The Cavern · Nature, guided tours & hill-country hikes
Explore Our Surrounds
The Cavern is the ultimate nature hotel in Sri Lanka. Beyond the tourist sites near Nuwara Eliya, our property and immediate surrounds provide an endless choice of natural beauty, hiking, tea plantations and naturalist-guided tours. Choose a self-guided or naturalist-hosted activity within the Cavern's cloud forest, or in Hatton and our surrounding mountain regions.
- Entry 0117.1 km · 5 hrs
Pekoe Trail Stage 09 — Bogawantalawa to Dayagama
This 17.13 km stage begins in Bogawantalawa, a valley of legendary tea estates and mist-shrouded mountains. The 5-hour hike passes the historic 1891 Bogawana Tea Factory and the iconic Jacobs Ladder pass, crossing from emerald tea plantations into the undisturbed grasslands of the hidden Bopaththalawa valley.
- Entry 025 km · early start
Elbedda Mountain Peak Hike
An invigorating 5 km mountain trek guided by our naturalist, with water, coffee, sandwiches and cookies provided — plus leech socks, raincoats and binoculars for bird enthusiasts. Start around 6.30–7 am to make the most of the unmissable views.
- Entry 0315.9 km · 5 hrs
Pekoe Trail Stage 10 — Dayagama to Horton Plains
From the remote village of Dayagama, this 15.88 km trek follows wide tea trails and dense forest paths into Horton Plains National Park — unlocking World's End, Baker's Falls and the Kirigalpotha summit. Park entry closes strictly after 2 pm.
- Entry 04Mid-morning
The Farm Tour
Explore our onsite farm with the farm manager and naturalist. Learn about animal farming, food plants, herbal varieties and beekeeping — our goats are a family favourite.
- Entry 05Dawn or dusk
Birdwatching Tour
Seek out endemic treasures such as the Sri Lanka White-eye, Scaly Thrush and Spot-winged Thrush, with the chance of the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Junglefowl and Crimson-fronted Barbet. For birders of all levels.
- Entry 06After dinner
Nocturnal Tour
After dinner, discover the wildlife of the dark — amphibians, reptiles and mammals such as leopard, fishing cat, sambar deer, wild boar, stripe-necked mongoose, civets and barking deer.
- Entry 07Foot or buggy
Cavern Estate Tour
Uncover hidden gems within the property — the helipad, Samuel's Seat, the Tree and Duck Ponds — while learning about our history and reforestation initiatives. By foot or golf buggy.
- Entry 085 am start
The Sunrise Tour
One for the early birds. Leave at 5 am with our naturalist toward Elbedda Mountain Peak and witness a breathtaking sunrise atop the mountain — a 30-minute walk from the closest parking. Snacks and water provided.
- Entry 09All levels
Photography Tours
Capture stunning landscapes, birds and cultural scenes with our photography tours. Recommended for all photography enthusiasts.
- Entry 10During your stay
Planting Program
Contribute to our reforestation efforts by planting a numbered tree during your stay — then track its progress in our database year after year.
- Entry 117 am start
Tea Plantation & Tea Factory Tour
Discover the artistry behind tea production on a guided tour of the Tillary Plantation and Factory, where centuries-old traditions meet modern techniques — from plucking to processing to the perfect cup. Start at 7 am and return for a well-earned breakfast.
- Entry 121 hr drive
Nuwara Eliya Tour
Drive an hour to Sri Lanka's 'Little England' — Lake Gregory, the 1894 Colonial Post Office, Ambewela Farm, the Pedro tea factory, Lovers Leap waterfall and the old market or botanical gardens, with lunch at the Grand Hotel or St Andrews.
- Entry 13Morning
Rowing Castlereagh Reservoir
Hatton's best kept secret — cruise the crystal clear Castlereagh Reservoir, ringed by pine trees and hills, in a traditional fishing boat. Recommended in the morning hours.
- Entry 14Farm to table
Culinary Demo
Your farm-to-table journey comes to life: harvest at our own Totum Estate, then master the art of slow-cooking in traditional clay pots in a rustic open-air pavilion — timeless skills and the genuine essence of the highlands.
- Entry 15Scenic drive
Hatton Tour
A drive through the traditional tea villages of Hatton — colourful kovils, St Claire's Waterfall and Tea Estate, Castlereagh Reservoir, Laxapana Waterfall and several popular viewpoints.
- Entry 16Book 24 hrs ahead
Spa Treatments
Relax in the sauna, hot spa pool or therapy room with a curated selection of traditional and therapeutic massages — Asian Tradition, Balinese and Deep Tissue. Pre-booking required at least 24 hours in advance.
Days arranged from the house — guides, drivers, flasks and timings all handled stop say which entries tempt you stop
Wire the house