Apple VacationsLogo
The JourneysDestinationsStoriesAbout
Checking...
Apple VacationsLogo

Tailor-made luxury journeys, cultural discoveries, family holidays and curated travel experiences in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Explore

Travel CollectionsTravel DirectoryThe JourneysDestinations

Information

ContactStoriesFAQPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
License 1License 2License 3License 4

© 2026 Apple Vacation. All rights reserved.

Crafted By TRIP COMMIT UK

Feel the dream

Sri Lanka

Hidden Highlands of Sri Lanka

Tea Country & Highlands • Tea Country & Highlands

Hidden Highlands of Sri Lanka

Best Time

November – April

From

USD 800

Duration

9D / 8N

Enquire Now

Handpicked Itineraries • Tailor Your Experience

Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka's hidden mountain paradise through Knuckles, Haputale, and Ella. Trek through mist-covered forests, enjoy panoramic tea-country landscapes, ride one of the world's most scenic train routes, and explore charming hill towns. Combining nature, adventure, cultural heritage, and luxurious mountain retreats, this itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's spectacular highland scenery.

Journey Route

Itinerary

Day-by-day journey

1

Day 1

Day 01 – Arrival Colombo → Kandy

Kandy

⌄

Arrive in Sri Lanka and proceed to Kandy, the cultural capital. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake, and enjoy a relaxing evening amidst the cool hill-country atmosphere.

Accommodation

The Golden Crown Hotel • The Grand Kandyan • Senani Hotel • Santani Wellness Kandy

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

3.50 hours

Distance

120.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 02 – Kandy → Knuckles Mountain Range

Knuckles Mountain Range

⌄

Journey into the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range. Enjoy nature walks, waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and pristine forests while experiencing one of Sri Lanka's most untouched natural regions.

Accommodation

The Golden Crown Hotel • The Grand Kandyan • Santani Wellness Kandy

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.00 hours

Distance

35.00 KM

3

Day 3

Day 03 – Knuckles Exploration

Knuckles Range

⌄

Spend the day exploring hidden trekking trails, traditional villages, cloud forests, and scenic waterfalls. Experience the biodiversity and tranquility that make Knuckles a paradise for nature lovers.

Accommodation

The Golden Crown Hotel • The Grand Kandyan • Santani Wellness Kandy

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.50 hours

Distance

25.00 KM

4

Day 4

Day 04 – Knuckles → Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

⌄

Travel through scenic mountain roads to Nuwara Eliya. Visit tea estates, waterfalls, and colonial landmarks while enjoying the cool climate and beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka's tea country.

Accommodation

The Grand Hotel - Heritage Grand • Araliya Red • The Blackpool Hotel

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.50 hours

Distance

105.00 KM

5

Day 5

Day 05 – Nuwara Eliya → Haputale

Haputale

⌄

Continue to Haputale through rolling tea plantations and mountain scenery. Enjoy breathtaking views across Sri Lanka's southern plains and relax amidst peaceful hill-country surroundings.

Accommodation

BloomsDale Country House • Thotalagala • Silanway by Olive's Haputale

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

70.00 KM

6

Day 6

Day 06 – Haputale Sightseeing

Haputale

⌄

Visit Lipton's Seat at sunrise, tour Dambatenne Tea Factory, explore Adisham Monastery, and enjoy spectacular mountain vistas stretching towards Sri Lanka's southern coastline.

Accommodation

BloomsDale Country House • Thotalagala • Silanway by Olive's Haputale

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.50 hours

Distance

35.00 KM

7

Day 7

Day 07 – Haputale → Ella

Ella

⌄

Enjoy one of the world's most beautiful train journeys from Haputale to Ella. Visit Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Gap, and spend the evening exploring the vibrant mountain town.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • EKHO Ella • Nine Skies

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.50 hours

Distance

30.00 KM

8

Day 8

Day 08 – Ella Exploration

Ella

⌄

Hike Little Adam's Peak, visit Ravana Falls, explore tea plantations, and enjoy panoramic views of Sri Lanka's highlands while experiencing Ella's relaxed atmosphere.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • EKHO Ella • Nine Skies

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.00 hours

Distance

20.00 KM

9

Day 9

Day 09 – Ella → Colombo Airport

⌄

After breakfast, depart Ella and travel back to Colombo International Airport through scenic landscapes, concluding your memorable highland adventure.

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

6.50 hours

Distance

240.00 KM

Route Summary

Arrival Colombo → Knuckles Mountain Range → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Haputale → Ella → Departure Colombo

Experience Details

How We
Plan Your Journey

Perfect for travelers seeking a curated luxury escape shaped around destinations, stays, attractions, activities and personal travel style.

Attractions
⌄
Royal Palace of KandyTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicVictoria ParkLover’s Leap WaterfallLittle Adam’s PeakKandy View PointLipton’s SeatKnuckles Mountain RangeElla Rock
Activities
⌄
Ella Rock hikeHakgala Botanical GardenHaputale tea country driveKnuckles trekkingKandy cultural dance showLittle Adam’s Peak hikeNine Arch Bridge walkNuwara Eliya city & Gregory LakeRock climbingSeetha Amman TempleTea plucking experienceTemple of the Tooth
Hotels
⌄
The Golden Crown HotelThe Grand KandyanSenani HotelSantani Wellness KandyThe Grand Hotel - Heritage GrandAraliya RedThe Blackpool HotelBloomsDale Country HouseThotalagalaSilanway by Olive's Haputale98 Acres Resort & SpaEKHO EllaNine Skies
Highlights
⌄
• Explore the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range• Discover tea plantations and panoramic viewpoints in Haputale• Experience Sri Lanka's most scenic train journey• Visit Ella's iconic Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak• Stay amidst misty mountains, forests, and luxury hill-country retreats
Inclusions
⌄
Services of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAirport pickup and departure transfersTrasnportAll sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itineraryAccommodation in hotels/resortsComplimentary bottled water during transfers and excursionsMeet and greet assistance at the airport upon arrival24/7 on-tour assistance and customer supportWater bottleTea plantation and tea factory experience with tea tastingScenic sightseeing stops
Cancellation Policy
⌄
Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival may incur cancellation charges.Free cancellation for hotel reservations up to 30 days prior to arrival, subject to hotel policies.Payments can be made via bank transfer, online transfer, or other approved payment methods.50% advance payment is required at the time of booking confirmation for Sri Lanka arrangements.Any bank charges or transfer fees should be borne by the guest or agent.No-show bookings and unused services are non-refundable.Final travel vouchers and confirmations will be issued after receiving the complete payment.• Travel durations may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.• Comfortable clothing and sun protection recommended.• Comfortable clothing, hats, sunscreen, and binoculars are recommended for safaris.

Trip Blueprint

Duration9D / 8N
Travel StylePrivate Tailor-Made
Starts InColombo / Airport
Ends InColombo / Airport
Route Path

Kandy⟶Knuckles Mountain Range⟶Knuckles Range⟶Nuwara Eliya⟶Haputale⟶Ella

&

Tailor-made

Make This
Itinerary
Yours

Enquire Now

Inspire Me

Your Dream Trip Starts Here

Step into the journey through our curated gallery collection. Click any image to view in full screen.

Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Gallery 4

Start Planning

Make this journey yours.

Tell us how you want to travel and our team will tailor this curated experience around your pace, dates, style and preferences.

Enquire NowExplore More Journeys