Colombo to Kandy

Up Into the Hill Capital

Back to routes

Route

Colombo → Kandy

Duration

3 hrs

Distance

116 km

The road climbs steadily from coastal lowlands into misty highland air. Ancient temples, spice gardens, and the sacred city of Kandy await at the end of a journey through changing landscapes.

Route highlights

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Spice garden stop in Mawanella
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Stops along the way

Stop 1

Colombo

City centre departure

Stop 2

Kegalle

Gateway to the highlands

Stop 3

Pinnawala

Elephant orphanage (optional)

Stop 4

Mawanella

Spice garden stop

Stop 5

Kandy

Sacred city, lake, temple