Thaproban Sri Lanka


Hill Country of Sri Lanka





Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a scenic wonderland of rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls. With its cool climate, historic colonial charm, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s the perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.



Top 8 Iconic Attractions in the Hill Country





Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a breathtaking blend of rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and cool, crisp air. From the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya to the tranquil beauty of Ella and Haputale, this region offers a peaceful retreat. Winding train journeys through lush hills make for an unforgettable experience, drawing travelers to its serene landscapes and laid-back lifestyle.



01. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)



The area around Adam’s Peak is a lush tropical rainforest, protected as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary since 1940.





Rising high in the southern Hill Country, Adam’s Peak has inspired awe for centuries and remained a revered pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. At dawn, as golden light spreads across the landscape, the rolling hills of the central highlands emerge to the east, while the land gently slopes toward the coast in the west. One of its most mesmerizing sights unfolds just after sunrise—the peak casts a perfect triangular shadow onto the mist below, stretching toward the coastline before slowly retreating back to its base as the sun ascends. On a clear day, even Colombo, 65 km away, is visible from its summit.


Every year, from December to May, thousands embark on the sacred Sri Pada pilgrimage to pay homage to the revered footprint atop Adam’s Peak. Rising 7,559 feet (2,304m) in Sri Lanka’s southwestern highlands, this iconic mountain is located 18 km from Ratnapura. The "Sacred Footprint" (Sri Pada), a 67-inch (170 cm) hollow, is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike, making it a significant spiritual destination.



Adam’s Peak Under the Night Sky



Capturing a Glimpse of the Sunrise



Shadow of Adam’s Peak in the Morning



Sri Pada Uda Maluwa, where the "Sacred Footprint" is located



An Aerial View of Adam's Peak



Devotees Paying Homage to the Footprint of Lord Buddha



02. Nuwara Eliya



Often called ‘Little England’, this charming highland town exudes a quaint, British-country-village atmosphere, complete with colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, meticulously kept hedgerows, and beautiful gardens.





Nuwara Eliya, perched at 6,187 feet (1,886 meters) above sea level, is the highest town in Sri Lanka. Known as “Little England,” it was founded by the British in the 1840s as a hill station, or holiday retreat. This charming town, surrounded by mountains and blessed with a cool climate, was discovered by British explorer Samuel Baker, who is also credited with finding the source of the Nile River in Africa.


The town sprawls over a fertile valley bordered by Mount Pidurutalagala and Single Tree Mountain, offering panoramic views of Hakgala Mountain, Pidurutalagala, Lake Gregory, and the northern section of Horton Plains. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its Victorian-era architecture, with 19th-century homes, bungalows, guesthouses, and hotels featuring gabled roofs, open fireplaces, and hardwood floors. Must-see landmarks include the Hill Club, a 130-year-old granite mansion; St. Andrew’s Hotel, a Tudor-style colonial mansion; and the Grand Hotel, once home to Sir Edward Barns, a British Governor of Sri Lanka.


Nuwara Eliya’s meticulously maintained gardens, with neatly clipped lawns and vibrant flower beds, add to its charm.



Lake Gregory



Victoria Park



Nuwara Eliya Golf Club since 1889



Golfing in Nuwara Eliya



Horse Racing at Nuwara Eliya Race Course



Hakgala Botanical Garden



03. Ella



The train journey from Ella to Kandy, or vice versa, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic train trips in the world.





Ella is a captivating destination in Sri Lanka, offering a mix of lush jungle mountains, vast tea plantations, and breathtaking waterfalls. Known for its thriving tea industry, the region is perfect for immersing oneself in the green landscape, with hilltop views and thrilling hiking trails. The journey to Ella itself is iconic, as you travel through bamboo forests and tropical mist aboard the famous blue train.


Ella’s top attractions include hiking up Ella Rock for panoramic views, marveling at the stunning Nine Arch Bridge, gazing at the towering Diyaluma Falls, and experiencing the scenic Kandy to Ella train ride through picturesque mountain passes. The village’s charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, providing an ideal escape from the heat of the southern coast.


In Ella, Sri Lanka’s colonial past, Sinhalese and Tamil cultures blend seamlessly, offering travelers a perfect mix of cultural and natural experiences. And, for those looking to enhance their travel experience, learning to cook Sri Lanka’s traditional dishes is a must!



Ella Gap



The Little Adam`s Peak in Ella



Breathtaking Mountains



Vibrant nightlife in Ella



Iconic Blue Train Crossing the World-Famous Nine Arch Bridge



The Most Beautiful Train Trips in the World: Ella to Kandy, Sri Lanka



04. HAPUTALE



Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, Haputale is a serene town renowned for its stunning landscapes, cool climate, and panoramic mountain views.





Haputale, located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, offers an enchanting escape with its misty mountains and cool climate. At an elevation of 4,500 feet, it provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the renowned Lipton’s Seat. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, a British tea magnate, this viewpoint offers a sweeping vista of the southern plains and the nearby tea plantations.


Haputale is a peaceful town, far less crowded than other hill stations, making it ideal for those looking to experience serenity amidst nature. The cool weather, combined with scenic trails, vibrant tea estates, and lush greenery, makes it a perfect destination for hiking and nature walks.


Key attractions include the Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and the breathtaking viewpoints along the Haputale mountain range. With its mix of tranquility and natural beauty, Haputale offers a truly unique experience in the Hill Country.



Adisham Bungalow



Lipton's Seat



Ravana Falls



Bambarakanda Falls - Tallest Waterfall in Sri Lanka



Diyaluma Falls



Enjoying the breathtaking view from the top of Diyaluma Falls



05. Kandy



Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, is home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism's most sacred sites.





Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city nestled amidst towering hills and encircled by the Mahaweli River. Known for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and rich history, Kandy remains a cultural stronghold and the gateway to the island’s central highlands.


For centuries, Kandy’s strategic landscape of rivers, mountains, and jungles shielded its monarchs from foreign invasions, allowing the city to resist Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule until 1815. Today, it proudly preserves its heritage, most notably as the home of the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a revered Buddhist site dating back to the 16th century. Kandy is also home to the influential Buddhist chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya, which continue to shape the island’s religious traditions.


Despite its modern development, Kandy remains a deeply spiritual city. Every August, the Kandy Esala Perahera transforms its streets into a dazzling spectacle of elephants, dancers, and drummers in honor of the sacred tooth relic. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Kandy continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, culture, and tradition.



Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth)



Kandy Perahera



Kandy Lake



Gadaladeniya Temple



Lankathilaka Temple



Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya



Victoria Golf Resort - Digana



Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex



Embekke Devale



06. Horton Plains National Park



Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s only national park declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.





Horton Plains, a misty plateau in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is a breathtaking expanse of cloud forests and grasslands. Renowned for its scenic trails and rich biodiversity, the park is home to sambar deer, leopards, and rare bird species. Highlights include World’s End, a sheer 870-meter drop offering panoramic views, and the picturesque Baker’s Falls. Visitors can also explore serene lakes, rocky hills, and lush landscapes, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park shelters unique species like the Rhino-horned Lizard, Black-lipped Green Lizard, and the elusive Mountain Leopard, adding to its ecological significance.



Baker’s Falls



World's End



Sri Lanakn Samba Deer



Montane evergreen forests, grasslands



The Horton Plains slender loris



Chimney Pond



07. Knuckles Mountain Range



The 'Knuckles' mountain range, located north of Kandy in central Sri Lanka, is a biodiversity hotspot set in a sparsely populated area.





The Knuckles mountain range, situated within the Kandy and Matale districts in central Sri Lanka, is named for its resemblance to a clenched fist. This range, which includes five major peaks and several smaller ones, reaches heights of up to 6,000 feet above sea level and spans 155 sq. km.


A treasure trove of rare and endemic flora and fauna, the Knuckles is a haven for biodiversity. Trekking through dense forests, past rivers and waterfalls, tea plantations, and rural villages, you'll experience its natural beauty up close.


The Knuckles offers breathtaking views of misty mountains, deep valleys, ancient rock formations, lush forests, clear streams, and vibrant wildlife, making it an unforgettable mix of nature, culture, and adventure. With over 35 peaks above 900m and many species found nowhere else in the world, the Knuckles is a must-see destination.



Riverston



Pitawala Pathana



Mini World's End



Yahangala



Dumbara Waterfall



Lakegala - Meemure



Manigala



Clouds Forming at Riverston



Duwili Ella



08. Tea Plantation & Factories



Renowned as the finest tea in the world, Ceylon Tea stands out for its unique flavor, rich aroma, and exceptional freshness.





The name “Ceylon” has been linked to tea since the early 1800s, tracing back to British colonial rule. The first tea plant was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1824, planted at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. Later, tea crops from Assam and Calcutta were brought for experiments.


The rise of tea plantations began after the downfall of Sri Lanka’s coffee industry. In 1869, a devastating coffee rust disease wiped out plantations, paving the way for large-scale tea cultivation, which soon became the island’s defining industry.


Scottish planter James Taylor pioneered commercial tea cultivation in Sri Lanka, starting with a 19-acre plantation at Loolkandura Tea Estate (then Loolecondera) in 1867. His success led to expansion into nearby estates like Mooloya, Hope, and Rookwood. By 1872, he established Sri Lanka’s first tea factory, and in 1875, he sent the first shipment of Ceylon tea to the London tea auction.



Tea plucker in action



Heritance Luxury Tea Factory Hotel



An exclusive Tea Lounge by Dilmah



St. Clair's Falls, Talawakele – cascading through lush tea estates



Historic tea grading in Sri Lanka – preserving the legacy of Ceylon Tea



Ceylon Tea Museum, where the rich heritage of tea industry is showcased



The breathtaking views of endless tea plantations stretch across rolling hills, creating a mesmerizing sea of green



The Birthplace Of Ceylon Tea - Loolkandura Tea Estate (then Loolecondera)



Ceylon tea pioneers from left to right - James Taylor, Thomas Lipton and Henry Randolph Trafford



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