Joanna James
Home to one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the hill country of Sri Lanka has many things to see and to do. Here are 8 of the top things to do in the hill country of Sri Lanka.
Lined with lush greenery, tea plantations and forests, the train ride between Ella and Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic and photogenic things to do while visiting Sri Lanka. The tickets can be purchased at a nominal price and provide comfortable seating.
Adams peak is considered to be one of the most religious places in the country for Christians, Buddhist and Muslims as each of the faiths believe the large footprint that is located at the top of Adams peak belongs to a significant religious figure from their respective religion. The best time to climb to the top is before the sun rises as it an amazing sight that is worth getting up early in the morning.
If you're a fan of hiking there are several hiking places similar to Ella rock that provides a full day hike. Make sure to check the weather conditions, if you need to protect yourself from pesky leeches and what equipment is using online before embarking on your hike.
The sheer number of waterfalls that you will find in Sri Lanka's hill country is why it gets its nickname "Waterfall row". You'll be able to see most of the waterfalls from a distance as they aren't safe for swimming. Ramboda falls, however, is one of the recommended waterfalls if you want to experience one of the waterfalls up close and personal.
Most of the hill country is filled with tea estates full of tea pluckers wearing bright coloured sarees plucking tea. Tea tours that let visitors see the process of how tea is manufactured are one of the most popular types of Sri Lanka hill country tours provided by companies that organize tours similar to Holidays by Design.
The mountains of Haputale is where Sir Thomas Lipton started his tea empire. Lipton's seat was his favourite place to sit and observe his vast tea estates. You can travel to the top using your own vehicle but taking a Tuk-Tuk ride that lets you experience the wind in your hair is one of the better ways to experience this spot.
The hill country of Sri Lank is also home to several natural parks, forest and nature reserves that are home to a wide variety of animals and birds. The Uda Walawe National Park which is located an about 3 hours from Haputale is a great place to see herds of buffalos, exotic birds like storks, and a variety of other animals like crocodiles. If you're lucky you might even see some leopards. The Horton plains national park which is located 1 hour away from Nuwara Eliya, on the other hand, is home to World's End: A sharp cliff with a drop of more than 4,000 feet!
The sleepy towns of Nuwara Eliya are visited by locals and foreigners alike as it offers many options when it comes to lodging, dining and drinking. It's the perfect place to visit to escape the humid temperatures that most of the other parts of the country experiences and take a break from the other bustling tourist destinations like Colombo, Negombo and Hikkaduwa.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
