A First-Timer’s Guide to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
Planning your first trip to the Central Highlands? Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to what to pack, where to go, and how to …
1. The Gateway Town: Kandy and the Sacred Tooth Relic
Start your journey in Kandy, the cultural capital. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and take a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake. This city provides a fascinating blend of history, royalty, and religious significance before you head deeper into the tea plantations.
Tip: Visit the temple early in the morning to avoid crowds, and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Don’t miss the daily evening ceremony—it’s a beautiful, rhythmic ritual of drums and devotion.
2. Ella: Waterfalls, Views, and Hiking
Ella is the heart of the Hill Country for travelers. Must-do activities include the easy hike up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views and a stroll along the Nine Arch Bridge, timing your visit to see the train pass underneath. The area is perfect for light trekking and enjoying the cool mountain air.
Tip: Start your hikes early morning for clear skies and fewer crowds. Stop at local cafés for fresh coconut roti or a cup of hot ginger tea as a reward after your walk.
3. Nuwara Eliya: "Little England" and Tea Estates
Known for its colonial-era charm, cool misty climate, and manicured gardens, Nuwara Eliya feels distinctly British. Use this town as your base to visit a Tea Factory and Estate, where you can see the tea-making process from leaf to cup and sample some of the world’s finest Ceylon Tea.
Tip: Bring a warm sweater—mornings can feel like a British spring. Visit Pedro Tea Estate for great views and fewer crowds than the more popular factories.
4. The Scenic Train Journey: Kandy to Ella
The train ride between Kandy and Ella (or vice versa) is often called one of the most beautiful in the world. Secure a 3rd class unreserved ticket for an authentic local experience—windows open, breeze in your face—and soak in breathtaking views of emerald tea estates, waterfalls, and misty mountain slopes.
Tip: Sit on the right side when traveling from Kandy to Ella for the best views. Bring snacks and your camera ready—every curve reveals another postcard scene.
5. What to Pack for the Hill Country Climate
Unlike Sri Lanka’s warm coasts, the Hill Country is cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack layers: a light jacket or sweater, a raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes for hikes and tea estate visits.
Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and a small umbrella—it’s common for sunshine and rain to switch places within minutes!
