Hill Country

Hill Country Sri Lanka refers to the hilly and mountainous region located in the central part of Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its lush green tea plantations, cool climate, misty mountains, and scenic landscapes.

The Hill Country

The cool climes of the hill country hold scenic beauty that surpasses that of every other part of the island, consisting of misty green hills, to the green carpet like tea plantations, enchanting waterfalls, the breathtaking landscape of this region truly refreshes and rejuvenates the soul. The hill country stretches from Kandy to Nuwareliya to the sub tropical city of Rathnapura which is home to the largest rain forest reserve in Sri Lanka.

Kandy

A scenic city with a lake at its center is a leading tourist destination and is world renowned for its most revered Temple of the tooth and the most celebrated pageant the Esala Perahera which roam the streets in the month of August, among other attractions are museums, a botanical garden and temples.

Temple of the tooth

A former Royal palace is where the most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined in a decorated casket where pilgrims pay their respects and seek blessings.

The palace compound

surrounded by a moat is a sight to behold and showcases some of the best of Kandyna Architecture to date even after having undergone many a renovation, located close by is a meauseum which showcases the best of Kandyan artifacts.

Hindu Shrines

Other features in the palace compound consists of 3 of four major shrines dedicated to Gods Vishnu, Natha and Goddess Patthini these shrines also have been taking part

Lankatilake temple

A temple with unique architectural influence showcases Buddha statutes of the Pallawa School, the location of this temple provides a 360 degree view of it’s breath taking surroundings.

Gadaladeniya Temple – Built on a rock this temple features some south Indian style architecture, a shrine dedicated to God Vishnu can also be found in the compound.

Embekke Devalaya- A shrine dedicated to God Katharagama showcases some impressive wood carvings.

Kandyan Handicrafts- Kandy is the best place to purchase some authentic Sri Lankan handy crafts as This city goes hand in hand with arts and crafts of this country.

Udawattekele Sanctuary-A former royal reserve this sanctuary is now home to a multitude of birds and huge trees, it also creates a lush green backdrop for the temple of the tooth.

Tea Museum

is where you find exhibits such as old tea machinery and also various exhibit belonging to to pioneer tea planters such as the famous Thomas Lipton, the old tea factory in which these exhibits are displayed at gives a phenomenal view of the surrounding area.

The Bahirawakanda Buddha statue- A beautiful white giant Buddha statue gazing upon the city of Kandy , the location also gives a panoramic view of the beautiful surrounding area.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The largest botanical garden to be found in the country, 150 acres in all it’s totality is home to thousands of flora and fauna of both local and foreign origin including exotic spices an orchid house, an Octagon Conservatory and fernery and of course well kept lawns among others.

Victoria Golf & Country Club

Situated in Digana a village close to Kandy and named after the British built dam Victoria it is widely considered as the most beautiful Golf course in the whole of Asia. It is also home to a variety of bird species and some wildlife such as deer.

Peradeniya University

Established in 1942, located 8km from Kandy and overlooking the breathtaking Hantanata mountain range with the Mahaweli River flowing across it’s compound is considered a popular tourist attraction for it’s rare tropical plants and orchids.

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

Situated in Kegalle a town west of Kandy this orphanage is home to orphaned baby jumbos and grown elephants since 1975 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the island, feeding and bathing times of these animals being the highlight of the visit. The elephants even though captives share a bond with humans which is an experience not to be missed.

The Millennium Elephant Foundation

Located close to the main orphanage is this foundation which is home to a few retired working elephants the guides will walk you through how to communicate with these majestic creatures and also allow the visitors to clean them and also afford an opportunity to volunteer with the mobile vetenerary unit of the foundation. The museum housed there features elephant skulls and bones.

The Knuckles Range

To the east of Kandy lies this mountain range which resembles the knuckles of ones hand once clenched as the name suggests, is a beautiful area that has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, a great place to spot Leopard, deer, endemic birds and enjoy the spectacular views whilst trekking.

Mahiyanganaya

Beyond the Knuckles range lies this town which essentially belongs to the dry zone it is one of the places that Lord Buddha visited in Sri Lanka and is home to the Veddha community (Native Sri Lankans) .

The Rajamaha Dagoba

which marks the spot where the most revered one preached to the community and this Dagoba is believed to hold a lock of Lord Buddha’s hair.

Nuwaraeliya

In The southern hill country lies Nuwaraeliya which captures the glorious past of the colonial era and is the hub of the tea plantations, it is also widely regarded as the most picturesque out all towns in the island thanks to it’s magnificent tea carpeted hills, enchanting water falls, beautiful British influenced colonial style architecture and Hindu shrines that add vibrant color to the atmosphere.

Tea Plantations

Most factories of these plantations are open for visitors to have a look a round and understand the process of manufacturing world famous Ceylon tea.

The Tea Cup

A restaurant managed by one of the leading tea plantation Management companies serves delicious high grown tea and snacks on en route to Colombo. For those of who want to make a gift of it to friend s and family back home there’s tea available for purchase too.

Seethamman Temple-Opposite the Botanical garden is the shrine believed to be built on the spot where Rawana held Sita captive and is situated overlooking an icy cold stream.

Radella– The best view in the whole of the island Radella gives a fabulous 360 degree view of the hills and beyond.

Horton Plains-The highest highlands in the island is an ideal area for nature lovers to explore as it is home to many unique Fauna and flora, bird life and wildlife such as deer, the highlight being the precipice from where visitors are treated to breathtaking sights below including the Bakers falls.

Badulla-To the east of the hill country is Badulla, a busy town of sorts. It’s main attraction being the Kataragama Devale, which consist of lots of Kandyan influenced architecture.

Muthiyagana Vihara-An ancient temple complex with roots leading back to thousands of years.

Nuwaraeliya Golf Club– Is an 18 hole Golf course and country club for visitors who want to enjoy a high altitude round of Golf.

Water falls– A few charming waterfalls are found in the surrounding areas the most popular ones being Lakshapana falls, Devon falls and Ramboda falls .

Piduruthalagala– This 2550 meter high mountain is the highest mountain peak in the island and trekking excursions remain popular among visitors. Visitors could also spot Waterfalls whilst hiking and it is also home to many endemic as well as other varieties of bird life and unique flora and fauna in the cloud forest below.

Labookelei Tea Estate-A picturesque plantaintaion which allows visitors to tour the factory and also tasting in the process, it is also the highest tea estate in the island.

Hakgala Gardens

At the base of a Rock, from which the name is derived, lies this magnificent garden which gives phenomenal views of the surrounding area. The rock above is believed to have been another bit of rock dropped by Hanuman on his return from the Himalayas carrying some rare herbs. It is home to many a fauna and flora of foreign origin.

Seethamman Temple-Opposite the Botanical garden is the shrine believed to be built on the spot where Rawana held Sita captive and is situated overlooking an icy cold stream.

Badulla-To the east of the hill country is Badulla, a busy town of sorts. It’s main attraction being the Kataragama Devale, which consist of lots of Kandyan influenced architecture.

Muthiyagana Vihara-An ancient temple complex with roots leading back to thousands of years.

Dunhinda Falls

To the north of Badulla is the 7^th highest water fall in the island complimented by the surrounding natural beauty this is one of the most charming sights in the area.

Ella

A picturesque village with a pleasant climate all year round is believed to have been the other place where Ravana held Seeta captive based on the Ramayanana.

Ravanaella falls

A mammoth waterfall which is around 90 meters high named after the notorious Ravana.

Rawanaella Cave

Once again named after the notorious king is the spot where it is believed that he held Sita captive

Dowa Temple

A temple with a Buddha statue carved into a boulder overlooking the temple .The statue itself is believed to represent the future Maitreya Buddha.

Bandarawela

Another buzzing little town which can be used as a base for excursions in the surrounding areas, located amidst tea plantations, this town experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Suwa madhu Ayurvedic Center

Offers, massages, herbal baths among other treatments to be experienced in a tranquil atmosphere.

Haputale

A town with a majority Tamil population is beautifully situated and offers breathtaking views and is constantly covered in mist giving it a mysterious appeal.

Dambatenna Tea Factory

Built by the Pioneer tea planter, Sir Thomas Lipton, this factory showcases equipment from the by gone era.

Lipton’s seat

As the name suggests this was Sir Lipton’s favorite spot to take in the magnificent views of the surrounding areas, the tea plantations visible from this point are picture perfect.

Adisham Mansion

To the east of Haputhale is this mansion built by a British national who named the mansion after the village he was born in, now functions as a monastery.

Belihul Oya

A charming little town home to the Belhuoya stream is the nearest city to Bambarakanda falls.

Bambarakanda Falls

Standing at a height of over 240 meters it is considered the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and attracts many tourists every year.

Buduruwagala

Is a site where Mahayana influenced statues are found carved into a boulder surrounded by a dry zone forest with abundant bird life and butterflies.

Diyaluma Falls

The 2^nd highest water fall in the island it stands at 220 meters. Visitors could climb up to reach the summit or alternatively walk along a path to reach the top. A swim in the rock pools is also possible.

Adam’s Peak-Holds religious significance to all the main religious communities in the island, however it holds special significance to the Buddhist community as the Summit of this mountain believes to hold the sacred foot print of the most revered Lord Buddha it also offers magnificent views of its surroundings including a spectacular sun rise.

Kitulgala– En route to Nuwaraeliya are the untamed waters of the Kelani River making it the perfect destination for adventure water sports namely white water rafting. This village also offers great scenery which also makes it a perfect spot for trekking and bird watching.

Seethawaka– Is home to the Berendi Kovil ( a hindu shrine)a stone structure built under the orders of the last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe.

Ratnapura

The city of Gems is where rare and precious gemstones such as the famous Ceylon Blue sapphires, pink sapphires and Tourmaline amongst many other precious and semi precious stones are found and is the gem mining center in the island. It is also the perfect base for visitors who have planned excursion to Sinharaja forest reserve and Uda Walawa national park.

The Zaviya Street– Uncut gems are sold along these streets and traditional jewellery shops too could be found lining these streets which happen to be the center of the gem trade of this town.

Ratnapura Gem Museum

Is among one of many such museums and sales outlets where they showcase gems from all around the world including Authentic Sri Lankan gems in cut and un cut states.

Maha Saman Devale

This is the foremost of shrines dedicated to God Saman, who is also the guardian deity of Adam’s speak. It is an ancient devale dating back to the 13^th centaury, its main festival being held in July each year.

Uda Walawe National Park

Situated to the South of Rathnapura this park is popular for spotting of Elephants in large numbers in their natural habitat. It is also home to other wildlife such as deer, Water buffalo, Sambur, abundant bird life and it is also home to some interesting fauna.

Sinharaja

A UNESCO designated world heritage site this ecological wonder is home to abundant endemic flora and fauna and also reptiles, birds, insects, two of the main rivers in the island also flow through this magnificent rain forest namely, Kalu ganga and Gin ganga it is a very popular tourist destination.

Hill Country

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