Joanna James
The central highlands of Sri Lanka afford mesmeric spectacles that will have you covering vast plains, sudden drop-offs, emerald hills and constructions that date back to the country’s colonial era.
The town of Ella is draped in scenic landscapes and raw, matchless beauty that will easily have you falling in love with the great outdoors of the Emerald Isle. Among its major draws is the iconic site of the Nine Arch Bridge. Built during the time of the British, this engineering marvel of the ancient world often dubbed the ‘bridge in the sky’ is one of the best viewpoints in all of Sri Lanka. Not only will you have access to an example of colonial era construction but clear views of rolling hills and valleys drenched in green that would appear to stretch out for miles on either side.
One need not venture too far away from the Nine Arch Bridge for your next vantage point as Ella is home to the mountain fondly called Little Adam’s Peak. Perfect to get your daily dose of exercise, one’s journey will have you moving across a gravel pathway passing tea estates and roadside eateries from where a refreshing drink of thambili can be had. The final leg of reaching Little Adam’s Peak will be via a flight of steps that have been skilfully carved into the side of the mountain. Once at the summit, enjoy awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountains and if you arrive here on a clear day, then you will be able to witness the ocean through a valley known as Ella Gap.
Retrace the steps of Scottish planter, Sir Thomas Lipton who was credited with having developed tea estates during the 19th and 20th centuries en route to reaching the popular stopover of Lipton’s Seat. Nestled in the cool climes of Haputale, the journey to Lipton’s Seat commences from the Dambatenne Tea Factory that will involve a joyous hike that will last for approximately 8 km. No sooner you arrive at the destination, you will be greeted by a statue of the great man himself in a seated posture savouring the views out ahead. Therefore, you can take pictures and scour the surroundings in the hope of finding charming tea plantations and deep valleys.
Ranked among top-notch attractions in Sri Lanka, the sought-after reserve of Horton Plains National Park plays host to the celebrated setting of World’s End. With a sheer drop-off measuring 1,000 meters that is believed to culminate in the town of Balangoda, World’s End while not being for the faint of heart will easily reward those bold enough to hover in its immediate vicinity with spectacular scenes. Ideal to strike that all-important holiday pose, this attraction opens out to panoramas of seemingly countless mist-shrouded hills. If looking for a hassle-free way to experience World’s End and the appeal of Horton Plains National Park, then you could rent a vehicle of your choice from Malkey Rent A Car.
As the tallest mountain from the 34 peaks comprising the Knuckles Mountain Range, the stunning setting of Gombaniya Mountain will motivate the keen hiker in you to take on the challenge of a riveting expedition. Perched on the western portion of Knuckles, Gombaniya Mountain ticks off all the right boxes as the outdoor enthusiast will also be able to camp out here and create memories on cam to last a lifetime. From the top of this mountain, views of of Riverston and Kirigalpoththa can be delighted in.
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.
