Nuwara eliya
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England," is a charming hill station nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's central highlands. The town's cool climate, lush green landscapes, and colonial-era architecture create a unique ambiance that resembles an English countryside. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and a range of outdoor activities that make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The tea plantations are a major attraction in Nuwara Eliya. The town is surrounded by vast stretches of rolling hills blanketed with vibrant green tea bushes, creating a picturesque and serene environment. Visitors can take guided tours of tea estates, learn about the tea production process, and even participate in tea plucking. Sipping a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea while enjoying the panoramic views of the tea plantations is a must-do experience in Nuwara Eliya.
Beyond tea, Nuwara Eliya offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Horton Plains National Park, located nearby, is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to stunning landscapes, including the famous World's End viewpoint, where the sheer cliff drops into a misty abyss. The area also features waterfalls, forests, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Ella
Ella, a small town nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful hill country of Sri Lanka, is a hidden gem renowned for its stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations and mist-covered mountains, Ella offers breathtaking panoramic views that captivate the senses. The town is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers, with numerous hiking trails that lead to cascading waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and serene tea estates.
One of the most popular attractions in Ella is the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel that dates back to the colonial era. The bridge is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a picturesque backdrop for visitors to capture memorable photographs. Timing your visit to witness a passing train crossing the bridge adds a touch of charm to the experience.
Ella is also renowned for its picturesque hikes, with the most famous being the trek to Ella Rock. This challenging yet rewarding trail takes you through tea plantations, dense forests, and open grasslands, culminating in a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. For those seeking a more relaxed hike, Little Adam's Peak provides a relatively easy ascent with equally stunning views.
Horton plains
Horton Plains, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a breathtaking national park known for its stunning landscapes, unique biodiversity, and iconic World's End viewpoint. The park is characterized by rolling grasslands, mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls, creating a captivating and diverse natural environment. Horton Plains offers a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife lovers.
The World's End viewpoint is one of the main highlights of Horton Plains. It is a sheer cliff with a drop of nearly 1,200 meters, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The sight of the mist-shrouded precipice, with lush greenery stretching out beneath, is truly mesmerizing. Visitors can hike along well-marked trails to reach the viewpoint and witness the stunning beauty of the Horton Plains' escarpment.
Horton Plains is also home to an array of unique plant and animal species. The park is famous for its cloud forest, where dwarf forests, mosses, and lichens create an otherworldly atmosphere. The Sambar deer, the Sri Lankan leopard, and numerous endemic bird species can be spotted within the park. Birdwatchers can look out for the vibrant plumage of species such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie and the Sri Lanka whistling thrush.
Pidurangala
Pidurangala, located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, is a mesmerizing rocky outcrop that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the surrounding countryside. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Sigiriya, Pidurangala has gained popularity among travelers for its unique hiking experience. Climbing to the summit of Pidurangala involves a relatively moderate hike, and upon reaching the top, you are rewarded with a stunning vista of lush forests, ancient ruins, and the majestic Sigiriya Rock. The site also boasts a historic cave temple, adding to its cultural and archaeological significance. Pidurangala offers a serene and less crowded alternative to Sigiriya, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural exploration in Sri Lanka.
Meemure
Meemure, a remote and picturesque village nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's Knuckles Mountain Range, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Accessible via challenging terrain and surrounded by lush forests and cascading waterfalls, Meemure is a haven for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. Its pristine landscapes, crystal-clear streams, and abundant flora and fauna make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures. The village also provides a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan rural life, with friendly locals, traditional farming practices, and a serene ambiance that makes it an excellent off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature in Sri Lanka.
Haputale
Haputale, perched high in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a charming hill station known for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, and breathtaking panoramic views. Situated at an elevation of over 1,400 meters above sea level, the town offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the lowlands. Travelers flock to Haputale for its scenic train rides, which provide sweeping vistas of verdant tea gardens and misty valleys. The region is also a gateway to hiking and trekking adventures, with trails leading to places like Lipton's Seat and Adisham Monastery, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and experience the serenity of the Sri Lankan highlands.
Pinnawala
Pinnawala, situated in the picturesque countryside of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its Elephant Orphanage. This well-known sanctuary is home to a large herd of rescued and rehabilitated elephants, making it a popular attraction for visitors. Tourists flock to Pinnawala to witness the daily bathing ritual of these gentle giants in the nearby river, providing a unique and heartwarming opportunity to observe elephants up close. The Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala plays a vital role in the conservation and welfare of these magnificent creatures, making it a significant stop for those interested in wildlife and conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.
bomburu ella
Bomburu Ella falls (also known as Perawella falls) is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is 50 meters high and is situated in Sita Eliya Kandapola forest reserve. This beauty belongs to both Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts. Some consider this beauty as the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka, making this a must-visit destination for every traveller.The road is in a good condition up to the village where you need to start the hike to reach the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall base requires a bit of a hike and climb, but the breathtaking views and the cool weather prevents you from feeling any tiredness at all.
ramboda
Travelling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, you will pass the hamlet of Ramboda, 50 km to the south of Kandy and 25 km north of Nuwara Eliya. Ramboda and the nearby Tawalantenne village, situated in a height of almost 1000 m above sea level, are a perfect place for a break. Many restaurants along the road have magnificent views to the reservoirs of the Kotmale valley and to waterfalls within the tea-growing area. One very popular place for a lunch or tea break is Ramboda Falls Hotel. It‘s close to the Ramboda Bridge, but situated a little bit hidden further downhill. Ramboda Falls Hotel has a large garden and restaurant area. Outside guests are welcome to take meals or just enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea. Not surprisingly, the hotel restaurant area offers perfect views to the nearby Ramboda Falls.
bambarakanda ella
Bambarakanda waterfall is a must-visit destination when you visit Sri Lanka, not only because it’s the tallest waterfall in the country. The surrounding area offers many waterfalls to see, several mountain treks and 4-wheel tracks through the mountain terrains as well as mesmerizing mountain views like nowhere else in the country. The fall is situated 5kms away from the main road and you must travel upwards a narrow and winding road to meet this beauty. Though the fall is visible to the road, to get close, you need to walk along a pine forest patch to reach the base.