Sri Lanka's hill country is a world of emerald tea terraces, waterfalls, cool misty mornings and colonial-era towns. It's also home to Ceylon tea, one of the world's most famous drinks. Here's how to explore it.
A short history of Ceylon tea
Coffee was the main crop in the hills until disease destroyed the plantations in the late nineteenth century. Planters switched to tea, and within decades Ceylon tea was famous worldwide. The estates, factories and planters' bungalows built then still shape the landscape.
Nuwara Eliya: Little England
At around 1,900 metres, Nuwara Eliya is one of the highest towns in Sri Lanka, with cool weather, rose gardens and colonial buildings. Visit a working tea factory, walk around Gregory Lake, and use it as your base for Horton Plains and World's End.
Hatton and the Adam's Peak area
Around Hatton, Dickoya and Maskeliya, estate bungalows look out over reservoirs and rolling tea. In season, from around December to May, pilgrims climb Adam's Peak overnight from nearby Dalhousie to watch sunrise from the summit.
Haputale and Lipton's Seat
On the southern edge of the hills, Haputale has breathtaking views over the lowlands. Drive or walk up to Lipton's Seat at sunrise, where Sir Thomas Lipton is said to have surveyed his estates.
Ella
The most relaxed town in the hills, with hikes, cafés, the Nine Arch Bridge and waterfalls nearby. It's the end of the scenic train ride and a natural link down to the safaris and beaches of the south.
The scenic train
The hill-country railway is one of the world's great train journeys. After Cyclone Ditwah, trains currently run on the Nanu Oya–Ella–Badulla section, which includes some of the most beautiful scenery. We plan the drive around the closed section and put you on the train where it's running.
Tips for the hills
- Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket; nights can be cold.
- Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons, so plan hikes and viewpoints early.
- Roads are winding; take motion-sickness tablets if you need them.
- Book estate bungalows early in busy months, especially April.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to visit a tea factory?
Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale all have factories that welcome visitors, and several are on the drive between Kandy and Ella.
How many days should I spend in the hill country?
Three to five days lets you enjoy Nuwara Eliya or Hatton, Horton Plains and Ella without rushing.
Is the hill country cold?
It's cool, and Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains can be cold at night and early morning. Bring warm layers.
