What Awaits You in Sri Lanka’s Misty Hill Country

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with an ever-changing landscape. When you start at the outskirts of the country, you are greeted with beaches, sand and the sea, and as you move inwards, the land becomes hillier and you end up in the hill country in the middle of the island. This enchanting landscape attracts visitors year after year, not simply for its scenery but for its richness in culture, iconic landmarks, and unique experiences that make the area an unforgettable part of any itinerary. If you are on a tour of the hill country, checking out the many beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka, should be on top of your list.

Tea Plantations and Colonial Past

The Hill Country is always associated with tea and tea plantations. One sight you never get sick of is the many tea plantations you pass on your way to higher ground. Many tea pluckers are doing their jobs all in coloured sarees. Visiting a working tea estate gives a lot of knowledge about the meticulous process behind Sri Lanka’s most famous export. Many estates allow visitors to tour the factories, sample fresh teas and stroll through historic bungalows that show off their colonial past. These tea plantations are about agriculture and a cultural window into when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. Tour operators like Delmege Tours, for example, ensure that their hill country tour always includes these forms of exploration for interested travellers.

Train Journeys through the Hills

One of the most memorable ways to explore the Hill Country is by taking a scenic train ride. The iconic route from Kandy to Ella has become quite famous among travellers worldwide. As the train winds through tunnels, across bridges and inside tunnels, travellers are treated to uninterrupted views of gorgeous forests, waterfalls as well as remote villages. The slow pace of the ride gives ample time to absorb the landscape fully and is often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

Waterfalls and Landscapes that Inspire

The Hill Country is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent waterfalls. Falls like Ramboda, Devon Falls and St Clair’s Falls are picture perfect, especially during the rainy season and are worth the stop for photos. The climate and geography of the region all play a part in creating some of the most picturesque valleys and peaks, with Adam’s Peak being the most significant landmark. Climbing the many steps up the slope of Adam’s Peak is both a physical challenge as well as a spiritual pilgrimage, rewarding those who reach the summit with panoramic sunrise views.

The Cultural Heart of the Highlands

Looking past the beauty of the hill country's natural wonders, it also carries a deep cultural importance to the whole island. The famous city of Kandy, which is found high up on the hills, is also home to the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. Every late July, early August, the city comes alive with the Esala Perahera, a colourful procession of dancers, drummers and adorned elephants. Going further into the heart of the hill country, you will come across many small towns and villages known for handicrafts, which you can explore and even chat with the artisans themselves.

Outdoor Fun in Cooler Weather

The climate of the hill country, which is cool for the most part, makes it ideal for outdoor activities and experiences. Trekking and hiking are popular activities, whether through the famous Horton Plains National Park, where the famous World’s End precipice provides breathtaking views, or along the Pekoe trails that wind through pine forests and tea estates. Birdwatching, cycling and guided nature walks are also quite rewarding and are perfect ways to experience the biodiversity of the region.

Nuwara Eliya and Its Timeless Charm

No exploration of the Hill Country is complete without visiting Nuwara Eliya. Often called ‘Little England’, this town is known for its colonial architecture, well-maintained gardens as well as picturesque lakes. Travellers can wander around the local market, sip high-grown teas or take boat rides on Gregory Lake.