How to Enjoy the Upcountry in Sri Lanka - Guide to Enjoying Sri Lanka's Hill Country

While Sri Lanka is ranked among South Asia's finest beach capitals, there is more to the island nation than white, sandy seaside hamlets. Offering locals and visitors a welcome respite from the warm, balmy weather of the tropics, the hills of Sri Lanka are a world apart from the rest of the island. Boasting cooler temperatures and greener surroundings, there's much to see and do in this elevated area of the land. Here's a rundown of some of the top things to do on a trip to the hills.

^{Kandy, Sri Lanka | Image by Florian Wehde via Unsplash} 

1. Pay Homage to the Temple of the Tooth

As the first stop for most tourists on their foray into the hill country, a visit to Kandy's iconic Temple of the Tooth is an absolute must. Located on the shores of Kandy Lake, this former palace turned religious epicentre is home to the sacred dental remains of Lord Buddha. This hallowed temple is the famed site from which the Esala Perahera sets out every July/August. Paying homage to this holiest of all Buddhist landmarks in Sri Lanka can be a spiritually rewarding experience. Don't forget to stop by the museum adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth where the taxidermy remains of tuskers charged with carrying the tooth during major processions and other relics are on show.

2. Tour a Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya

No trip to the hill country would be complete without exploring the tea estates that line nearly every inch of the mountains of this region. Whether one is based in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy or Ella, there will be dozens of tea estates and factories to tour during a holiday in the hills. Processing tea using the machinery that was introduced by British colonisers, the factory tours offer tea lovers an in-depth look at the makings of a fine cup of Ceylon Tea. Visitors can not only take part in tea-tasting demos but also buy quality tea gifts for loved ones back home.

3. Chase Waterfalls in Ella

Waterfalls remain some of the best places to visit in Ella according to travel resources such as Travel to Ella and countless others due to the large number of stunning cascades decorating the hills. The Ella Gap Waterfall and the Secret Waterfall are just some of the most breathtaking sights in Ella in addition to Ella Wala Falls.

4. Hike around Horton Plains National Park

Home to the World's End precipice, the surroundings of Horton Plains National Park have rightly been compared to the Scottish Highlands due to its misty and moored landscapes. As one of the lushest and coldest wildlife sanctuaries on the island, this vast expanse sits at an elevation of over 7000 feet. With 24 mammal varieties and an impressive 87 bird species occupying the area, the venue remains a nature lover's and an ornithologist’s dream.

5. Picnic in the Parks

The hill country in Sri Lanka is also where the top botanical gardens are also found as the high altitude and rich soil create the perfect atmosphere for plant cultivation. A visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Haggala Botanical Gardens are considered rites of passage for all those who head to the mountains as these horticultural hotspots are ideal picnic spots.

6.  Go White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Travellers venturing to the low-lying hills of Sri Lanka will find that the jungles of Kitulgala are also home to the best white water rafting locations. Having served as the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning feature film "Bridge on the River Kwai', the frothy rapids of Kitulgala are revered by white water rafters around the world.