Explore Kandy & Hanthana from Villa Hanthana 37
Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Distance: ~15–20 minutes drive
Located in the heart of Kandy town, the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temple. Housed inside a majestic royal palace complex overlooking Kandy Lake, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Experience traditional drumming ceremonies (tewava), admire intricate Kandyan architecture, and absorb centuries of rich island history during your visit.
Ehelepola Walauwwe Wax Museum
Distance: ~15 minutes drive
Step back into the era of the Kandyan Kingdom at Sri Lanka’s first historical wax museum, located inside the restored Ehelepola Walauwwe. Featuring remarkably lifelike wax figures, the museum showcases pivotal moments, traditional customs, and royal personalities from ancient Ceylon. It offers an immersive and educational look into Kandy’s royal past before returning to the comfort of your villa.
Kandy Lake Round
Distance: ~10–15 minutes drive
Encircling the heart of Kandy City, Kandy Lake (Milky Ocean) was artificially constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The peaceful 3.2-kilometer walking path along the decorative Walakulu Bamma (Cloud Wall) offers scenic views of the central tooth temple, lush hills, and water monitor lizards. It is an ideal spot for an early morning jog or a tranquil sunset walk.
Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Distance: ~20 minutes drive
Perched atop the Bahirawakanda hill, the towering 88-foot giant white seated Buddha statue of Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is visible from almost anywhere in Kandy town. Climbing to the top viewpoint behind the statue rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Kandy City, the surrounding mountain range, and Kandy Lake, especially spectacular when illuminated at night.
St. Anthony’s Cathedral, Kandy
Distance: ~15–20 minutes drive
Located along E.L. Senanayake Veediya in the heart of Kandy, St. Anthony’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and most prominent Roman Catholic churches in the hill capital. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral features impressive colonial-era architecture, detailed stained-glass windows, and a serene, peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city. It stands as a beautiful testament to Kandy’s multi-religious heritage and offers a tranquil stop for visitors exploring the city’s historic streets.
Katukele Pillaiyar Kovil (Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple)
Distance: ~12–15 minutes drive
Situated near Peradeniya Road in Katukele, the Pillaiyar Kovil (Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple) is one of Kandy’s most revered Hindu shrines, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Dating back to the 19th century during the Nattukottai Chettiar trading period, the temple features a towering, intricately sculpted Rajagopuram (entrance tower) and vibrant Dravidian carvings. Notably, the kovil maintains a deep historical connection with the Kandy Esala Perahera, plays a key role during annual temple festivals, and offers guests a rich look into Sri Lanka’s living Hindu traditions.
Hanthana Tea Plantation and Museum
Distance: ~5–7 minutes drive
Located just minutes from Villa Hanthana 37, the Ceylon Tea Museum is housed inside the historic 1925 Hantane Tea Factory. Explore four floors of vintage machinery, early tea processing equipment, and rare archives dedicated to James Taylor and Thomas Lipton. Wrap up your tour with a complimentary cup of fresh Ceylon tea while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding green tea plantations.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Distance: ~20 minutes drive
Spanning over 147 acres bordered by the scenic Mahaweli River, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya is one of the finest tropical gardens in Asia. Famous for its world-class orchid house, towering royal palm avenues, giant bamboo groves, and historic Java fig tree, this serene sanctuary houses over 4,000 plant species. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families seeking a relaxing afternoon surrounded by lush greenery.
Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex & Tower
Distance: ~50–60 minutes drive
Rising 48 meters from a high mountain peak in nearby Gampola, the spiral Ambuluwawa Tower is Sri Lanka’s ultimate viewpoint for thrill-seekers. As you navigate the narrow outer winding staircase to the top, you are treated to staggering 360-degree views of the Hanthana, Knuckles, and Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) mountain ranges. The complex also serves as a multi-religious biodiversity sanctuary celebrating Sri Lanka’s harmony and biodiversity.
Hanthana Nature Trekking & Hiking Trails
Distance: Starting right near our doorstep
The Hanthana Mountain Range is one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco-tourism and hiking destinations. Featuring seven peaks with popular spots like Katusukonda and Uragala, the trails lead through pine forests, misty grasslands, and rolling tea estates. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas over Kandy City, the Mahaweli River valley, and the Knuckles Mountain Range
Hanthana Sandagiri Maha Seya
Distance: ~8–10 minutes drive
Perched at an elevation of over 900 meters on the Hanthana ridge, Sandagiri Maha Seya is the largest stupa in the Kandy District. Known for its brilliant white dome and single Bo-tree central pillar inside, this peaceful sanctuary offers a 180-degree unobstructed viewpoint across the Hanthana valley. It is a serene spot for reflection, golden-hour photography, and sunrise vistas.
Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center
Distance: ~5–7 minutes drive
Spanning 27 acres of lush hillside right in Hanthana, the Hanthana International Bird Park is home to over 100 species of native Sri Lankan birds and exotic international species like macaws, peacocks, and flamingos. Beyond walk-in aviaries, the park offers interactive bird feeding, archery, rifle shooting, and ATV quad biking—making it a perfect half-day outing for families.
