Lanterns in the Kandyan Mountains

A Vesak Weekend

Filled with culture, friends, reflection and lots of adventure

30th–31st May

The Itinerary

Two days through old routes, mountain air, lantern light, music, and one very determined coach.

Coach leaving Colombo at dawn

Wellawatte wheels up

The coach leaves Wellawatte at 5:45am sharp, then sweeps through Rajagiriya and Peliyagoda before turning toward the Kandyan hills. Everyone will be contacted tomorrow morning with their exact pick-up and drop-off point.

Roadside tea and pastry break in the hills

Tea, pastries, and a proper stretch

We will pause on the way for tea, pastries, and a toilet break before the road starts getting greener and the city falls behind us.

Mountain viewpoint near Utuwankanda

Viewpoint, Saradiyel Gama, and Utuwankanda Peak

First adventure stop: a viewpoint, the story-filled village of Sri Lanka's legendary "Robin Hood", and Utuwankanda Peak, his dramatic hideout above the valley.

Friends arriving at a misty Kandyan resort

Mirage Kandyan Heights

We roll into the 5* resort, get everyone shown to their suites, and leave time to unpack, shower, refresh, wander, or simply breathe in the mist.

Kandy Vesak procession near the Temple of the Tooth

Lunch, then into Vesak Kandy

We head out for lunch before the city gets beautifully packed. A Kandyan insider has tipped us off that the Perahera procession begins around 2:30pm, so we will catch the colour, sound, and ceremony as Kandy comes alive.

Bicycles on a forest trail at Udawatta Kele

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A cool forest sanctuary just above the city, with giant trees, shaded trails, and quiet views. Tickets are 75 LKR for Sri Lankans and 930 LKR for non-Sri Lankans. Bicycles are available for 500 LKR, and most of the group is planning to ride.

Friends relaxing at the resort at golden hour

Back to the resort

We return to Mirage Kandyan Heights to relax, freshen up, and reset. Dinner is a-la-carte at The Kandyan Mirage with a 10% discount secured for us, though you are free to eat wherever you like.

Friends making lanterns under warm lights

Lantern making, shot-o-clock, and DJ night

Lantern making begins at 8pm with DJ Aeron and DJ Jakey. We will build lanterns in groups, keep shot-o-clock rolling, run a friendly competition with a prize, then hang the lanterns around the resort and bring out the sparklers against the misty mountains.

BYOB, because it is Poya Day and alcohol cannot be bought that day. Some beer and wine will be available at the resort. After the lanterns glow, the DJs get serious, the pool party mood takes over, and we dance the night away.

Cinematographer, photographer, and drone artists are confirmed, so this one is being captured properly. Friends joining from Kandy will be contacted separately.

Gourmet breakfast on a mountain terrace

Breakfast, then a secret adventure

We are keeping this a surprise for now... but you'll be in on the secret soon ;P

Hidden waterfall adventure after a hike

Freshen up, head home happy

One last splash of adventure, then we bounce back to the resort to freshen up before the Colombo ride home. Expect sleepy smiles, full camera rolls, and the kind of weekend stories that somehow get funnier on the coach.

The Magical 5* Getaway Resort

Misty mountains, infinity pools, quiet corners, and enough space to make the weekend feel private. Nestled away in privacy amongst Mother Nature. Ahhhh... can't wait!

Suites

If you want to book, please contact either Shanil or Thamirran ASAP on WhatsApp: +94760922521.