How to get to Central Highlands of Sri Lanka?

The main gateway to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is through the city of Kandy, located in the central province. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is about a 3-4 hour drive from Kandy.

Rent a tuk tuk!

We rented a tuk tuk and used it to travel around Sri Lanka. We think it’s the best way to see the Hill country. The main roads are generally in good shape, and the views are breathtaking. Some places, like Lipton’s Seat, have poor roads, but for most destinations, a tuk tuk is perfect.

Traveling from Negombo to Nuwara Eliya by TukTuk takes approximately 5 hours, while the journey from Kandy is around 3 hours. The trip from Kandy to Ella is estimated to be 4 hours, whereas traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella can be accomplished in about 2 hours. The journey from Sigiriya to Ella takes roughly 5 hours, and from Arugam Bay to Ella, it’s around 3 hours.

Train

One of the most popular ways to enter Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is by train. The train journey is considered one of the most scenic in Asia, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls.

The train ride from Colombo to Kandy, the main city in the region, takes around four hours. From Kandy to Ella , it takes approximately 7 hours.

We didn’t take a train as we drove by tuktuk. The train is really popular option but it’s not necessary so comfortable what we heard, especially if you take the train all the way from Colombo to Ella that will take around 11 hours.

If other modes of transportation are your preference yet you wish to enjoy a train journey, consider shorter routes like the Haputale to Ella trip, which lasts approximately 2 hours. For those interested in visiting Lipton’s Seat, it’s advisable to head to Haputale and then take a taxi, which is about an hour’s drive.

Bus

Another option for traveling to the Hill Country is by bus. Buses are a cheaper alternative to trains and offer a more local experience. However, be prepared for long and crowded journeys.

Private taxi

For those who prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, private taxis are widely available for hire.

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Highlights

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

The most popular attraction in Ella is the Nine Arches Bridge. This iconic railway bridge, built during the British colonial era, is an engineering marvel.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when you can witness a train passing over the bridge. Verify the train schedule ahead of time. It’s also a great spot for taking pictures and enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding area.

Visit tea plantation and factories

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production, and the Hill Country is home to many tea plantations and factories. A visit to one of these estates will give you the opportunity to learn about the tea-making process and sample different types of teas.

Some popular places to visit include the Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya, the Blue Field Tea Factory in Haputale and the Lipton’s seat.

Nuwara Eliya City Tour

Known as “Little England” due to its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a charming town worth visiting. Take a stroll through the city center and admire the beautiful buildings, visit the local market, or enjoy afternoon teat at the Grand Hotel.

Embark on a Scenic Train Journey

One of the most iconic experiences in Sri Lanka is taking a train journey through the Hill Country. The journey from Kandy to Ella (or vice versa) is said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world, passing through lush green mountains, tea plantations, and picturesque villages.

We suggest opting for a shorter version of this journey, such as the route from Ella to Haputale (2 hours) or to Nanuoya (3 hours).

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

For those who love hiking, a trip to Little Adam’s Peak is a must-do. This relatively easy hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views.

Hike to Adam’s peak

For more experienced hikers, the hike to Adam’s Peak is a challenging but rewarding experience. The trail stretches over 7 kilometers and features about 5,500 stairs. Expect to spend 4-6 hours hiking to the top. The highlight of this hike is witnessing the sunrise from the top of the mountain.

Explore Waterfalls

The Hill Country is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Around Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find some amazing waterfalls that really win over everyone who visits. Places like Lover’s Leap Falls, St. Clair’s Falls, and Bomburu Ella Falls are totally worth checking out. Moving towards Hatton, one encounters the enchanting Devon Falls, Aberdeen Falls, and Laxapana Falls. Approximately 1.5 hours from Hatton lies the breathtaking Gartmore Falls, a must-visit destination on my list for the next trip.

Right near Ella, you’ll find the famous Ravana Falls, super easy to get to. Just an hour’s drive away, there’s Diyaluma Falls – the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Visit Horton Plains National Park and hike to the World’s End

This national park is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the majestic World’s End cliff which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The round trip is approximately 9.5 km and usually takes around 3 hours. It is recommended to visit early in the morning.

We ran out of time and the weather was against us, so we had to miss this hike. However, we’ve made a note to do it next time.

Udawalawe National Park

If you are heading to the south of Sri Lanka or coming from there, Udawalawe is a great place to stop along the way. It’s located about a 2-hour drive from Ella and 2 hours from Matara.

Udawalawe National Park is a popular destination for spotting herds of elephants in their natural habitat. It is also home to many other animals such as leopards, water buffaloes, and birds. One can take a safari jeep ride through the park and witness these amazing creatures up close.

We didn’t go on a safari there because we had already been on many before, but we could still see elephants right next to our guesthouse. There are fences along the road to prevent them from getting too close, and we went to see them near these barriers. However, be cautious, as we’ve heard they break the fences daily. They are fast and can easily be dangerous, even though they are not normally aggressive.

When should I visit the Sri Lanka’s Hill Country?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is from January to March when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and quieter experience, visit during the off-season from April to November. However, be aware that heavy rains can disrupt travel plans during this time.

We went in November. It was pretty good during the day, but it usually started raining in the afternoon, so we couldn’t do everything we had planned. If you’re keen on hiking a lot, I’d suggest visiting between January and March.