Welcome to the beautiful hills of Sri Lanka, known for its lush green landscapes, tea plantations and colonial-era towns. Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, the Hill Country is characterized by rolling hills, a cool climate and stunning scenery. The region has a rich cultural heritage and its towns and villages offer a glimpse into the country’s history and traditional way of life. In this guide, we take a closer look at some of the best towns and attractions in the Hills, from the charming colonial-era town of Kanto to the breathtaking World’s End Lookout on Horton Plains. So pack your bags and join us as we explore the hills of Sri Lanka.
Kandy
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is located in the heart of the hilly country and is a popular tourist destination for tourists. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist temple that enshrines one of the most important religious relics in Buddhism, the Tooth of the Buddha. The temple is surrounded by a moat and fortified walls, making it a unique and picturesque sight.
One of the best ways to explore Kandy is to take a leisurely stroll through the city’s streets and markets. Kandy City Center is a modern shopping mall offering a wide range of local and international brands, while Kandy Bazaar is a bustling traditional market offering a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Kandy Lake, in the heart of the city, is a great place for a peaceful walk with a view of the Temple of the Tooth. Visitors can also take a boat tour on the lake to appreciate the city from a different perspective.
Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Kandy is also known for its beautiful surroundings. The Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, located on the outskirts of the city, is a must-see. The gardens feature a wide variety of plants and trees, including an abundance of orchids and a variety of spices. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the gardens to learn more about the plants and their uses.
Kandy is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding hilly areas. Just a short drive from the city, the Knuckles Mountain Range offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Downs and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, about an hour’s drive from Kandy, is another popular attraction where visitors can see elephants of all ages, including young ones.
The best time to visit Kandy is between December and April when the weather is dry and pleasant. Tourists can travel to Kandy from Colombo, about 110 kilometers away, by train, bus or private car.
Overall, Kandy is a fascinating destination that combines culture, history and natural beauty. With its rich heritage, beautiful surroundings and diverse activities, Kandy is a must-visit for anyone exploring the hilly regions of Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya
Also known as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hilly country. Known for its colonial architecture, tea plantations and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the unique cultural and natural beauty of the hilly region.
One of the main attractions of Nuwara Eliya is the tea industry. The town is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, which tourists can explore by visiting one of the many tea factories or visiting tea gardens. Tourists can also learn about the history and process of tea production and taste some of the local tea.
Another popular attraction in Nuwara Eliya is Gregory Lake, an artificial lake built in the late 19th century. Visitors can boat, fish and have picnics by the lake. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ideal for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
The town itself is known for its colonial architecture, which can be seen in many well-preserved buildings such as the Grand Hotel, Hill Club and General’s House. Visitors can also take a walk around the town, enjoying the charming streets and quaint shops.
Nuwara Eliya is also home to many beautiful natural attractions such as Hakgala Botanic Gardens, known for its collection of over 5,000 different plants and flowers, and Galway Country, known for its scenic waterfalls and trekking Park trails.
One of the best times to visit Nuwara Eliya is during April and May when the town is in full bloom with various flowers and plants. The town is also popular in January and February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
As far as getting there, Nuwara Eliya is easily reached by bus or train from Colombo, and there are several flights connecting the town with the rest of the country. There are also many travel agencies offering guided tours of the town and its surroundings, allowing visitors to easily explore and experience the best of Nuwara Eliya.
Ella
Ella is a charming town located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hilly country, known for its picturesque scenery, cool climate and rich cultural heritage. The town is located in the Badulla district at an altitude of 1041 meters, surrounded by lush green tea plantations and misty mountains.
One of Ella’s main attractions is the scenic train journey from Colombo, which offers stunning views of the Hill Country and its tea plantations. The entire journey takes about seven hours and is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
Once you arrive in Ella, you will find a wide variety of sights and activities. The town is home to several beautiful waterfalls, such as Ravana Ella and Little Adam’s Peak, which are popular hiking destinations. Ella Rock and Ella Gap offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and are also must-sees.
For a glimpse into local culture, you can visit the Demodara Nine-Arch Bridge, a unique railway bridge built during colonial times using only local materials and labor. The bridge is considered an engineering masterpiece and a great place for photography.
There are also many tea factories and plantations in Ella, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of tea production in Sri Lanka and to taste different varieties of tea. Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Center is one of Ella’s most popular tea factories, offering guided tours, tastings and a teahouse.
The town has a variety of accommodation options, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts. There are also many local and international restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain located in the hills of Sri Lanka. It is known for its distinctive shape resembling a footprint, which, depending on the religion, is believed to be that of Buddha, Shiva, and Adam. Standing at 2,243 meters above sea level, this mountain is considered one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Sri Lanka.
Hiking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, best started early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. The trail is well maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several rest points and shelters along the way for hikers to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Adam’s Peak
One of the main attractions of the Adam’s Peak hike is the chance to witness the sunrise from the summit. The view from the top of the mountain is really magical, the sun rises from the surrounding hills and casts a golden light on the earth.
Climbing Adam’s Peak is not only an adventure, but also a religious experience, as it is a site of pilgrimage for people of many different religions. There are several temples and shrines along the way, and many trekkers offer incense to the deities at the summit.
In terms of amenities, the trail provides toilets and resting places, and all accommodation facilities are available. It is best to bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as shoes and clothing suitable for hiking. It’s important to note that during high season (December to April) the trails can get crowded and it’s best to book your accommodation in advance.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the hill country of Sri Lanka. Located in the central highlands of the island, this park is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife and challenging hiking trails.
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including more than 20 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, and many reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can spot sambars, leopards and elephants, as well as a variety of birds such as the Sri Lankan white-eyed, dusky flycatcher and Sri Lankan bush warbler.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the hike to the summit of Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain believed to be the footsteps of Buddha. The hike is challenging, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. Peak season is best visited between December and April, when the weather is dry and the trails are less slippery.
Another popular attraction in the park is World’s End, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The lookout point is a 2-3 hour walk from the park entrance and is best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views.
Horton Plains National Park is also home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Bakers Falls and slides. Visitors can also picnic and camp in designated areas, but it should be noted that fires are not allowed in the park.
Tea Plantations
The tea plantations of Sri Lanka’s hilly country are known for producing some of the finest tea in the world. The cool climate, fertile soil, and high altitude of the hilly region make it ideal for growing tea. Tourists can explore the tea plantations and learn about the history and production process of tea in Sri Lanka.
The Ceylon Tea Museum is one of the most popular tea plantations in the mountains, located in the town of Kandy. The museum offers a comprehensive history of tea production in Sri Lanka, including machinery and tools used in the past and present, as well as a tasting room where visitors can sample different types of tea.
Another popular destination is Lipton’s Seat, near the town of Haputale. This lookout offers stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations and is named after Sir Thomas Lipton, a famous tea merchant who visited the area in the early 20th century. Tourists can also visit the tea factory under the guidance of a guide to understand the production process.
Tea lovers can also visit the tea factories at Pedro Estate, Labookellie and Mackwoods Labookellie Estate. These factories provide tours of the production process, and visitors can also buy various teas as souvenirs.
In addition to visiting factories and museums, tourists can also take a leisurely stroll in the tea gardens, breathing in the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Many plantations also offer guided nature walks, during which visitors can learn about the various plants and animals found in the area.
When visiting tea plantations, it is best to wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing as the weather is cool and foggy. It is also important to note that some tea factories may restrict access during peak production season.
Conclusion
All in all, Sri Lanka’s hilly country has plenty of towns and attractions to explore. From the cultural significance of Kandy to the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Horton Plains National Parks, there is something for everyone. Tea gardens offer unique insights into the country’s history and industry, while Adam’s Peak offers a challenging hike and rewarding views. We hope this guide has provided you with useful information and inspiration for planning your next trip to the mountains of Sri Lanka. If you have any other questions or would like to plan a trip, please feel free to contact us for more information.