Holidaying Closer to the Hanthana Range

On December 24, the writer and his family began their journey from Colombo around 9.00 a.m., heading towards Hanthana, Kandy.

Our final destination was a private villa located near the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve, where we had made prior reservations.

The journey took approximately four hours, and by around 1.15 p.m. we had reached our destination.

We travelled via the Central Expressway, widely regarded as one of the most picturesque highways in Sri Lanka.

Its scenic views, combined with the impressive cleanliness of the expressway network, instantly set a positive mood for the holiday.

Passing Through Kandy Town

Upon reaching Kandy, we navigated through the city to connect to Hanthana Road.

As it was a midweek day, traffic was noticeable, especially around the busy bus stand, pavements, and commercial areas.

For a non-regular visitor, this itself becomes an experience—new sights, new people, and unfamiliar roads, all adding colour to the journey.

Kandy is a vibrant tourism city, largely due to the presence of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage and historical sites.

Complementing the city’s charm is the picturesque Kandy Lake, located at its heart.

The Hanthana Road Experience

Once we began the climb along Hanthana Road, the journey turned adventurous.

Driving an SUV along this narrow, winding, and hilly road on a working weekday proved challenging, with vehicles approaching from both directions.

The motorable distance from Kandy city on this road is up to Galaha, which is roughly 12 kilometres.

Beyond this motorable point, its a foot walk and travelers are treated to a range of attractions showcasing natural beauty, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks.

Notably, Stage 01 of the Pekoe Trail also begins in this region.

The road leads to several notable sites including the Ceylon Tea Museum and the Hanthana Mountain Range—a paradise for hikers, bird watchers, and campers.

The route also provides access to views of the Knuckles Mountain Range, filming locations from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, an international bird park, waterfalls, and natural springs.

Private Villa at the Forest Border

A few kilometres away from Kandy city, we checked into our booked villa, Ayu Hanthana, located at the border of the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve, a protected area.

While it was unclear whether the property falls within the reserve boundaries, it is a compact and cosy setup with just 12 villas.

The environment was clean, aesthetic, and peaceful, supported by friendly staff and serene surroundings.

The interiors reflect earthy tones—exposed brick walls, timber furniture, and vintage wooden elements that evoke a rustic charm.

Facilities include a small swimming pool, a mini bar, a collection of books left behind by guests, private balconies for each villa, and a nature-friendly dining area.

It is an ideal place to unwind for a night or two before continuing further into Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

Kandy – A Heritage City

Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage City located in Sri Lanka’s central region.

Tourists typically spend a couple of days here, though many choose to stay longer due to the variety of attractions available.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic remains the city’s main highlight, this is a must, if you visit to Kandy.

Nature lovers can explore the Hanthana and Knuckles mountain ranges, basing themselves in Kandy.

You need at least a few days stay here to explore those ranges.

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, major dams such as Randenigala, and the scenic drive through the famous 18 hairpin bends in the Mahinyangana road are other attractions.

Kandy truly serves as a perfect base for culture, nature, and adventure.