How to Plan a Peaceful Escape to Sri Lanka’s Highlands

Sri Lanka’s central highlands are a world away from the bustling coastal cities and sun-soaked beaches the island is known for. Here, rolling tea plantations stretch across misty hills, waterfalls tumble gracefully, and cool mountain air offers the perfect retreat for weary travellers. If you’re dreaming of a serene getaway, the highlands promise relaxation, breathtaking scenery, and a slower pace of life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your perfect highland escape.

Choose Your Base Wisely

When planning a trip to the highlands, the first step is selecting your base. Each town offers its own unique charm:

Kandy: A cultural hub blending history, spirituality, and scenic beauty. From the Temple of the Tooth to the serene Kandy Lake, it’s a must for first-time visitors. Staying at a well-reviewed hotel in Kandy, such as the beautiful Theva Residency, ensures a balance of comfort and stunning hilltop views, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Nuwara Eliya: Fondly known as “Little England,” this picturesque highland town is adorned with lush gardens, sprawling tea plantations, and timeless colonial architecture that reflects its old-world charm.

Ella: Famous for its iconic train ride, Ella offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping panoramas perfect for nature lovers.

Selecting the right base ensures your journey matches your interests, whether it’s cultural exploration, hiking, or simply unwinding in tranquil surroundings.

Travel the Scenic Way

Getting to the highlands is part of the experience. One of the most scenic journeys is the train ride from Kandy to Ella, known to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. As the train weaves through tea plantations, pine forests, and mist-covered valleys, you’ll be treated to some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning views. For a more private and flexible option, consider hiring a driver or joining a guided tour. While slower, the train provides charm and photo opportunities, while road travel allows you to stop at waterfalls, small towns, or viewpoints along the way.

Explore Tea Plantations and Gardens

No highland escape is complete without visiting a tea plantation. Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon tea is grown across these lush slopes, and most estates welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings. Learn how tea leaves are plucked, processed, and brewed, then enjoy a steaming cup of tea with a backdrop of rolling hills. In Nuwara Eliya, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens provide another tranquil experience, featuring orchids, ferns, and cool-climate blooms. Wandering through these gardens offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to embrace nature at its finest.

Embrace Outdoor Adventures

The highlands aren’t just about relaxation—they’re also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Some highlights include:

Hiking Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views.

Visiting waterfalls like Diyaluma and Ramboda, where you can swim, picnic, or simply admire the cascading water.

Exploring Horton Plains National Park, home to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with sweeping views across the countryside.

These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while maintaining the sense of peace that the highlands are known for.

Slow Down and Savor Local Flavors

Part of a peaceful escape is taking the time to enjoy the small things—like savouring a warm Sri Lankan meal after a day of exploration. In the highlands, dishes are often infused with fresh vegetables, spices, and herbs grown locally. Cosy cafés in Ella, colonial-style dining rooms in Nuwara Eliya, and family-run eateries in Kandy all provide opportunities to indulge. Don’t forget to try a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, or perhaps high tea in Nuwara Eliya, a nod to the region’s colonial past. Food here is not just sustenance but part of the cultural and sensory journey.

Create Space for Relaxation

While the highlands are full of things to see and do, the true essence of a peaceful escape lies in slowing down. Carve out time to simply sit on a balcony, watch the mist roll in, or listen to the sounds of nature. Many boutique accommodations in the region, from charming guesthouses to luxury retreats, are designed to offer privacy, comfort, and harmony with the surroundings. Whether you’re reading a book in the garden, practising yoga with a mountain view, or unwinding with a spa treatment, allowing yourself these moments of rest ensures your escape lives up to its promise of tranquillity.