DIscover Hanthana and the Surrounds

Dendrobium House is ideally located in the midst of hills and tea estates, allowing guests to easily discover the many things to do in Hanthana including hikes, village walks and the popular Pekoe Trail. The hotel is also close enough to explore Kandy tourist attractions such as the ‘Dalada Maligawa’, Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake.

Uragala Mountain Hike

Embark on an invigorating mountain hike of 5km. Following a 50 min drive by our jeep, be guided by our Naturalist, you will hike through tea plantations, marshy lands and forest to reach the peak. Enjoy views of Piduruthalagala, Peak wilderness, Peacock Hill , Bible Rock, Alagalla Rock, Brandy Gala, Hunnasgiriya, Knuckles Ranges, Leeping Warrior Mountain and Kabaragala. Provisions include water, coffee, sandwiches, and cookies. We provide leech socks, raincoats and binoculars.

The Plantation Tour

Explore our onsite plantation and farm with the guidance of our farm manager and naturalist. Learn about organic farming, inspect the bee hives, witness a toddy tapping demo, and stroll through our coffee plantation. Recommended during the mid-morning hours.

Pekoe Trail Stage 01 & 02

Discover the heritage of Sri Lanka on the first two stages of the Pekoe Trail, guided by our Naturalist. Stage 01 (12.85km) begins at the Ceylon Tea Museum, trailing through the historic Hanthana Tea Estate. Stage 02 (14.70km) leads to Loolecondera Estate, the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, where you can explore James Taylor’s Cottage and the working tea factory. Both stages offer a deep dive into the terrain, culture, and history of the central highlands, with return pick-up easily arranged.

Birdwatching Tour

The Hanthana mountain range is a one of the best bird-watching destination in Sri Lanka boasting a remarkable diversity of habitats, including sub-montane forests, tea plantations, gardens, riverine areas and open grasslands. These varied environments have contributed to the rich avian diversity in the region. Out of the 550 bird species found in Sri Lanka approximately 120 can be spotted in Hanthana including 12 of the 35 endemic species. This offers a unique opportunity to observe the rich avian diversity of the Hanthana Mountain range with the naked eye or through binoculars.

Nocturnal Tour

Discover the wildlife after dark with a focus on reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Spot the likes of such as leopard, porcupine, owls and pangolins.

Mountain Bike Tour

Five mountain bikes are available for a guided bike tour towards Galaha. Take in the sites of rocky mountain cliffs, working tea estates and a close encounter with local village life. Up to 12km. Distance can be adjusted to fitness.

Sri Lankan Cooking Demo

An immersive culinary experience showcasing the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka. Our head chef will demonstrate the preparation of a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry feast, highlighting the island’s iconic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, and roasted chili. Enjoy the fruits of your labour after the demo.

Village Temple Experience

Located just 500m from the hotel, guests can choose to walk or be driven to the temple. It offers a serene visit to a Buddhist temple, surrounded by the charming beauty of the village and nature. The peaceful ambiance creates a truly spiritual atmosphere. From the temple, you can also witness a breathtaking sunset over Uragala Mountain, making this a perfect way to end the day.

The Esala Perahera

Experience the Esala Perahera, a spectacular Sri Lankan festival in Kandy, featuring vibrant processions of dancers, drummers, and elaborately adorned elephants. This grand celebration honors the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage and spiritual devotion.

Village Walk

An early evening guided or self-guided walk through a neighboring traditional Tamil village Kithul Mulla located in the tea plantations. View village life, a Temple, Kovil and lush surroundings

Cave Excursion

Take a short hike through our organic farm up to a natural cave hidden in the wilderness. The cave is surrounded by stunning forest and abundant birdlife. After exploring the cave, end with a picnic above the cave near and take in the sights and sounds of this active natural wonderland.

Hanthana Tour by 4X4 Vehicle

Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Hanthana Hills, where you'll explore working tea plantations and experience the vibrant local village life. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and discover perfect spots for photography.

Kids activities

Let the kids wander the gardens with our Naturalist to spot the varieties of birds and butterflies that fly through the property. Our bicycle are available free of charge for families who want to discover the surrounding village and wider Hanthana area on two wheels. Boardgames are available in the Reading Room for a competitive family games night.

Spa & Wellness

Rejuvenate your senses in our dedicated wellness sanctuary, featuring a sauna, hot spa pool, and private therapy room. Choose from a curated menu of treatments, ranging from a 90-minute Asian Tradition massage to focused 30-minute sessions for the head and shoulders or legs. To ensure a seamless experience, pre-booking is required for all spa services