Hill Country
Misty hills, emerald tea fields, cascading waterfalls and stupendous views, the Hill Country feels a world away from the rest of the island. The arrival of the British at the turn of 19th century brought roads and railways lines though this once inhospitable and impenetrable wilderness. A result of equally intense rainfall and sunshine produces an amazing climate in which you could trek valleys of tea in perfect daylight and enjoy the warmth of a log fire at night. Styles from British colonial settlements remain scattered across the Hill Country, in the railways, churches and quaint houses and it’s from this area that Sri Lanka’s world famous tea first emerged and is still produced today.
ELLA
Aptly named after the Sinhalese word for “waterfall”, Ella is a town surrounded by natural beauty, with a myriad of mountain ridges and numerous cascading waterfalls. Sweeping panoramas of endless valley and magical views of the Ella Gap have captured the hearts and imagination of travelers and while the destination is particularly popular among backpackers, it also offers a stunning backdrop to romantic getaways. Follow intrepid jungle paths to the summit of Ella Rock, or for a less strenuous hike, Little Adams Peak presents an easy to get to viewpoint to take in some incredible vistas. The famous Ravana Falls is connected to the island’s ancient and mythical ‘Ramayana Epic’ folk tale, and by climbing up behind the waterfall, one is transported to the realm of Ravana’s Cave. For those who have time we definitely recommend travel on one of the most picturesque rail journeys on the Demodara Loop, before crossing the colonial and iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
HATTON
The winding valleys of Hatton make it the cynosure of the island’s tea production. Walk along rolling fields of tea plantations that span the horizon and get a better understanding of the love, passion and effort that goes into your daily cuppa. A visit to a tea factory reveals the story of ‘pure Ceylon tea’ and how it is produced from leaf to cup. The famous Adams Peak is also located close by and during December to May individuals of all faiths and backgrounds make the sacred overnight journey to the summit in order to experience and witness a spectacular sunrise. A gorgeous photo stop is found at the small but lovely colonial Warleigh Church, or walk along the banks of the Castlereagh Reservoir with its sweeping panoramas. A number of waterfalls are also located in and around Hatton.
Kithulgala
The winding valleys of Hatton make it the cynosure of the island’s tea production. Walk along rolling fields of tea plantations that span the horizon and get a better understanding of the love, passion and effort that goes into your daily cuppa. A visit to a tea factory reveals the story of ‘pure Ceylon tea’ and how it is produced from leaf to cup. The famous Adams Peak is also located close by and during December to May individuals of all faiths and backgrounds make the sacred overnight journey to the summit in order to experience and witness a spectacular sunrise. A gorgeous photo stop is found at the small but lovely colonial Warleigh Church, or walk along the banks of the Castlereagh Reservoir with its sweeping panoramas. A number of waterfalls are also located in and around Hatton.
koslanda
Between the high hill country of Bandarawela and the low country of Wellawaya and Hambantota, lies the small and relatively unknown Koslanda. Sitting at an elevation of 700 meters it presents a climate never too hot and never too cold, but just right. Just four hours from both Arugam Bay and Gal Oya National Park, Koslanda is among the less touristic destinations of the island’s hill country, and in colonial times was a region home to thriving tea and rubber estates. Koslanda mild climate, beautiful surroundings and remote feel make it a perfect base to unwind and explore nearby points of interest like the third highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Diyaluma, with its enchanting cascades or the quaint hill country town of Haputale from where a visit to Lipton’s Seat is highly recommended for its sublime and enchanting views and panoramas.
Nuwara Eliya
Shadowed by the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya (or “City of Light” in Sinhalese) is renowned for its temperate cool climate and rolling hills of emerald green Ceylon tea. From simple beginnings as an experimental agricultural settlement, Nuwara Eliya has evolved into a popular stop for travelers wanting to explore the nearby Horton Plains. The city is steeped in old-world colonial charm ingrand houses and bungalows (with immaculate lawns and box hedges) like the Grand Hotel or the Hill Club. A walk around Lake Gregory offers beautiful views over the water and during the season, the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is a hive of true Ascot style horse race activity. Points of interest include the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Post Office, Queens Cottage, Holy Trinity Church and the Victoria Park with its blooming flowers. Worth a visit is a trek to World’s End and the tropical Hakgala Botanical Park.