Explore the cool hills of the tea plantations around the former British Hill Station of Nuwara Eliya.
Train travel is very scenic continuing along the route to Ella which has become a popular tourist haven. Along the way to Ella, the central highlands is also home to amazing Adam’s Peak and at Horton Plains National Park, you can walk within this beautiful nature reserve to a stunning view of World’s End.

Train Travel into Tea Country:
A ticket for a just few dollars can get you a seat in the 1st class observation car.

The observation car is the last carriage of the government train with seats looking out from the large rear-end picture window. However, if you do not like riding backwards, this may not be for you. And you need to book well in advance.

First Class Blue Cars operate on some routes which are comfortable with Air-Con and allow advance bookings. But I enjoy the ride with open windows and breezes in the 2nd class carriages. Easier to show up and buy tickets if you are flexible and also willing to stand a bit.

The stretch from Kandy- Nuwara Eliya  is actually nicest by road passing a gorgeous scenic view point.

The nicest train stretch is between Nanu Oya Station (for Nuwara Eliya) and Ella.

More Info on Train Travel in Sri Lanka: https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm

Nuwara Eliya

Accomodations:
Lots of small hotels and guesthouses as well as more upscale atmospheric innsaround Nuwara Eliya.

The Grand Hotel (above) where you can feel back in time amongst the English gardens and lawns:
https://www.thegrandhotelnuwaraeliya.com/

The famous Hill Club founded in 1876:    https://www.hillclubsrilanka.lk/

My favorite though was St. Andrews Nuwara Eliya:
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingstandrews/

Hakgala Gardens – a short drive from Nuwara Eliya are beautiful botanical gardens with herbs and flowers brought by Hanoman from the Himalaya.
Nearby, the Sita Amman Kovil is the site where it is believed Rawana held Sita captive and where she prayed daily for Rama to rescue her. This lovely temple dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Hanoman is a very popular stop for those on the Ramayana Trail.

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It was very special for Ibu Wayan from Bali to receive blessings here.

Adam’s Peak also known as Sri Pada ( 2243m)

Various legends tell of the Buddha leaving his footprint here. Another story tells of the footprint belonging to Adam as he took a last look at Eden and stepped onto Earth. Hindus believe this is where Shiva left his footprint. It is amazing mountain with beautiful energy.

Hatton is the closest train station to Adam’s Peak.  From Hatton, approx 30km drive to Nallathanniya
( Dalhousie ) where you start the 7km and 5200 steps trek.
Most pilgrims set off well before dawn. In the main season, the path is magically illuminated. Pilgrim season begins in January until the Full Moon of May. Later in the season is best with less crowds. Earlier in the season you may find long queues for the final steps!

Tea Leaf Vision School: – a real inspiration for next generation.
providing English teacher training to youth of Tamil tea-picking families and youth of Sinhalese farming families. Located in Maskelyia, amidst tea plantations and reservoirs- about 20km from Dalhousie.
See: Adam’s Peak and Tea Leaf Vision School visit back in 2012!

Horton Plains National Park

a stunning high-altitude plateau ( 2100-2300m) known for its unique grasslands, cloud forests, and rich biodiversity, including endemic species. Head waters from Horton Plains flow into three major Sri Lankan rivers: the Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe.

• Mammals: Home to Sambar deer, bear monkeys and Sri Lankan leopard, although sighting is rare.
• Birds: Rich in endemic birds, including the Sri Lankan Junglefowl and Yellow-fronted barbet.

Drive or train to Ohiya to set off for an early morning walk to see the spectacular view at 
World’s End. Need to start EARLY before the clouds close the world! Be on the trail by 0700am.
Arrange a breakfast box and set off on a loop covering 9.5km- mostly flat passing through forests at the beginning, then opening to the spectacular view point at World’s End.  Then, following the open plains back, you pass by Baker’s Falls. If wish to get to the base of the falls, there is a steep descent.
Option to just do half the loop as far as the view point and back, is also possible.

More info on beautiful Horton Plains:
https://www.srilankaecotourism.lk/eco_destination.php?eco=horton-plains-national-park


Haputale is a nice base for Horton Plains and if wish to venture up to the lovely view point of Sir Thomas Lipton’s Seat above the tea plantations.

Lipton’s Seat
The Dambatene Tea Gardens were owned and enjoyed by Sir Thomas J. Lipton over a 40 year period from the late 1890s-1930. He loved this place. It gave him immense pleasure to entertain guests and to contemplate nature’s bounty and prospects for the future. Lipton’s Seat is perched at the edge of a 6000 feet drop-off offering a marvellous 360-degree view.

Haputale Accomodations:

The Clouds: a charming 4-bedroom Bungalow in Haputale with a spectacular view when skies are clear.
https://www.clouds.lk

Ella

This small town has become a travelers mecca with lots of places to stay.
Wonderful walks to an easier “Little Adams Peak” above more tea plantations.
On the way is Nine Arch Bridge -also very popular with many timing the walk for the passing train.

Just above the town up a steep hill is Ambiente– a simple guesthouse with spectacular views.
Lovely photos to see on: www.ambiente.lk

Rawana Falls near Ella and the Nine Arch Bridge

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Heading South

To reach the South Coast from the Hill Country – you will need to drive.

Arugam Bay on the southeast coast is also an option to enjoy.
Laid-back coastal village, surf and yoga destination. Best season for Arugam Bay is April-October while the best season for south coast beaches is from December to April.
Perhaps one day, I shall make it to Arugam Bay!
There are endless options and each day opens up new wonders to see.

Buduruwagala

About one hour south of Ella is Buduruwagala, an ancient rock temple with seven large, rock-cut statues including a colossal central Buddha (51 feet) flanked by figures of Bodhisattvas and deities, reflecting Mahayana Buddhist tradition from 9th-10th centuries. Not many people come here and it is a magical place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Yala National Park
Prime destination on the southeast coast to see elephants and other wildlife- one of the best places to spot a leopard.

Can never have enough of elephants! We did manage to see a leopard and everyone else wanted to as well!
Yala is beautiful and very popular which also means alot of safari cars.
https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/

Note with more visitors coming to Sri Lanka, it is also important to reserach best timings with your local guide. And if you are looking for quieter experiences to enjoy lots of other wonderful wildlife besides elephants, make this clear to your driver.
Sri Lanka has 26 national parks to enjoy. Kumana National Park, near by Yala, is also known for elephants and quiet birdwatching.
Bundala National Park, located a bit to the west of Yala, offers wetlands,lagoons, sand dunes and scrublands, is a habitat for migratory birds and sea turtles. Flamingos can be found during the winter migration season November-March.

Minneriya National Park up in the Golden Triangle is very popular with elephant lovers but there is also Wilpattu National Park in northwest Anuradhapura district, another beautiful park to see elephants and other wildlife including a chances to see a leopard with fewer crowds.

Another alternate option is to head southwest from Buduruwagala to:

Uda Walawe National Park– also wonderful with less crowds:
https://udawalaweusafari.com/

Oh hello! – Someone you may meet along the road to Uda Walawe.

Learn about the Elephant Transit Home looking after baby elephant orphans.
https://elephantorphanagesrilanka.com/udawalawa-elephants-transit-home/

Read about Dilmah Teas conservation initiative at Uda Walawe:
https://www.dilmahtea.com/sustainability/biodiversity/udawalawe-wildlife-protection.html

Kataragama

This multi-faith pilgrimage town is a few hours drive south of Ella close to Yala National Park.
Famous for its Main Temple dedicated to Skanda (Murugan)-the god of war, victory and wisdom. Murugan is the brother of Ganesh and Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and indigenous Vedda people all come to pay respects here. You will find shrines of different faiths co-existing peacefully side by side.
Kataragama Perahera
Spectacular processions take place during the Esala month of July or August to honor Murugan. So if you happen to travel around this time, check out the dates!

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Festivities go well into the night and it is absolutely spectacular.
The final climax day includes a sacred ritual with a priest using a golden sword to cut the waters of the Menik Ganga River symbolizing purification with blessings for rain and prosperity.

South Coast

The best season for Sri Lanka’s south coast is the traditional dry season from December to April.
Whale watching season at Mirissa is November to April with chances to see blue whales, sperm whales
and dolphins.
Note in off season May-October, when it is traditionally dry up in the Cultural Triangle, the south coast can experience rains and wilder surf, but also days with nice sea breezes.

Along the south coast at Dondra

A favorite beach for many is at Tangalle,

Talalla Yoga Retreat- in Tangalle:
https://www.talallaretreat.com/

Unawatuna Beach 
15 min. drive from the historic Galle Fort– once considered one of the loveliest beaches in the world has rebuilt since the tsunami- although it’s sad that some tacky uncontrolled development has been allowed. Nevertheless, Unawatuna is still a charming cove for swimming.
Along the coast at Koggala you may spot some fishermen on stilts. This “Rittipanna” tradition continues during the fishing season May-October, but be aware many spots are now tourist-focussed where you pay for pictures.

Galle Fort

Galle (Gaalla) or pronounced Gaul in English

This historic heritage town which feels sleepy, is a magically alive multi-cultural community.  Entering the fort walls, the British Coat of Arms is engraved on one side and that of the Dutch VOC- East India Company on the other.
Galle was also referred to in the Bible as the port of Tarshish where ships trading with King Solomon obtained elephants, peacocks, spices and gemstones. With its strategic position, sailing vessels from Egypt, Persia, Arabia, China and Malaya continued to converge here.

The Portuguese, blown off course, first arrived in 1505, the Dutch in 1640 and the British in 1796.
Secured within the old fort walls built by the Dutch, the town was miraculously spared damage from the 2004 tsunami. Inside these walls are fascinating stories.

Read: Around The Fort in 80 Lives:  compiled by Juliet Coombe.

Galle Literary Festival:  https://galleliteraryfestival.com/
This site also has links to wonderful places to stay within the Fort.
There are lots of small and charming guest inns such as Frangipani Guesthouse on Pedlar Street.

Galle Fort Hotel: for upscale and beautiful restored chic:  https://www.galleforthotel.com/

Apa Villa Illuketia

Apa Villas – a beautiful haven- 20 minute drive from Galle Fort:

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Apa Villa Illuketia – a former plantation estate with 5-6 guest accomodations is a magical place for a group of friends or family and where the staff cook up delightful new curries each day.
https://www.apavilla-illuketia.com/

Personally when I travel, I always like to support small locally-owned hotels- many of them simple but with heart. Or hotels that are contributing to wellbeing of staff, local economy and helping to protect the environment.

In recent years, especially post covid, there have been lots of changes and new developments.

Tear Drop Story and Luxury Hotel Collection:
For those seeking some more exclusive luxury, check out the Teardrop Story and the properties they have restored and renovated into beautiful small luxury heritage havens in the tea valleys and mountains, and by the sea:
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/about/

Travel Galle to Colombo

Galle is about 3 hours drive south of Colombo along the coastal road which can become very congested. An Inland Expressway can get you to Colombo in half the time.
There is also a Train Service between Colombo and Galle offering views of the coast.
The station in Galle Town is just outside of the Fort.
More Train Info on: https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm

Along the coast is Hikkaduwa Beach which became famous on the Hippie trail of the 1960s and 1970s
Hikkaduwa evolved into a mass-tourism hub with nightlife, surf and water activities, similar how Kuta Beach developed on Bali.

Continuing up the coast:
Turtle Conservation Project at Kosgoda: 
https://www.kosgodaseaturtle.org/

Bentota Beach, north of Kosgoda, is a more tranquil relaxed beach with ayurveda and spa centers.
Half-way between Colombo and Galle, allowing easier travel time to and from Colombo and the airport.

The Villa Bentota – designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa.
https://www.kkcollection.com/the-villa-bentota

Along the coast you can stop to see the Tsunami Memorial where the waves sadly washed the train off the tracks. Over 1000 people died in this tragedy of 2004.

May Sri Lanka live in peaceful times. This beautiful country has so much to offer with so much history, culture and natural beauty with kind and resilient people- Ayubowan Sri Lanka.
I hope you may enjoy journeys to Sri Lanka as much as I have.

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