Kandy and the hill country
From the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy up into the tea country, the high plains and Ella.
These guides cover what to see, how many days to give each stop, and how to time the walks and climbs.
What to wear at the Temple of the Tooth, and why
Cover shoulders and legs, no shorts or sleeveless tops, hat off, shoes left at the booth. The Temple of the Tooth dress code, explained (October 2026).
How many days in Kandy, and what to fill them with
Two days in Kandy fit the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, Udawattakele, Peradeniya's gardens and the old temples west of town. A day-by-day plan (Oct 2026).
The Kandy Esala Perahera: what it is and how to watch it
A ten-night procession in July or August for the Tooth Relic and four gods. In 2026 it ran 18 to 28 August; 2027 dates are not out yet. How to watch it.
Tea country: how a leaf becomes Ceylon tea, and visiting a factory
How to visit a tea factory near Nuwara Eliya, what you see from leaf to cup, and who picks Ceylon tea. Where to go, and call ahead (October 2026).
Horton Plains and World's End: timing the walk before the cloud
Be at the gate when it opens at 6 a.m.: Sri Lanka Tourism advises 6 to 10 a.m., before the clouds roll in. The loop, fees and safety (Oct 2026).
Climbing Sri Pada (Adam's Peak): season, start time and respect
Climb in the pilgrimage season, December to May; leave Nallathanni by about 2 a.m. for sunrise. Route, what to bring, and respect at the summit (Oct 2026).
Ella in 2026: how to get there, the walks and the bridge
Ella in 2026: by road, or the Nanu Oya train (no Kandy train yet). The walks, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, and how many days you need (Oct 2026).
Photographing the Nine Arch Bridge: train times and safe positions
Four trains cross the Nine Arch Bridge each day (timetable from 20 June 2026). The times, where to stand safely off the track, and drone rules (Oct 2026).