Snapshot
Drive into the highlands from Kandy and discover Sri Lanka at its most dramatic: a land of gurgling mountain streams and steep hillsides cloaked in luminous green tea, sweet-scented Cyprus and Eucalyptus trees. Nuwara Eliya, nestled at the foot of a mountain, was made into a summer retreat by the British in the early 1800s and much of its colonial character still remains. Ella attracts largely budget travellers, Haputale has panoramic views to the south and Dickoya offers upmarket tea bungalows in enchanting surroundings. Plus one of the most enchanting train journeys in the world.
Weather
The weather in Sri Lanka\'s Hill Country is influenced by both monsoons, the result of which is a climate reminiscent of Scotland (winters apart!). At nearly 2,000m above sea level, the region is much cooler than elsewhere in Sri Lanka. December to April is the best bet. The main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the hills largely between May and July. The north-east (“maha”) monsoon brings the wettest spell in the highlands in October and November. Kandy sits at a far lower altitude than the other hill towns and basks in higher temperatures and lower rainfall.
Getting There
A picturesque three to four-hour drive uphill from Kandy takes you to Nuwara Eliya situated about 6,200 ft above sea level. The Southern Highland towns of Bandarawela, Haputale and Ella can be reached via Ratnapura or Nuwara Eliya or the south coast. Dickoya is best accessed via Kitulgala. Hill country towns can also be accessed by train.
Highlights
- Wind past misty mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls
- Walk through lush green tea plantations and mountainous landscapes
- Take a train journey to the southern highlands
- Take a jeep ride around Horton Plains national park
- Climb through the night up the sacred Adam’s Peak
- Play golf at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya:
Nuwara Eliya is scattered with Victorian-style 19th-century homes, bungalows, guesthouses and hotels with neat, English-style gardens. During the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, celebrations in April herald the “season” for Nuwara Eliya, another tradition that stretches back to the British colonial period. Moneyed Colombo residents flock to the hills for the holidays to escape the pre-monsoon heat. The 10-day holiday period includes horse races, motocross rallies (the Mahagastota and Radella Hill Climbs),golf, flower exhibitions, concerts and revelry late into the night.
The quaint towns:
The quaint towns of the southern highlands, often overlooked by the package trade, also hold much charm. Ella Gap offers wonderful views to the south coast on a fine day. Bandarawela is a town that Sri Lankans believe has the perfect climate: dry and sunny with fresh and clean air. Haputale, on the far south of the highlands, offers lovely walking with dramatic views. Dickoya is famous for its pristine tea plantations. The hills are extremely popular for those who enjoy the outdoor pursuits. The temperate climes and magnificent views provide a fine walking country. In the Dickoya region, it is possible to go mountain biking, canoeing and whitewater rafting.
Adam’s Peak:
Adam’s Peak: One of the great challenges of Sri Lanka for active holidaymakers with the urge to conquer. Sri Pada, or Adam’s Peak, is sacred to all four religious groups in Sri Lanka – the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Christians. This 2,234m high mountain is visited by thousands of devotees and a steady trickle of travellers from December to April. The climb is best attempted at night and at the mountain top, you may be rewarded with one of the finest sunrises in Asia. During pilgrimage season, the stepped mountainside is lit by strip lights and rudimentary refreshment stalls.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens:
Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Perched underneath the shadow of the Hakgala or Jaw Tooth rock, the beautifully landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens was foundfed by an eminent British botanist in 1860.
Horton Plains National Park & World’s End:
Horton Plains National Park & World’s End: The most dramatic feature of the national park is “World’s End” where the plateau comes to an abrupt end and drops nearly 1000m. Explore on jeep or by foot.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club:
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club: Nuwara Eliya Golf Club was built by a Scottish soldier of the Golan Highlanders in 1889. The little-changed clubhouse and bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink and meal after your round.
Train travel to the hill country:
Train travel to the hill country: The morning railway journey from Kandy to the highlands, climbing uphill up to 6,000 ft above sea level, is one of the greatest rail journeys in the world
Waterfalls:
Waterfalls: Some of the most picturesque waterfalls include Devon, Baker’s, and St. Claire’s. Several waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located near the towns of Haputale and Ella
British planters flocked to the hill country following the introduction of tea in 1867 and Nuwara Eliya soon developed into a summer retreat. Railway lines were extended to the southern highlands including Bandarawela, which became a popular retreat, especially for planters and railway employees. The Hill Country’s magnificent landscapes, cool climate and relaxed lifestyle continues to attract many local and foreign travellers seeking to escape the daily grind.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
A great place to sit and eat toasted sandwiches for lunch whilst enjoying the views (0522 222 835)
Hill Club
Western cuisine and great authentic Sri Lankan curries. Beautiful gardens.
Grand Hotel
Great buffet food and action stations showcasing cuisine from all over of the world is served at Barnes Hall; find Indian flavours at Grand Indian, and an authentic Thai experience at Grand Thai; sample international delicacies in an old English setting at The Magnolia, and try Arabic fusion cuisine at Fusion Grill (0522 222 881)
Tip - stop at one of the strawberry cafes around Gregory Lake and enjoy freshly picked strawberries (9 Grand Hotel Road, 0522 223 192)
The Kitchen Garden
Wonderful local food and run by friendly hosts who also offer cooking classes (1/83 Badulla Road, Hela Halpe, Ella 90090, 0762 077 728)
Café Eden
Delicious food and great service, western dishes are available but the emphasis is on Asian and local cuisine (3rd Mile Post, Passara Road, Ella 90090, 0715 450 821)
Café Chill
A laidback café with informal seating and dining tables, friendly staff and good-quality international cuisine (Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090, 0771 804 020)
A truly exceptional experience
