Galle to Kandy in 5 days, by car

After Buduruwagala, you can stay overnight in nearby Ella - a cool mountain town with amazing views, hiking and waterfalls. Or like us continue to Nuwara Eliya and Little England. 

Nuwara Eliya and plantation tour: 1 day

We didn't expect to love this area as much as we did. It sounded too touristy, cold and wet. The latter is certainly true. When we arrived from the heat of Ella two hours away, it was pouring down, cold and foggy. Nuwara Eliya doesn't have any dramatic sights, but it exudes "Little England"charm with its Colonial bungalows, formal parks and pleasure lake. When the rain clears, the views are amazingly lush and it's a perfect base for exploring waterfalls and tea plantations. 

We went to Damro Labookellie Estate Tea Factory on the road to Kandy. What we got was an unexpectedly fascinating tour and some amazing free tea and cake. It was our only tourist tour in Sri Lanka, but remains one of our favourite experiences.

Tip:

If you don't have warm clothing check out the Winter Market (or Bale Bazzaar) in the centre of town for fleeces and rain wear year round.