

The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll head toward Kandy, passing the impressive Ramboda waterfall. This striking three-tier cascade, over 200 meters high, is a perfect photo stop and reminds us of Sri Lanka’s abundant natural beauty. In Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden offers an oasis of tropical flora, with sprawling lawns and exotic trees—an ideal spot for a leisurely walk and to appreciate the diverse plant life.

Lunch in Kandy is at Oak Ray Restaurant, providing a relaxed break before enjoying the city’s history. The city tour includes visits to the upper lake drive, market square, and gem lapidary shops, revealing Kandy’s importance as a cultural and trading hub. We loved the way the city’s architecture and bustling streets contrasted with the calm of the surrounding hills. The Temple of the Tooth is notably absent from the itinerary but is a major draw for many visitors, so it’s worth considering if time permits.

By late afternoon, you’ll leave Kandy and begin your return journey to Colombo. The drive offers more scenic views and a chance to reflect on the diverse sights you’ve experienced.

What This Tour Means for You

This two-day adventure is ideal for travelers wanting a guided, hassle-free way to see some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful hill country highlights. It’s perfect if you appreciate scenic drives, local food experiences, and cultural insights without the stress of planning every detail. The inclusion of hotel stays, meals, and entrance fees makes it a convenient and reasonably priced package.

You’ll enjoy comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly guide—key when covering long distances in Sri Lanka’s sometimes unpredictable weather. The tour’s structure suits those with limited time but a strong desire to experience the country’s natural and cultural riches.

However, keep in mind that the schedule is quite full, and some stops might feel a bit rushed. If you prefer slow, immersive experiences, or want to linger longer at each site, a more extended or private tour might suit you better.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 1: From Colombo to Nuwara Eliya

The journey kicks off early, with a pickup from your hotel in Colombo. The drive itself is part of the pleasure—winding roads through lush hills and tea plantations reveal the country’s verdant landscape. The first stop, St. Clare and Devon waterfalls, offers a chance to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the cool spray of cascading water. Both waterfalls are well-rated for their beauty, with Devon’s multiple tiers making it a photographer’s dream.

Arriving in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find a town that echoes the British colonial era. The lunch at a local restaurant provides a hearty introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine—think spicy rice and curry accompanied by fresh tropical fruits. Post-lunch, the visit to Pedro Tea Factory is a highlight. Here, you’ll learn about the process of tea production, perhaps participate in tea plucking, and see the machinery that turns fresh leaves into the world-famous Ceylon tea. The factory tour is engaging, especially for those interested in food and production.

The boat ride on Gregory Lake is a peaceful interlude, with views of rolling hills and the occasional boat passing by. It’s a chance to relax and take in the scenery. The evening walk around Nuwara Eliya’s town center reveals colonial architecture, quaint streets, and parks—perfect for a leisurely stroll before dinner.

While you're exploring Kandy, here are other experiences we've looked into

Day 2: To Kandy and Back

The morning starts with breakfast and a drive to Kandy, stopping en route at Ramboda waterfall. This three-tiered cascade is a visual feast and a favorite among visitors for its sheer height and power. Arriving in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital, you’ll explore at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, where the tropical flora offers a lush, colorful display.

Lunch at Oak Ray Restaurant offers a break to recharge before the city tour. The sights include the upper lake drive, where you can see the Buddhist sacred sites and the market square bustling with vendors. The gem lapidary shops highlight Kandy’s long trading history and craftsmanship. Although the Temple of the Tooth isn’t part of the tour, many find it worth visiting if time allows.

The afternoon drive back to Colombo features more scenic views—a fitting end to a packed two days. You’ll arrive back in Colombo feeling like you’ve glimpsed the best of Sri Lanka’s hill country, with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This two-day trip excels at giving travelers a detailed, guided overview of Sri Lanka’s hill country highlights. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer organized tours that handle the logistics and want to maximize their time seeing natural beauty and cultural sites. The value is notable, considering the included meals, accommodations, and entrance fees.

If you’re someone who enjoys beautiful waterfalls, tea culture, and historic towns, you’ll find plenty to love here. The tour balances scenic moments—like waterfalls and lakes—with cultural insights that enrich your understanding of Sri Lanka’s heritage. Plus, the comfortable transport and local guide mean you can focus on the sights without worry.

However, if you prefer more leisurely exploration or wish to explore each site in greater depth, this itinerary might feel a bit rushed. It’s designed as a quick overview, so travelers with limited time will get the most out of it.

This tour offers a solid value for those seeking a well-organized, scenic, and culturally rich experience in Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour price?
The $300 fee covers overnight accommodation at a 3-star hotel, two lunches, one dinner, and breakfast, a bottle of beer during dinner, entry fees, boat charges, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the services of an English-speaking guide.

Can I join if I’m traveling alone?
Yes, the price is per person, and the tour is suitable for solo travelers. You’ll be part of a group, which can be a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 4 years and 11 months are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children must be supervised and are expected to share the experience with their family.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID card. Comfortable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera will help you enjoy the sights and capture memories.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Given the itinerary involves walking around gardens, towns, and some uneven terrain at waterfalls and lakes, it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the provider for specific concerns.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour guide speaks English, ensuring clear explanations and information throughout your journey.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts unexpectedly.

Is this tour feasible for a short trip?
Absolutely. In just two days, you’ll cover a lot of ground, making it perfect for those with limited time who want an organized, comprehensive experience.

What makes this tour a good value?
The price includes many essentials—meals, entrance fees, accommodation, and transport—making it a straightforward, hassle-free way to see Sri Lanka’s hill country in depth without hidden costs.

This two-day exploration of Sri Lanka’s hill country stands out for its combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re drawn to the waterfalls, tea plantations, or the historic city of Kandy, this tour provides a practical, engaging, and memorable way to understand the heart of Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: