The island country of Sri Lanka is known for its gorgeous, pristine beaches and rich history as the old British colony of Ceylon. But there is also an abundance of serene hill stations teeming with life and lush greenery deep within the island.
Hill Country is undeniably one of the best regions to visit in Sri Lanka, with its beautiful mountain ranges, rolling hills, intriguing tea plantations and enchanting waterfalls. The towns in these areas boast cooler temperatures that are perfect after a few hot summer days at the beach. In fact, back under British rule, these hill stations were frequented by British people to beat the heat of the lowlands.
Looking to explore hill stations in Sri Lanka to relax and rejuvenate after a tropical getaway? Here are five of the country’s most stunning destinations in Hill Country.
Nuwara Eliya
The city of Nuwara Eliya has everything you can hope for when you plan to visit Sri Lanka hill stations. You’ll see everything from impressive mountain ranges to enchanting lakes to tea plantations in this district. It’s also home to many British-style buildings that exude colonial charm, earning it the name “Little England.”
Nature lovers must visit Horton Plains National Park when they’re in this hill station. Here, you’ll see a plethora of greenery and natural landscapes, from grasslands to majestic cliffsides. Perhaps the most popular area in the park is a sheer cliff known as the World’s End. It drops at 1,200 metres, so it’s not for the faint of heart!
You should also check out a couple of tea plantations in the area. One of the best ones to see in Nuwara Eliya is the popular Mackwoods Tea Museum, where you can learn about the enthralling, stringent tea-making process Sri Lanka is known for and taste some of its exquisite teas.
Other areas you can visit to relax and enjoy the scenery include the picturesque Gregory Lake and the Hakgala Botanical Garden, a 28-hectare garden that is home to over 10,000 species of flowers.
Ella
If you want to see vibrant nature with a touch of colonial countryside charm, Ella is the best hill station in Sri Lanka for you. The town boasts beautiful valley and gorge views which make for awesome trekking destinations for hiking lovers.
When visiting Ella, head to the Nine Arches Bridge—the town’s iconic British colonial-era bridge held up by nine tall, imposing arches. Nestled in the heart of Ella’s lush, thick natural landscapes and tea plantations, the bridge adds an industrial, modern touch to the leafy expanse of this stunning hill station. Make sure to check the train schedules before you see the bridge—it looks even more exquisite when it passes by, like seeing the regal viaducts in railways in Switzerland and all over Europe.
If you want to be one with nature, trek up to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock for breathtaking panoramic views of the town. If you’re feeling a little hot, take a dip in Diyaluma Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfalls.
It’s best to do these nature activities in the dry season of the year, which is between December and March in Sri Lanka.
Kitulgala
If you don’t mind a little rain, head to Kitulgala, aka the monsoon capital of Sri Lanka. From stunning waterfalls to roaring rivers that are perfect for water sports like white-water rafting, there is so much to do in this hill station if you love all things nature and adventure.
Archeology enthusiasts will love Belilena Cave, a grotto that is home to pre-historic fossils and remains that are thousands of years old. You can also hike to Adam’s Peak, a popular trekking destination and pilgrimage site.
The drizzles and rains throughout the year give this town a unique charm. But if you want to avoid the rain, we recommend heading here from January to March—Sri Lanka’s driest months.
Kandy
Culture and history lovers should add Kandy to their list of hill stations in Sri Lanka to visit. Like the other hill stations on this list, Kandy offers scenic views of rolling hills and bountiful mountains. But what makes it so unique is that it’s also home to many historical palaces and temples, rivalling those of Thailand and other popular Asian countries.
Some of the most interesting landmarks to see in Kandy include Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth.
This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and Buddhist temple is home to the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic, making it a popular pilgrimage destination. Other cultural spots in the area include the Royal Palace of Kandy and the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens.
Haputale
Haputale is a hill station with bountiful, lush greenery and stunning cloud forests abound. But its claim to fame is its abundance of intriguing tea plantations and interesting historical spots related to Sri Lanka’s tea-making and colonial history.
One of the most popular spots to check out in Haputale is Lipton’s Seat. The breathtaking viewpoint was named after none other than Sir Thomas Lipton.
Legend has it that this spot is where the Scottish tea icon used to sit and observe his empire of tea plantations during the British colonial era. Don’t forget to pass by Adisham Bungalow as well, which was built by Lipton and later turned into a Benedictine monastery.
Visit Tranquil Hill Stations in Sri Lanka on Your Next Holiday
Experience relief from the sweltering heat of Sri Lanka's lowlands by exploring the enchanting Hill Country.
Immerse yourself in nature's beauty while delving into the country's rich history and culture. From the majestic mountains of Nuwara Eliya to the lush rainforests of Kitulgala, and the colonial allure of Ella, each destination offers a unique experience.
Enhance your Sri Lanka adventure by discovering more of Asia with Entire Travel Group’s Asia Holiday Packages.
