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+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Sri Lanka

Hill Country

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
HOTELS
GOOD TO KNOW
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Why visit the Hill Country

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country offers a cooler climate and a striking contrast to the lowlands. Rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and forested hills form the island’s central highlands, with hill stations such as Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton. Many retain elements of British colonial architecture, reflecting the 19th-century development of the tea industry. Scenic rail journeys provide an easy way to see both the landscape and rural life.

The region suits those seeking gentle activity. Walking trails, including the Pekoe Trail, run through tea plantations and offer panoramic views of the hills. Nature reserves and visits to tea estates provide insight into one of Sri Lanka’s key exports.

Did you know?

Sacred Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is a prominent mountain in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites. Near the summit is a revered footprint: Buddhists believe it belongs to the Buddha, Hindus to Shiva, and Muslims and Christians see it as the place where Adam first set foot on earth.

Worlds End

Horton Plains National Park features a dramatic cliff with a sheer drop of nearly 900m. It creates wide views across tea estates and lowland plains, especially clear in the early morning before cloud rolls in.

Highlights of Kandy

Tea Estates: Rolling tea plantations dominate the landscape, offering insight into the industry that shaped the region’s history and economy.
Scenic Rail Journeys: Train routes between Kandy, Hatton, Ella and Nuwara Eliya are among the most scenic in Asia.
Colonial Hill Stations: British-era towns such as Nuwara Eliya reflect the architecture and planning of the 19th-century tea era.
Walking and Hiking: Well-marked trails lead through tea fields, forests and national parks, with routes to suit a range of abilities.
Waterfalls and Viewpoints: The region is dotted with waterfalls and high viewpoints, especially impressive after seasonal rains.
Rural Village Life: Visits to hill-country villages offer an understanding of daily life beyond Sri Lanka’s main tourist centres.
Cooler Climate: The Hill Country sits at higher altitude, bringing cooler temperatures and a refreshing break from Sri Lanka’s lowlands.

Where to stay

Best hotels in the Hill Country

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Luxury Tea Plantation Bungalow

Camellia Hills, Hill Country

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Luxury Tea Plantation Bungalows

Ceylon Tea Trails, Hill Country

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Pool View, Goatfell, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Luxury Tea Plantation Bungalow

Goatfell, Hill Country

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Luxury Tea Plantation Bungalow

Thotalagala, Hill Country

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Luxury Tea Plantation Bungalow

Uga Halloowella, Hill Country

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Boutique Hotel

Nine Skies, Ella

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Gallery

Tea Plantation, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Ravana Falls, Ella, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Tea Plantation, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Good to know

How to get there

The nearest Airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The drive takes between four and six hours, climbing into cooler, tea-covered hills.

If you are arriving from Kandy, the drive to the central Hill Country takes between two and four hours, depending on the destination and road conditions. For example, it is roughly two hours to Nuwara Eliya and about three to four hours to Ella, passing through tea estates, waterfalls and small hill-country villages along the way.

The train journey from Kandy to Hatton, Nanu Oya or Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic, passing through tunnels, mountain valleys and tea estates.

Where to combine with the Hill Country

The Hill Country sits at the centre of Sri Lanka, making it easy to combine with other regions. It pairs naturally with the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, allowing itineraries that include the Temple of the Tooth, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa before heading into the highlands. The region also works well with the southern coast, from Galle to Mirissa or Tangalle, offering a clear contrast between misty hills and tropical beaches.

For those focused on scenery, a tea-trail route through Nuwara Eliya, Hatton and Ella links plantations, waterfalls and viewpoints. The Hill Country can also be combined with national parks such as Yala for safari experiences.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Kandy is during the drier months from January to April, when days are warm and bright, with less rain and comfortable temperatures for exploring temples, gardens and the surrounding tea country.

July and August offer a very different experience, as the city comes alive for the Kandy Esala Perahera. This important festival fills the streets with drummers, dancers and illuminated processions, though it also brings larger crowds and the chance of some rain.