Joanna James
Are you the type of person who enjoys being surrounded by rolling green hills and cool, fresh air? Well, head on over to the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka for the ultimate holiday! Here are some hill country options you can consider visiting.
Ella has risen to popularity in the recent past and for good reasons only! Ella deserves every bit of the spotlight it is now receiving, because there's just so much to appreciate about this tiny city enveloped by the mountains. Ella is a laid-back village ideal for relaxing and getting away from the warm weather on the southern coast. Ella is amazing for hikes, has plenty of partying opportunities, and of course, amazing food! If you're seeking adventure, hiking the magnificent Ella Rock should be first on your Ella to-do list. Each time you visit, you will be in awe of the Nine Arch Bridge, a masterful structure that dates back years. Another great experience is visiting the second-tallest waterfall in the country, known as Diyaluma Falls. Also, riding the Kandy to Ella train through tea plantations and luscious landscapes is referred to as one of the most beautiful train journeys!
Nuwara Eliya was once a charming, quiet city, hidden amidst the larger-than-life mountains covered in tea plantations. Today, Nuwara Eliya is almost a tiny bustling city, with new buildings having cropped up everywhere. Nevertheless, the old-time charm of Nuwara Eliya still lingers. You can easily spend a few days in Nuwara Eliya due to the abundance of things to do and see, such as plenty of farms, waterfalls and even a lake in the heart of the city. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens are a sight for sore eyes, with plenty of stunning flowers and plants to walk through and observe. Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and some peace and quiet.
Kandy, also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is truly a masterpiece located in the very centre of the island. Kandy is home to many gems, especially the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a very prominent religious site, visited by thousands of tourists and locals alike. The sacred city of Kandy is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Kandy is not a very cold city, the weather is much cooler than the major cities such as Colombo. Make sure to contact a travel agent, the likes of Walkers Tours, who plan the best of Sri Lanka vacations, and you'll surely be able to discover the best of these scenic hill country cities and towns.
Badulla is located in the lower central hills of the island. As a Sri Lankan tourist, make sure to always include a stop here in your travel plans. Badulla, with its picturesque landscapes and cool climate, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. From exploring the iconic Dunhinda Falls to immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region, a visit to Badulla promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka's natural beauty and traditions.
Gampola is located a stone's throw from the cultural capital of Kandy. Although Gampola is not on every hill country to-do list, it should be! This quaint town is enveloped by thundering mountains and is home to a vast number of amazing natural sites, rivers, tea plantations and great accommodation!
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
