The Sri Lankan Hill Country
“The mountains are calling and I must go” - John Muir
With spectacular views and a crisp cool climate, the Sri Lankan hill country is graced by stunning waterfalls and tea plantations. From charming villages to bustling major cities, the hill country is as diverse as it is beautiful.
Kandy - Capital of the Hill Country
Rich in history, Kandy belongs to a great deal of legends. Although the city is not as fortified in antiquity as the former kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, Kandy became the capital of Sri Lanka in the fourteenth century. Still pretty modern considering the country’s recorded history goes all the way back to the sixth century before Christ.
The major drawcard of Kandy is the Octagonal-shaped “Dalada Maligawa”, the home of the Temple of the Tooth. According to legends, the tooth was rescued at the cremation of Lord Buddha in 543 BC and it was brought to the Island in the fourth century A.D. This is a sacred place for Buddhists all around the country and pilgrims clad in white flock to the temple daily to meditate and pay their respects to Lord Buddha with flowers and incense .
The picturesque lake in the heart of town is an iconic part of Kandy and a great place for a spot of people watching. It was composed by the last king of Kandy in 1807, just eight years before the kingdom of Kandy was ceded to the British.
The bustling Kandy market is the main wholesale market for the city and surrounding areas. One of the intriguing aspects of this experience is the contrast of people, religions and ethnicities all working hard and harmoniously to make a living under one roof. This is also one of the best places in the Island to taste some of the mouthwatering seasonal fruits, veggies and aromatic spices.
The famous Royal Botanical Gardens covers 150 acres with an elevation above sea level at 1,509 feet. What is now the garden was once a royal residence and park in 1747-80. The gardens display over 4000 different species of plants, regarded amongst the most superior in Asia. The highlight is the spectacular orchid collection and a mighty avenue of palm trees.
Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’
Nuwara Eliya was discovered by a British hunting party in 1819. Afterwards, it was conceived as a health resort – a ‘hill station’ in the British colonial period around 1825. Sir Samuel Barker, the well-known explorer who fell under its spell in 1846 planned to make it his home and transformed Nuwara Eliya to have all the characteristic charms of an English country town including a bailiff, Hereford and Durham cows, and even a blacksmith and a forge.
Landscapes in Nuwara Eliya is ruggedly picturesque and boasts a soft English-spring climate. The air is crisp, cold and faintly mentholated with cypress and wild mint.
Nuwara Eliya is the ideal base for exploring beautiful waterfalls as well as enjoying a bit of wildlife and inspiring views from World’s End. You will also see colourful Hindu kovils and quaint village life that’s far different from any other parts of the island you might visit.
Ella - Everyone’s Favourite High Country Village
Nestled away high up in the highlands of Sri Lanka is the charming little town of Ella. Best way to get here is by jumping on the train. Weaving in and out of emerald-green tea fields and mist covered hills to arrive at your final destination of Ella is a pretty memorable way to travel.
In the 1920s the British extended the railroads all the way to Badulla crossing Ella’s thick forests and wild territory. Perhaps one of the most remarkable features of this construction project could be the Demodara Nine Arch bridge. This architectural marvel is a massive train crossing built entirely of stone, bricks and cement with striking views on either side. There are a plethora of Instagram pictures to prove the kind of views we’re talking about.
Although it is not a big place, there is plenty to do in Ella, from hiking trails to waterfalls or lounging at the cafes. Ella is famous for its leisurely hikes to Little Adam’s Peak and for a more challenging one, the Ella Rock. It’s best to do the treks early in the morning as it is common for the rain to pour down in the afternoon. Both hikes will give you beautiful views of the Sri Lankan hill country. There are around 400 waterfalls in Sri Lanka and some of the most spectacular ones can be found around Ella, making this charming village a must on any itinerary to Sri Lanka.