The 10 Best Places in Sri Lanka's Hill Country

Sri Lanka's hill country is another world: mist rolling over tea terraces, waterfalls beside winding mountain roads, and mornings cool enough for a fireplace. Centred on Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, the highlands reward slow travel — ride the famous blue train between Kandy and Ella, hike to World's End at dawn, and finish the day with a factory-fresh cup of Ceylon tea. December to April brings the clearest mountain views, but the hills are green and walkable year-round.

1. 01

   Nine Arch Bridge

   An iconic curved stone railway viaduct set amid jungle and tea, famous for photos of the train crossing its nine arches.

   Ella · Free entry

2. 02

   Little Adam's Peak

   An easy hilltop hike rewarded with panoramic views over Ella Gap, tea slopes and the surrounding hill country.

   Ella · Free entry

3. 03

   Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

   An easy hilltop hike rewarded with panoramic views over Ella Gap, tea slopes and the surrounding hill country.

   Ella · Free entry

4. 04

   Horton Plains National Park

   A high-altitude plateau of montane grassland and cloud forest, home to the sheer cliff viewpoint known as World's End.

   Nuwara Eliya · LKR 10000 · UNESCO

5. 05

   Ravana Falls

   A wide, roaring cascade tumbling down the hillside on the road below Ella, tied to the legend of the demon king Ravana.

   Ella · Free entry

6. 06

   Lake Gregory

   A colonial-era reservoir at the edge of town, ringed by a park with boat rides, cycling paths and pony rides.

   Nuwara Eliya · LKR 200

7. 07

   Hakgala Botanical Garden

   One of Sri Lanka's grandest gardens, set against the Hakgala rock at high altitude and famous for its roses and orchids.

   Nuwara Eliya · LKR 3540

8. 08

   Ceylon Tea Museum

   A restored tea factory at Hantana telling the story of Ceylon tea, with vintage machinery and a top-floor tea room.

   Kandy · LKR 1000

9. 09

   Damro Labookellie Tea Centre

   A famous roadside tea estate and factory with free guided tours and a cafe overlooking the tea gardens.

   Nuwara Eliya · Free entry

10. 10

    Riverston Peak and Gap

    A windswept viewpoint on the western edge of the Knuckles Range, with sweeping views over montane grasslands and valleys.

    Elkaduwa · Free entry · UNESCO

More collections