Best Hill Stations in Sri Lanka You Shouldn’t Miss

While golden beaches and ancient temples are well known in Sri Lanka, the country is also famous for its lovely hill stations in South Asia. These places offer a refreshing breeze, beautiful plants, misty mornings and lovely views of tea estates and waterfalls. No matter if you enjoy nature, adventures or peaceful places, Sri Lanka’s hill stations are ideal for you. People traveling alone, with their families or on their honeymoon will enjoy the beauty and culture in these towns.

Make sure to look for the unique places in Sri Lanka’s central highlands when considering Sri Lanka tour packages. Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale are beautiful and also give visitors memorable experiences in different aspects of local culture, food and nature. Taking a break from the coast’s heat, these highland areas are great because of their cooler temperatures and mountain air. We’re going to introduce you to the top hill stations in Sri Lanka, every one unique and with its own set of attractions.

Here are some of the best hill stations in Sri Lanka you shouldn’t miss

1. Nuwara Eliya – The Sri Lankan Counterpart of England

Because it looks like England, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most loved hill stations for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. With a height of 1,868 meters, it is famous for its buildings from the colonial era, tea fields and lovely gardens. The area’s cool weather and fog reminded British colonials of the English countryside, so they used to spend their summers there.

People visiting can have a boat ride on Gregory Lake, visit Victoria Park or walk through the town center. Hakgala Botanical Garden and Horton Plains National Park are great locations for walks and taking photographs. Nuwara Eliya is known for its golf course which offers beautiful views and its extensive strawberry farms. Taking a tour at a tea factory is a good way to understand the process of producing Ceylon tea.

2. Ella – A Perfect Destination for Backpackers

Ella is a small town in the hills that gives visitors beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. With a peaceful atmosphere, Ella has attracted many young travelers and those who love adventure. With so many green hills, tea estates and waterfalls nearby, it’s great for exploring on hikes and relaxing in the mornings.

Ella Rock hike and the Little Adam’s Peak trek are two of the best things to do here. Ravana Falls, known for its width, is just another delightful spot nearby. For photographers, the Nine Arches Bridge is a special attraction because of its colonial architecture and beautiful surroundings. Ella is often included in Sri Lanka tours because it has a lively vibe and stunning scenery.

3. Haputale is an Untouched Gem in the Highlands

Even though not many people know it, Haputale is a beautiful and enchanting hill station situated at the southern end of the Central Highlands. Tea plantations and cloud forests cover the area and appear to be hovering over the valleys. You can find some of the country’s best views in Haputale.

One highlight is Lipton’s Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton used to observe his large tea business. It is possible to see across different provinces when the weather is clear. Adisham Bungalow which served as a colonial mansion and later became a monastery, is worth a visit. The area is less crowded than Nuwara Eliya or Ella which is why it is a great fit for people looking for a peaceful holiday in Sri Lanka.

4. Bandarawela is a place where culture and nature come together.

Bandarawela which is close to Haputale, is known for its cultural and environmental richness. Because of its pleasant climate and calm way of life, it makes a perfect stop for people exploring the highlands.

The town is close to tea estates and vegetable farms and you’ll notice the locals working in their fields. Bandarawela is famous for the old buildings and railway station from the colonial era. You can reach Diyaluma Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, in just a short drive and it’s great for a cooling swim. More and more, this town is being included in special Sri Lanka tour itineraries for rural tourism and eco-travel.

5. In Kandy, you will find a mix of culture and beautiful hills.

Though lower in altitude than some hills, Kandy is still considered to be in Sri Lanka’s highlands. Both pilgrims and tourists come to Sri Lanka because of its cultural heritage and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. The city sits among beautiful hills which help create a pleasant atmosphere and comfortable evening temperatures.

You can easily walk around Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya should not be missed. The culture, history and markets give Kandy a unique and varied experience. A lot of holiday packages to Sri Lanka feature Kandy as an entry to the hill country and a place where tradition and nature mix beautifully.

6. Diyatalawa – A Hill Town in the Military Where You Can Enjoy Scenic Walks

Diyatalawa is recognized mainly for being a military base, but it is also a hill town with beautiful nature and historical value. Because of the dry air and cool weather, you can enjoy going for long walks and driving along scenic routes.

The hills, pine forests and vegetable plantations make Diyatalawa a calm and peaceful place. Unlike many other hill stations, it is not as crowded which is ideal for people who want peace. For those who seek an uncommon Sri Lanka tour, this place is great for exploring the highlands.

7. Ohiya is the entryway to Horton Plains.

Ohiya is a small village in the mountains, but it’s famous for being the starting point for Horton Plains National Park which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is no more beautiful train journey in Sri Lanka than the one to Ohiya which passes over hills covered in mist and endless greenery.

You can trek from Ohiya to the famous World’s End and Baker’s Falls. The area is full of various species of birds and plants that can be found nowhere else. It’s a good place for people who want to see nature and is usually part of adventure-focused tours in Sri Lanka.

8. Meemure – Getting to Know a Highland Village from a Distance

Meemure gives people the chance to fully escape and experience what life is like in the mountains. Nestled in the Knuckles Mountain Range, Meemure is a village rather than a typical hill station and nature is untouched all around it.

It takes a bumpy ride to get to Meemure, but the stunning scenery, many waterfalls and relaxed lifestyle are worth the effort. Trekking through Knuckles Range, swimming in its natural pools and being welcomed by the villagers are the best experiences here. If you want to experience real Sri Lanka and have fun, Meemure is the right choice for you.

Conclusion

Visiting Sri Lanka’s hill stations allows you to enjoy colonial beauty, rich culture, exciting hikes and peaceful life in the villages. Travelers visiting these highland areas get a completely different experience from the busy cities and crowded beaches. You’ll always remember the hills of Sri Lanka if you have Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya, hike Ella Rock or meditate in Haputale.

Visiting these places as part of your Sri Lanka tour packages will give you a richer and more complete trip. There are hill stations such as Kandy and Ella that everyone loves and also little-known places like Meemure and Ohiya for those looking for a more unique experience. If you’re considering your next vacation and wish to explore nature, relax and discover the country’s history, Sri Lanka’s highlands should be your number one choice. Therefore, look for a Sri Lanka holiday package that takes you to the tranquil hill country. Besides the experience itself, what you’ll find are stories, new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.