Sri Lanka’s mist clad mountain ranges draped in cloaks of green will mesmerise you with its many cascading waterfalls, gentle streams, breathtaking precipices, medicinal herb forests ,mountain animals and a plethora of other delights. The cool highlands are a haven for nature lovers, hikers, anglers fishing for trout, golfers and those simply seeking respite and tranquillity.
Set about 2000 metres above sea level, the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya is unquestionably the queen of all hill stations in Sri Lanka. Established by the British in the early 19th century, this verdant town still retains its colonial air and boasts one of Asia’s best golf courses, a race course, a manmade lake and of course miles of lush tea plantations.
Whilst in tea country, you could choose to stay in one of the many tea bungalows or other accommodations in the area. The Bungalows are located on working tea estates, offering a firsthand know-how on how the world’s finest tea is made: from harvesting the leaves by hand to processing them in the nearby factories in a traditional manufacturing process unchanged for a century.
Southwest of Nuwara Eliya lies the enormous 2234 metre high Adams Peak. Towering dramatically above a virgin forest reserve, the Adams peak or Sri Pada is considered to be holy by Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus alike and is visited by thousands of pilgrims and trekkers alike between December and May.
The Horton Plains , a 2130 metre high grassy plateau south of Nuwara Eliya is a secluded patch of land dotted with primrose and daffodil orchids, where many endemic species of birds, monkeys and butterflies can be spotted. A stroll across the plain leads to the ‘world’s end’ – which offers some of the most awe inspiring views on the island.
East of Horton Plains lies the small town of Ella which is famous for its stunning views through Ella gap down to the coastal plain 1000 metres below. More dramatic scenery can be enjoyed by taking a train ride from the town of Haputalle via Ella to Badulla where the tracks navigate countless iron bridges and via ducts and pass through some very scenic routes.
Then there is the capital of the hill country, Kandy which spreads around a scenic lake and its most popular attraction includes the Tooth Temple (where the sacred tooth of the Buddha is believed to be enshrined).
The hills are also home to some of the most beautiful botanical parks in the country. Notable amongst these are the Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya and the Hakgala Botanical gardens which are full of sub tropical plants, montane trees and popular rose gardens. Also popular is the Royal Botanical Gardens in Pardenia. Established in the early 1800’s, the Gardens are spread across 150 acres along the Mahaweli River and offer a collection of over 300 species of orchids, medicinal plants, spices, palm trees and numerous other trees.
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