Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital & Hill Country Gateway
Nestled among the misty hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Kandy is the country’s cultural and spiritual capital. This UNESCO World Heritage City is home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, peaceful Kandy Lake, elegant colonial architecture, and vibrant traditions that have shaped Sri Lanka for centuries. Whether you’re drawn by history, religion, architecture, or nature, Kandy offers one of the island’s most rewarding travel experiences.
Beyond its historic city centre, Kandy is the perfect gateway to Sri Lanka’s spectacular hill country. Explore the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, watch the vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, stroll through colourful markets, discover renowned gem museums and batik workshops, or venture into the surrounding mountains for unforgettable trekking adventures at Riverston and Meemure. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy one of Asia’s finest championship courses at Victoria Golf & Country Resort, while helicopter flights reveal breathtaking aerial views of the highlands.
Travel there comfortably with CCT Sri Lanka. Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised holiday planning ensure a smooth and relaxing journey to Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Whether you’re planning a cultural holiday, scenic mountain escape, or a gateway to the hill country, we’ll help you experience the very best of Kandy.
Destination Highlights
Temple of the Tooth | UNESCO Heritage | Royal Botanical Gardens | Kandy Lake | Esala Perahera | Hill Country | Riverston | Meemure | Golf | Cultural Shows | Cycling | Gem Heritage
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Temple of the Tooth Guided Tour
Discover the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, exploring its remarkable history, Buddhist traditions, magnificent architecture, and spiritual significance with an experienced local guide.
UNESCO Heritage | Sacred Temple
Kandy Lake Boat Ride
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Kandy Lake, admiring the Temple of the Tooth, colonial buildings, and the peaceful beauty of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
City Views | Relaxation
Royal Botanical Gardens
Explore the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, discovering magnificent orchids, giant trees, tropical plants, palm avenues, and one of Asia’s finest botanical collections.
Exotic Plants | Tropical Gardens
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
Experience the vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, featuring traditional drumming, colourful costumes, fire dancing, and centuries-old Sri Lankan performing arts performed by skilled local artists.
Traditional Dance | Living Heritage
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal together with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Kandy Esala Perahera Reserved Seats
Reserve premium viewing seats for the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahera, enjoying spectacular views of decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and Sri Lanka’s grandest cultural procession.
Reserved Seating | Festival Views
Guided Walk Through Kandy
Explore Kandy’s historic streets on foot, discovering temples, markets, colonial landmarks, hidden gems, and authentic local life with an experienced guide.
Local Culture | City Heritage
Riverston – Pitawala Pathana
Explore the breathtaking Riverston and Pitawala Pathana, enjoying panoramic mountain views, cloud forests, grasslands, and one of Sri Lanka’s finest scenic walks.
Mountain Views | Easy Trek
Riverston to Illukkumbura Trek
Trek through the spectacular Knuckles Mountain Range, discovering forests, mountain trails, dramatic viewpoints, and unforgettable scenery on this rewarding trek.
Knuckles Range | Adventure Trek
Visit Meemure
Journey to the remote village of Meemure, surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness, offering an authentic escape into rural Sri Lanka.
Hidden Village | Mountain Escape
Golf at Victoria Golf & Country Resort
Play the championship course at Victoria Golf & Country Resort, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and spectacular scenery in Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country.
Championship Course | Scenic Golf
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
