HILL COUNTRY

ELLA

Ella is a small town that draws travelers with its green landscapes, cool climate, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s surrounded by tea-covered hills and forested peaks that offer some of the best short hikes in Sri Lanka. Highlights include the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, where the train passes through a lush jungle backdrop, and the trail to Little Adam’s Peak, which rewards you with wide open views. Local cafés, street food, and friendly guesthouses add to Ella’s charm, making it a favorite stop for those seeking nature and comfort in one place.

NUWARA ELIYA

Set nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliya offers a unique blend of Sri Lankan beauty and old British charm. This hill town features colonial-era buildings, flower-filled gardens, and a cooler climate that contrasts sharply with the island’s coastal regions. Visitors often enjoy boat rides on Gregory Lake, strolls through Victoria Park, and guided tours of tea factories where the world-famous Ceylon tea is produced. With neatly lined tea bushes across the hills and misty mornings, Nuwara Eliya delivers a refreshing break in the heart of the central highlands.

ADAM’S PEAK

Known locally as Sri Pada, Adam’s Peak is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic mountains, drawing thousands each year for both spiritual and adventurous reasons. The climb begins at night, with pilgrims and travelers alike making the journey up thousands of steps to reach the summit by dawn. At the top, you’ll find a sacred footprint believed to hold religious significance in multiple faiths. As the sun rises, the sky slowly lights up the valleys below, offering a breathtaking moment of calm and reward. It’s not just a hike — it’s a powerful and shared experience.

HAPUTALE

Haputale sits along a mountain ridge, offering clear views that stretch all the way to the southern plains on a clear day. It’s a quiet alternative to more touristy towns, surrounded by emerald tea estates and cloud forests. One of the main attractions is Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint made famous by tea pioneer Sir Thomas Lipton, where you can see the vast lands where tea is still picked by hand. The area is ideal for long walks, visits to tea factories, and peaceful retreats among the hills. Haputale feels untouched and authentic — a place to slow down and take in the beauty around you.