Central Highlands

A Journey Through Scenic Beauty and Culture

Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush tea plantations, cool climate, and charming towns that offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. These towns, nestled in the heart of the island, are perfect destinations for travelers seeking tranquility, adventure, and a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s history and way of life. From misty mountain villages to colonial-era towns, the Central Highlands is a treasure trove of captivating locations waiting to be explored.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable towns in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, each offering its own special allure.

1. Kandy

Known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a vibrant town located at an elevation of 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level. It is one of the island's most iconic and historically significant towns, and it’s also the gateway to the Central Highlands. Kandy is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site that attracts pilgrims from around the world.

Beyond its cultural importance, Kandy is surrounded by lush hills and picturesque lakes, with the Kandy Lake offering a serene setting for leisurely walks. The town is also famous for its annual Kandy Esala Perahera, a grand procession that showcases Sri Lanka's rich cultural traditions. Kandy’s lively markets, traditional handicrafts, and nearby Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya add to the town’s charm.

2. Nuwara Eliya

Often referred to as “Little England” due to its colonial-era architecture, Nuwara Eliya is a cool and scenic town located at an elevation of about 1,868 meters (6,128 feet). Known for its temperate climate, Nuwara Eliya is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months when it offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the lowlands.

Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls, creating a picturesque setting that looks straight out of a postcard. Key attractions in the area include the Gregory Lake, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and picnics, and Hakgala Botanical Gardens, known for its rich collection of plants. The town also boasts several colonial-era buildings, such as the Nuwara Eliya Post Office and the Grand Hotel, which add to its charming atmosphere.

3. Ella

Nestled at an altitude of about 1,041 meters (3,415 feet), Ella is a small town known for its dramatic scenery, adventure opportunities, and peaceful vibe. Surrounded by tea plantations and mountain peaks, Ella is the perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers and foreigners who love some entertainment.

Some of the most popular attractions in Ella include Ella Rock, a challenging but rewarding hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, and the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning railway bridge that spans a lush gorge. Visitors can also enjoy hiking to Little Adam’s Peak or relaxing at Ravana Falls. Ella’s cool climate and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for unwinding amidst nature.

4. Hatton

Hatton, located at an elevation of 1,259 meters (4,131 feet), is a small town known for its proximity to some of the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka. It is located along the picturesque Colombo to Kandy railway line and serves as a gateway to the famous Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

Hatton is often used as a base for trekkers who wish to climb Adam’s Peak, which stands at 2,243 meters (7,359 feet) and offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes at sunrise. The town is also surrounded by scenic tea estates, and visitors can tour the plantations to learn about the tea production process.

5. Ambewela

Known as Sri Lanka’s "New Zealand," Ambewela is a small, tranquil town located at an altitude of around 1,600 meters (5,250 feet). Famous for its cool climate and lush green landscapes, Ambewela is often referred to as the "Nuwara Eliya of the South." It is known for its dairy farms and pastoral landscapes, offering visitors a glimpse into rural life in Sri Lanka's highlands.

The Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm are popular spots to visit, where travelers can enjoy farm tours, see cattle grazing in the lush fields, and purchase fresh dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. The surrounding Ambewela Valley is a scenic area perfect for photography, hiking, and relaxing amidst nature.

6. Badulla

Badulla, located at an altitude of 670 meters (2,198 feet), is one of the oldest towns in Sri Lanka and serves as a regional hub in the Central Highlands. Surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountain peaks, Badulla offers a peaceful atmosphere with a mix of historical and natural attractions.

The town is home to the historic Badulla Temple and Dunhinda Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. Badulla also serves as a gateway to the nearby Uva Province, an area known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The Rathna Ella Falls and the Ella Gap offer additional opportunities for hiking and exploration.

7. Kothmale

Located at an altitude of around 900 meters (2,953 feet), Kothmale is a small and picturesque town that offers breathtaking views of the Kothmale Reservoir and the surrounding mountain ranges. The Kothmale Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Sri Lanka, and the reservoir is a popular spot for boating and photography.

The town is often less crowded than other highland destinations, making it an ideal place for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Kothmale is also known for its agricultural activities, particularly its production of vegetables and fruits. The nearby Kothmale Maha Seya is an important religious site for visitors interested in Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage.

The towns of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands offer an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the natural beauty, culture, and history of this stunning region. Whether you are drawn to the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya, the adventure of hiking in Ella, or the spiritual significance of Kandy, these towns provide a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. With their lush tea plantations, cool climate, and rich cultural heritage, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka remain one of the island’s most captivating regions, waiting to be discovered.

UNESCO World Heritage & Protected Areas

  1. Horton Plains National Park – Home to World’s End, Baker’s Falls

  2. Peak Wilderness Protected Area – Includes Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

  3. Knuckles Conservation Forest – Rugged trails, waterfalls, and wildlife

Iconic Hiking & Nature Trails

  1. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) – Pilgrimage trail

  2. Ella Rock – hike with tea plantation views

  3. Little Adam’s Peak – Easier hike near Ella

  4. Lakegala Mountain - In Knuckles Range

  5. Pidurutalagala(Mount Pedro)-highest peak

  6. Hanthana Mountain Range–trails in Kandy

  7. Devils Staircase- Ohiya to Kalupahana trail

Waterfalls & Natural Pools

  1. Bambarakanda Falls – Tallest waterfall

  2. Diyaluma Falls – Second-highest falls

  3. Ramboda Falls–Twotiered cascade N'Eliya

  4. St. Clair’s Falls – "Little Niagara of SL"

  5. Devon Falls – Falls near Talawakelle

  6. Baker’s Falls – Inside Horton Plains

  7. Ravana Falls – Linked to Ramayana

  8. Dunhinda Falls – Near Badulla

Scenic Viewpoints & Landscapes

  1. World’s End (Horton Plains)

  2. Lipton’s Seat (Haputale)

  3. Ella Gap – Stunning valley vista

  4. Mini World’s End (Horton Plains)

  5. Meemure Village Lookout

Tea Plantation Areas (Public Access)

  1. Haputale Tea Fields – Walk among working estates

  2. Dambatenne Tea Factory (Exterior Views) – Historic Lipton site

  3. Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations – Public trails through fields

Cultural & Historical Sites

  1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy) – UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple

  2. Seetha Amman Temple (Nuwara Eliya) – Ramayana-linked site

  3. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue (Kandy) – Hilltop giant Buddha

  4. Udawattakele Forest Reserve (Kandy) – Ancient royal forest with ruins

National Parks & Wildlife Zones

  1. Horton Plains’ Montane Forests – Spot sambar deer and endemic birds

  2. Knuckles Range Biodiversity – Home to rare lizards and leopards

  3. Victoria Park (Nuwara Eliya) – Public garden with birdwatching

Offbeat & Lesser-Known Gems

  1. Ravana Cave – Ancient rock cave near Ella

  2. Bogoda Wooden Bridge – Ancient bridge

  3. Adisham Bungalow– Colonial monastery

Scenic Routes (Public Transport)

  1. Kandy to Ella Train – Famous for tea-country views

  2. Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya (Train) – Misty highland route

  3. Road Trip to Horton Plains - Breath taking misty route

Lakes & Reservoirs

  1. Gregory Lake (Nuwara Eliya) – Public boating and walks

  2. Kandy Lake – Stroll around the lake

  3. Castlereagh Reservoir

Villages & Rural Experiences

  1. Meemure Village – Remote Knuckles settlement

  2. Sinharaja Forest Buffer Villages – Traditional farming communities

Caves & Rock Formations

  1. Dowa Rock Temple – Ancient cave temple near Ella

  2. Batatotalena Cave – Prehistoric site near Kuruwita

Pilgrimage & Spiritual Sites

  1. Ambuluwawa Tower – Multi-religious hilltop site

  2. Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Vihara – Ancient Buddhist temple

Hidden Trails & Nature Walks

  1. Bambaragama Falls Trail – Offbeat waterfall hike

  2. Riverston Trail (Knuckles) – Quiet, scenic path

  3. Belihul Oya Rock Pools – Natural swimming spots

Places To Visit

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