Discover the Magic of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country: A Must-Visit Escape

Rolling verdant hills, set against the charms of Colonial histories

The Sri Lankan hill country – mountainous, green, and beautiful to behold. It is peppered throughout its landscape with tea plantations, colonial buildings, and national parks; the perfect blend of everything that makes a great vacation. Also known as the ‘up country’, this serene landscape is one of the finest places to visit in Sri Lanka, but don’t just take our word for it. Any cursory Google search shows the endless verdant sights of Nuwara Eliya, or perhaps the mysterious Adam’s Peak.

At World’s End

Do you wonder why this place was named the way it was? It’s because World’s End is typically enveloped in a swirling white mist after the hours of 10 a.m. The ideal time to visit is the early morning, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., before the clouds settle in. During this window, visitors can enjoy clear views of the valley below, where tea-plantation villages resemble miniature towns, and an unobstructed sightline stretching south toward the coast. Remember to stick to the paths!

The Pedro Tea Estate

You can’t visit the tea country of Sri Lanka without tasting a fresh cup of tea – it’s impossible. If you like your morning tea – check out a glimpse into the origins of that cup and visit the Pedro Tea Estate. A reasonable distance from preferred hotels in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka, such as the well-known Araliya Red, the estate offers a 20-minute guided tour of its factory – which dates back to 1885 and still features original 19th-century machinery.

Lake Gregory

Never let it be said that the hill country had only hills to see! Here at Lake Gregory, many tourists both foreign and local spend time walking along its beautiful footpaths, or perhaps taking a short pony ride, or even riding the swan-shaped pedal boats along the calm waters. However, be aware that weekends and holidays bring large crowds, funfairs, and the noise of jet skis and speedboats. Visitors will find picnic tables, a small restaurant, and a snack bar nearby.

Galway’s Land National Park

We said there were national parks, and here’s one of the more recent ones. Established in 2006, Galway’s Land is one of Sri Lanka’s newest and smallest national parks, covering just 29 hectares. Located a few kilometres east of town, this dense montane forest is known for its rich birdlife, including 10 endemic species, as well as wildlife such as buffalo, wild boar, and barking deer.