Hill Country
Sum up
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
History
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.
The history of the central and south east region dates back to the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom of the 3C BC. The Deegawapi Archeological museum exhibits findings of this period. This beautiful region has undergone much hardship in the past as a result of 26-years of terrorism waged by the LTTE as well as the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. Terrorism was eradicated from the island in 2009. Recovery is well underway, making it once again an appealing holiday destination.
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)
Snapshot
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Weather
Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons which generally means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island. Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July. The less severe north-east (“maha”) monsoon hits the east coast – including the cultural triangle – predominantly from November to January. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October during which heavy rainfall can occur anywhere across the island, Colombo very much included.
Art Galleries
Permanent collections & temporary art exhibits of Sri Lankan artists are held regularlyat the National Art Gallery, Sapumal Foundation, the Lionel Wendt, Barefoot Art Gallery and ParadiseRoad Gallery Café.
History
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and lies alongside the present administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5 th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels. Many nations fought for the island’s treasures including Arab settlers in the 8C, followed by the Portuguese, the Dutch and, finally, the British who captured Colombo in 1796. This era of western domination ended peacefully with independence in 1948, followed by a separatist war fought by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) that lasted 25 years. Terrorism was eradicated in 2009, bringing hopes of a lasting peace. Throughout it all, the city of Colombo remained relatively stable and, as well as the majority Sinhalese, Moors, Tamils, Burghers, Chinese, and Malay populations contribute towards its colourful fabric.
Food in Colombo
Food is a highlight of Colombo. The city boasts a wide range of fantastic cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, whilst smaller eateries serve local hawker-style favourites like string hoppers, lamprais and biryani, as well as spicy pastries including Chinese rolls, seeni-sambol buns and fish patties which are collectively known as short-eats. Some of the best street food is foundon the seafront at Galle Face Green, including delicious koththu roti and isso wade (prawn dumplings).
For a more in-depth experience of local fare, go on our Colombo Street Food Walk.
For a selection of our favourite cafés, bars and restaurants in Colombo, see our Colombo Restaurants Guide. Further recommendations can be found in our comprehensive Booking Information.
Popular Activities
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