The hill country is a world away from the rest of Sri Lanka, with tangled green mountains rise from every quarter, their lower slopes swathed in verdant tea bushes.
While the parched lowlands sweat beneath an eternal tropical summer, the uplands bask in a perpetual European spring, turning to a crisp autumnal chill at higher elevations. Spectacular waterfalls plunge over cliffs into valleys hemmed in between high mountainsides. The cloud forest above is alive with the secretive chirruping’s of elusive mountain birds.
Places to explore in the hill country:
Nuwara Eliya (from Colombo 4.5 hours | 180 km)
Nuwara Eliya the hackneyed reference “Little England” is the island coolest region at altitudes of over 6,000 feet. Its landscape bears the highest mountain in Sri Lanka known as Piduruthalagala. In April it’s the peak season where the climate is pleasantly chill and gardens are full of blooms. Also the main event of the season is Horse Racing Tournaments.
Attractions in Nuwara Eliya:
Victoria & Hakgala Park.
Galway Sanctuary for migrant & Endemic Birds.
St. Clair & Devon Falls.
Ambewela farm.
Lake Gregory for boat rides to explore scenery.
Go trekking in Horton Plains.
The Pattipola Railway station the highest summit in the country.
Hatton (From Colombo 3 Hours 40 Mins| 130 km)
Hatton is a simple town within Nuwara Eliya with landscapes dominated by the hilly Tea plantations and Reservoirs.
Attractions in Hatton:
Pilgrimage site Adam’s peak
Castlereagh Reservoir
Castlereagh Reservoir
Ella (From Colombo 5.5 Hours | 205 km)
Ella is the picturesque hamlet in the Badulla district in all its hill country charm. Its draws attention for sites associated with the legendary tale of Ramayana. You also can plan hiking through breathtaking views, tea plantations and encounter waterfalls along the way.
Attractions in Ella:
Ella Rock
Ella Gap
Ravana Cave
Ravana Ella
Bandarawela (From Colombo 5 Hours | 197 km)
Bandarawela is large town in Badulla district. There are many quaint little bungalows and rest houses to stop over for a meal while enjoying the unusually established gardens. Also you can explore many ancient temples and churches in and round the region.
Attractions in Bandarawela:
Dhowa Buddhist Rock Temple.
St. Anthony’s Church.
Adisham Bungalow.
Serene Vacations
Travel agent and Tour Operator
Marine City Business Complex, No. 46, 1/8, First Floor, Station Road, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 112 721519, +94 777 751 788
Email : susan@serenevacation.com / serenev@sltnet.lk
