Hill Country 2024 & 2025 INDIAN OCEAN | SRI LANKA
The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is a flourishing paradise full of breath-taking beauty and a peaceful ambience. This captivating region is home to hills of emerald tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and lush forests teeming with biodiversity.
One highlight of exploring the Hill Country is the epic train journey from Kandy to Ella onboard the iconic Sri Lanka Railway. This train ride is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, taking passengers through tea estates, misty mountains and quaint, picturesque villages. You will experience some of the regions most stunning landscapes during this journey.
If you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or all three, then the Sri Lankan Hill Country promises just that. With it's cooler climate, incredible views and warm hospitality, the Hill Country invites you to discover its beauty.
Manoj can help you plan your tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka
Itineraries Including the Hill Country
Gems of Ceylon and Tea Trails
Hills, Wildlife, Beaches
Sri Lanka - Off the Beaten Track
Things to do and see in the Hill Country
Nuwara Eliya
You will find Nuwara Eliya amidst the hills of Sri Lanka where old-world charm and natural beauty take centre stage. Known as 'Little England', this quaint town is home to plentiful tea plantations, stunning gardens and colonial-era architecture, throwing you back to Sri Lanka's British colonial past. You can explore these tea plantations and estates, see tea being plucked and learn more about how it is made.
Why not stroll around the peaceful Lake Gregory, or pop into the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club for a round of golf with scenic views? You will be mesmerised by the beauty of Nuwara Eliya as soon as you arrive, or even if you're just passing by.
Ella
Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate.
This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens.
At the edge of the escarpment, you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.
Uda Walawe National Park
At Uda Walawe National Park you will find an incredibly diverse ecosystem and abundant wildlife. With over 30,000 hectares of land, this protected area is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for safaris.
On your venture into the National Park you will spot leopards, elephants, deer, wild boar and numerous bird species. The park's landscapes are characterised by grasslands, scrub forests and the waters of Uda Walawe Reservoir making it the perfect backdrop for a unforgettable trip.
Horton Plains National Park
In the central highlands of Sri Lanka is Horton Plains National Park, a natural wonderland famous for its stunning landscapes.
At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find rolling plains, mountains and dense forests, creating the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. One of the park's main attractions is World's End, a sheer cliff that plunges into the valley below, giving you incredible views of the countryside. From here you can also explore Baker's Falls, a waterfall cascading in the middle of lush greenery.
Look out for endemic species like the Sri Lankan sambar deer or the purple-faced langur monkey. You will not quickly forget a trip to Horton Plains National Park.
Kandy
The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies at the centre of the Kandy Plateau, an area of beautiful tropical tea plantations. A magnificent must-see feature of the area is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha.
Other fascinating places to visit include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where craftspeople can be seen at work, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya and the scenic train ride to Ella offering further opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Our Favourite Hotels in the Hill Country
Let us Tailor Make your Holiday to Sri Lanka
Speak to a specialist today to tailor make your holiday to Sri Lanka. Give us a call on 01442617777 to arrange a video call for advice or fill out the contact form below.
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Each holiday is tailor-made using authentic, local insights so that our clients experience the true essence of their chosen destination for truly rewarding memories.
HANDPICKED HOTELS
Through our years in the industry, we know where to find that special place with the most memorable view. All hotels are handpicked for each client based on individual specifications, because where you stay will make your holiday that much more memorable.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of our destinations is unrivalled, all of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination. Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and they are always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client.
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
From the time you enquire to the time you return home, a dedicated specialist will look after you. You will also have the full support of a local office in every destination and have access to a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK. You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline.
UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Complimentary airport chauffeur services in the UK (within a radius of 50 miles) are included (conditions apply, as we are unable to offer free airport transfers when price matching or working towards tight budgets).
We have time for you and we listen. Every holiday is tailor-made to the finest detail.
Through the years of promoting our destinations, we have met some incredible people and have built special relationships. These very people all around the world have helped us bring an authentic element to our holidays and we go to great lengths to ensure your holiday is an exceptional one.