Joanna James
From waterfall panoramas and majestic rock fortresses to old-world bungalows nestled in tea-steeped valleys and epic cloud forests, the Sri Lankan highlands are tapestried with unforgettable moments. Here are some surreal spots you can’t overlook!
While the jungle-clad Sri Lankan coastlines with their jewel-toned swells, dreamy rock architecture, palm tree nooks, and vibey beach culture beckon irresistibly to wanderlust chasers, the cool, misty plantations, gardens, and regal heritage glamour of its hilly outposts have an exuberance that cannot be denied. An ancient seat of Sri Lankan royalty and imperial influences, every vantage of Kandy yields to the picturesque, whether it’s the historic lake, storybook colonial architecture, an assortment of colourful shops interlaced with lush greenery, and a delicious view of the misty hills crowning it all. From the enchanting blooms and proud trees of the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens to the gorgeous undulations of the ruggedly lush Hanthana mountain range where legendary battles were fought, Kandy’s quaint romanticism and vibrant personality are contagious.
A haven of fairytale cottages, rippling hills, luscious farms, and airy gardens brimming with old-fashioned English flowers, Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’ is both dreamily tranquil and sparkling with the promise of adventure. Surrounded by crystalline waterfalls accessed through spice trails, tea-terraced slopes, river valleys, and exquisite countryside with plenty of castle-like tea factories to stop for refreshment, and filled with quirky, atmospheric, and nature-kissed settings within the town itself, you’ll never get tired of long rambles in and around this inspiring vintage retreat.
Chug in a bright vintage train and lean out of your carriage to savour the decadently gorgeous scenery, sweeping estates, and bamboo-silhouetted hills tangled with lush verdure, anticipating the moment you slow to a stop at this cinematic little town surrounded by stomach-plummeting escapades. From the stunning ascent of Little Adam’s peak and the natural rock infinity pools of Diyaluma Falls to the adrenaline-pumping Ravana zipline and ATV races through postcard-perfect terrains, Ella is the idyllic medley of thrilling and thought-provoking. If you’re questing for the foremost authentic experiences in Sri Lanka, vacations are customised to your every whim by the likes of Walkers Tours.
A UNESCO World Heritage phenomenon straight out of an Epic Fantasy, Horton Plains is one of those pinch-me-I’m-dreaming settings that will have you holding your breath with wonder. From mist-laced plateaus, dusky mountains, wildflower-strewn meadows, silvery streams, and exciting animal encounters with native critters like Sambar deer, spotted mouse deer, fishing cats, and one of the world’s rarest primates, the Red Slender Loris. The dramatic drop off World’s End is well worth the exertion, with its incredible mountains softening gradually to lyrical peaks and valleys and finally to plains that meet the glistening faraway ocean.
If you’re looking for a more offbeat destination with heart-racing escapades and soul-stirring outdoor scenes, the lesser-known Adventure Capital of Sri Lanka is a mosaic of deliciously wild antics, from waterfall abseiling, rainforest hiking, and rock climbing to moonlit treks, rambles in tea gardens, and addictive heritage flavours.
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 pas...
