Hillcountry

	Kandy Sri Lanka's hill capital, is our most beautiful town. Next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. The world famous Royal Botanical gardens at Peradeniya with a rear collection of trees. Ideal place for shopping, specially world famous authentic blue sapphires are found in reliable shopping arcades. Entire mine operation could be witnessed through a colourful film.
	Nuwara-Eliya Set in the heart of the tea-country, this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church and the famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. World famous tea gardens and factories are also found in Nuwara Eliya.
	Ratnapura 'City of Gems' and the centre of its gemming industry. The gems found include sapphire, ruby, cat's eye, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem mines may be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National Museum and a number of private museums, rubber and tea estates and scenic landscape are found in plenty.

:: Hotels ::

Swiss Hotel - Kandy Hill Club - Nuwara Eliya Le Kandyan - Kandy Boulder Garden - Ratnapura