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Why Visit the Hill Country?
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
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Experience Travel Group

The 'Hill Country' or 'Up Country' are terms broadly used to describe the mountainous regions of the centre of Sri Lanka. Covered with tea plantations and National Parks, these beautiful hills and mountains are home to some of the country's most unique and historic accommodation. The cool climate provides a beautiful contrast with the often scorching coastline.

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The old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya is now a favourite retreat for locals looking to escape the heat of the lowlands. It's misty and rainy much of the year – but provides a strange and atmospheric step back into colonial history. 

Here you'll find several historical tea planter's bungalows to stay in amidst working plantations, making your experience all the more special. A walk, a drive or a train journey through the incomparable scenery around Haputale, Ella and Bandarawela is a must. 

If you're the adventurous type, you can climb 'Adam's Peak, the revered mountain which flings out a mystical shadow at dawn and has inspired all the major religions to claim it as their own. The overnight climb is an unforgettable adventure.

The region around Haputale, Bandarawella and Ella is colloquially known in Sri Lanka as the 'health triangle' due to the lovely fresh air found here. There are lovely walks around here, and as it is located on the very southern edge of the hills: when the cloud breaks, you often peak through to incredible views down to the plains below and even the sea 60km away as the crow flies.

A little further down the hill towards the south, you will find incredible wildlife and very few people at picturesque Belihul Oya.

In the lower hills, Kithugalla is carving out a reputation as the adventure capital of Sri Lanka. Previously best known as the film ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’, Kithugalla’s main draw is now white river rafting. The birding and walking in this area is also excellent.

Finally, the Sinharaja rainforest is one of Asia’s most important protected areas. A wonderful place for walking, casual observers will marvel at the diversity of reptile and bird life easily spotted with the help of enthusiastic guides. No nature enthusiast can miss this unique opportunity to see many rare and endemic species.

Our guide to Sri Lanka has more information.

 

Popular Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas:

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Escape the crowds, take in some of the best scenery in Sri Lanka at a slow & relaxing pace and stay in some unique hotels.

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Our trademark authentic experiences and boutique accommodation in Sri Lanka combined with a different take on The Maldives.

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.

Boutique Sri Lanka

Boutique Sri Lanka

For curious first-timers. An alternative take on a more intimate Sri Lanka. Effortlessly, atmospheric boutique hotels and experiences.


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Experience Travel Group

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog