Most travellers see Kandy, but only a few truly discover Hanthana. While the city below hums with historic energy, Dendrobium House invites you to rise above the bustle and immerse yourself in the rugged elegance of the Hanthana range—Kandy’s true wilderness.
Whether you are an avid adventurer or a soul seeking serenity, Hanthana is your playground. Here is your ultimate guide to experiential travel and the best things to do in Hanthana during your stay.
A Birder’s Paradise: Bird Watching in Sri Lanka
The Hanthana range is a world-class biodiversity hub and a premier destination for bird watching in Sri Lanka. Home to many of the island’s 34 endemic species, it offers an avian paradise right at your doorstep.
With our birdwatching guide and resident naturalist, you can embark on curated bird watching tours in Sri Lanka that take you through sub-montane forests, tea plantations, and open grasslands. Keep your binoculars ready for:
Endemic Stars: Spot the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Layard’s Parakeet, and the Yellow-fronted Barbet.
Migratory Visitors: From November to April, watch for “seasonal travellers” like the Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
For wildlife photography enthusiasts, the property’s elevated vantage points offer the perfect soft mountain light to capture these feathered wonders.
Hanthana Hiking & The Best Trails
For those seeking adventure in Sri Lanka, the hills offer some of the best trails in Hanthana.
Wander the Pekoe Trail:
Dendrobium House is perfectly positioned near the start of the world-renowned Pekoe Trail. Explore Stage 01 (from the Ceylon Tea Museum) or Stage 02 (to Loolecondera Estate), tracing the footsteps of tea pioneers.
Climb Hanthana’s Highest Peak:
Challenge yourself with a sunrise hike up Uragala Mountain. This 5km trek leads you to the highest vantage points for breathtaking panoramic views of the hill country.
Nature Walks in Hanthana:
Enjoy a short hike through our organic farm to a hidden natural cave or discover the Hanthana waterfalls tucked away in the wilderness.
Explore the Hills on Wheels: Family-Friendly Adventure
If you prefer two wheels, our family-friendly bicycle tours allow you to slow down and soak in the scenery. Cycle through rolling tea plantations and vibrant local villages, stopping to greet the community or enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan snack and a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea at a scenic lookout.
Chase Sunsets: The Best Sunset Spots in Hanthana.
There is nothing quite like the “golden hour” in the hills. Our sunset excursions lead you to the most dramatic sunset spots in Hanthana. Watch as the sky turns vivid shades of pink and violet over the ‘Seven Peaks’. As twilight falls, stay alert—this is when Hanthana’s nocturnal wildlife emerges, from owls to the elusive fishing cat, making the ridges a true wildlife lover’s playground.
Authentic Immersion: Village Life & Farm-to-Plate
Travel is about connection. Step into the heart of local village life with a visit to a nearby temple just 500m from the hotel. Afterward, return for a farm-to-plate culinary journey. Join our head chef for a cooking demo using spices and vegetables harvested directly from our gardens, turning your day of discovery into a traditional Sri Lankan feast.
Ready to go beyond the ordinary?
Dendrobium House is your gateway to the authentic soul of Sri Lanka.
Luxury Boutique Hotel near Kandy
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