7 Awesome Hill Country Destinations

Sri Lanka’s hill country has some gorgeous tourist places. You’ll find stunning scenery, cultural treasures, adventure, wildlife and plenty of exciting things to do. Here are awesome hill country destinations for you to discover.

Ella

Ella is a small town in the hill country. It may be small, but its reputation is quite big, thanks to the incredible attractions around the town. You’ll love the scenic views, especially at the Nine Arches Bridge. It gets better when a train passes through the nearby tunnel and begins to cross the bridge. The event is so famous that crowds gather around the bridge whenever it happens!

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking panoramas. The trail winds through the landscape, giving you an unforgettable experience. The viewpoints reward the exertion (not that much of an exertion to begin with). Ella Rock offers another rewarding hike in the hill country. You will be viewing incredible vistas. Another thing that gets Ella into a list of top tourist places in Sri Lanka is the waterfalls. Diyaluma Falls is a popular attraction that comes with a scenic hike. You even get the chance to enjoy a natural infinity pool. Then there is the incredible underground pool. The Nil Diya Pokuna is a beautiful water body that sparkles in the torchlight.

Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a top tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

Majestic mountains ring around the town so that you can enjoy spectacular views. There are plenty of things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Gregory Lake is a fun attraction both during the daytime and at night.

Victoria Park is another one of the popular tourist places in the town, as is the Hakgala Botanical Garden. Both destinations let you immerse in nature and enjoy the cool climate of the hill country.

The tea plantations are another must-visit. The hill country is famous for its tea production and Nuwara Eliya is the birthplace of tea as a commercial crop. So do take the time to tour a factory and see the process.

You can also visit the Horton Plains National Park. It has several hiking paths leading up to great viewpoints. There is also an incredible variety of wildlife you can spot including sambar deer.

The New Zealand Farm is a fun activity for a family with kids. You can enjoy gazing at grazing cows and interact with the other farm animals that live at the farm.

Kandy

Kandy is a cultural and historical hub in Sri Lanka. It is also one of the most popular tourist places in the hill country.

The iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic is a must-see in the city. The temple sits at the foot of a hill ridge with a forest reserve and Kandy Lake to the side. The former Royal Palace Complex of the Kandyan Kingdom is a wonder by itself. However, the temple’s main attraction is the golden casket that protects the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

You can also wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya or take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake. There is also a famous viewpoint – Arthur’s Seat that offers a bird’s eye view of the city.

Haputale

Haputale offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Haputale is a famous starting point for seeing the World’s End viewpoint in Sri Lanka.

Haputale’s natural beauty and things to do make it a top tourist place. Visit Lipton’s Seat for panoramic views of the tea plantations. The Dambatenne Tea Factory is another highlight.

Badulla

Badulla is an enchanting destination. Thanks to the high elevation, you get stunning views and hiking traails. These trails often take you to beautiful viewpoints and waterfalls.

One of the most beautiful train rides in Sri Lanka also heads to Badulla. You can experience the full train ride from Colombo to Badulla, or hop on the train from Kandy. The latter part includes the most beautiful scenery, so we highly recommend that.

Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a hiker’s paradise. Trek through rugged terrain to reach majestic waterfalls. You will also pass through several iconic attractions along the way.

The biodiversity here is also remarkable. As you explore the region, you’ll find diverse flora and fauna. The wilderness hides several mammal species like wild boar, spotted deer, and giant squirrel. You will also spot several bird species including black eagles and babblers. The Knuckles offer some of the most adventurous things to do, making it a must-visit tourist place in the hill country.

Adam's Peak

Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada is an annual pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. The mountain is a sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus, Chritians and Muslims. There are several routes to reach the summit, with each path offering unique experiences. Once you reach the summit, you will find a Buddhist temple and a footprint that is allegedly the Buddha’s.

It is cold on the summit thanks to the altitude, but if you spend the night, you can witness a spectacular sunrise.

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