Nestled amidst misty hills, Kandy, Sri Lanka, captivates with its cultural richness and natural beauty. Home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, it offers serene lakes, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant markets. Kandy entices visitors with its blend of history, spirituality, and picturesque landscapes.

You will be starting this tour from your hotel in Kandy at 6:00 am. Your chauffeur guide picks you up and takes you on a drive along the famous 18 Bend Road to Mahiyangana. 18 Bend Road is well known for being one of the most dangerous and spectacular roads in the world. While the recent road renovations which widened the road have reduced the danger factor; the road still remains an amazing experience with dramatic views over the valley of Mahiyangana. The next place you will visit lies within the valley and is of great archaeological value. Sorabora Wewa (also known as the Sea of Bintenna) is an ancient reservoir believed to have been constructed over two millennia ago, in the era of King Dutugemunu. Created by damming Diyawanna Oya with a 485m embankment; the reservoir uses the natural rock around it to its advantage to form a channel that acts as a sluice gate. You will be able to observe this unique sluice gate as you walk along the embankment.

Your next stop along the way will be Ulhitiya Reservoir, one of the most important reservoirs in the area; formed by the damming of Ulhitiya Oya, a tributary of Mahaweli river. After learning more about the history of this reservoir, you will be continuing on to Mahiyangana. You will reach this historic city by 10:30 am.

It is said that this is the site of Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. The Mahiyangana Temple initially began its life a tiny stupa enshrining a handful of Buddha’s hair and was the very first stupa of the island. Later in 543 BC an Arahant named Sarabhu brought the Buddha's left collar bone, recovered from his funeral pyre, and enshrined it alongside his hair whilst also enlarging the stupa to 18 feet in height. Subsequent kings continued to enlarge the stupa until it reached its current size. The temple was renovated approximately four decades ago, and continue to be a peaceful and historic sight. You will be visiting this temple and learning more about it.