Sri Lanka with Jasmine Trails

Kandy is located smack in the middle of Sri Lanka on the Kandy plateau, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rainforest. As the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom in the island, Kandy eventually fell to the British colonists in the 19th century, opening up the hill country to tea cultivation. A short drive out brings the traveler to spectacular rolling tea gardens where it is worth seeing the specialized process that goes in to brewing that perfect cup.

However, the city is best known for the Temple of the Tooth which houses, perhaps, the most sacred relic of Buddha. The wonderfully cool weather, a lake in the middle of town, the imposing colonial-era and Kandyan architecture and vibrant culture make a Kandy one of the most popular tourist spots of the island.

Jasmine Trails highly recommends a train journey from Kandy to Hatton, which is one of the most glorious ways to see the rolling countryside and tea plantations. Enjoy the scenic views as the train winds up slowly, passing over arched bridges that look would look at home in the Scottish Highlands.

Polonnaruwa is an ancient city which originates as far back at the 4th Century. The city was at the height of its power in the 12th Century after its armies repulsed the Chola invaders from India. It is by far the most intact and impressive of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, with a unique irrigation complex, ruins of palaces and pavilions and relic houses. Exquisite statues, carvings and inscriptions offer a rich display of artistry, the most iconic being the reclining Buddha at Gal Vihara. The small town is an ideal place to slow down and is easy to explore on bicycle too. In 1982 Polonnaruwa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with Anuradhapura and Kandy it forms the Cultural Triangle.

Closeby is Minneriya National Park where the largest gathering of Asian elephants on earth occurs at a manmade water tank annually between July and September. Take a jeep safari for a wonderful opportunity to observe these lumbering mammals in their natural setting.

Once the favoured, cool-climate sanctuary of the British civil servants and tea-planters in Ceylon, Nuwara Eliya continues to attract visitors to its verdant surroundings of waterfalls, tea plantations, gardens and lakes.

Lovely colonial-era buildings hark back to the days of genteel living, fox hunts, horse races and cricket. Relive some of that fantastic nostalgia by staying in one of the charming colonial hotels that still retain their unique by gone heritage. Located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands, this “Little England” is well known for its fine orange pekoe tea. Don’t miss a visit to one of the tea factories to learn all about tea production in Sri Lanka, along with some tea tasting.

With its temperate climate and beautiful landscape, Nuwara Eliya a wonderful place to unwind whether by relaxing in the gardens of your hotel, going on nature walks or playing a round of golf.