Top 5 Hill Stations in Sri Lanka For a Blissful Vacation (2024)
Filled with lush greenery and romantic landscapes, Sri Lanka attracts thousands of visitors every year from different corners of the globe. Being more than picture-perfect, the destinations in this island country are nothing less than awe-inspiring. Whether you love golden beaches or simply want to rejuvenate your senses amidst nature, Sri Lanka will never disappoint you. Here are some of the best hill stations that will leave you amazed during your stay in Sri Lanka.
Top 5 Hill Stations in Sri Lanka For a Blissful Vacation
1. Nuwara Eliya
Shall you desire to spend some days amidst tea gardens and enjoy serenity at the same time, Nuwara Eliya is the place and a beautiful hill station that you would want to visit. Located 173 km away from Colombo, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most popular hill stations that you simply can’t miss during your stay in Sri Lanka. Besides adorning itself with waterfalls, tea plantations, and an array of popular attractions, Nuwara Eliya is filled with buildings built in colonial style. Combined with the cold climate, Nuwara Eliya makes you feel as if you are in England. That’s why this hill station is also popularly known as Little England. Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain the country here, overlooks this hill station and makes it even more gorgeous. During your stay here, you should definitely make time to visit Lake Gregory which was built back in 1873. This spectacular reservoir today is popular among thrill-seekers who want to go on boat rides, pony rides, and jet skis. Some of the waterfalls that you shouldn’t miss here include St. Clair’s Falls, Bomburu Falls, Lover’s Leap Falls, etc. Other popular attractions that you shouldn’t miss here include Victoria Park, Galway’s Land National Park, and Horton Plains National Park. You’ll find a wide variety of floral species at Victoria Park whereas the Galway’s Land National Park unravels the best opportunity for you to experience rare wildlife sightings. If you are always looking for a unique experience, Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit place for you.
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Places to Visit: Victoria Peak, Pedro Tea Estate, Gregory Lake, Lovers Leap, Seeta Amman Temple, Galway’s Land National Park, Ramboda Falls, Moon Plains, etc.
Best Time to Visit: February to May
2. Ella
Located 329 km away from Colombo, popular hill station Ella unravels the best opportunity for you to experience gorgeous valleys and pristine tea gardens. This town in the Badulla district of the Uva Province attracts locals and travelers alike every year. During your stay here, you should definitely visit the Nine Arches Railway Bridge which is known for its colonial construction and has been an iconic landmark for years now. Many go on a trek down the bridge to experience this unique style of construction. Also, you should definitely visit the Lipton’s Sea which used to be home to the empire of the tea mogul Thomas Lipton. Embellishing itself with dense forests, Ella is quite popular for being home to several tea gardens. Whether you want to go on a hike through the trails or want to spend some time alone, Ella is undoubtedly the place to be at.
Location: Ella, Badulla District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Places to Visit: Ravana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Duwili Falls, Demodara Loop, Lipton’s Seat, Ravana Caves, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, etc.
Best Time to Visit: January to March
3. Kitulgala
Located 102 km away from Colombo, Kitulgala is another popular hill station in Sri Lanka that attracts adventure enthusiasts from different parts of the globe. Having earned popularity for white water rafting, this destination is known for being one of the wettest places that you will find in the entire island country. The Kelani River here was featured in the Oscar-winning 1957 film named The Bridge On the River Kwai. Shall you desire to go on an adrenaline rush, Kitulgala is the ideal place to be at. Other activities that you can do here include mountain biking, waterfall abseiling, outdoor camping, jungle trekking, etc. Kitulgala is filled with natural attractions such as the Belilena Caves, Aberdeen Falls, and so on, The Belilena Caves here are home to the 12,000-year-old remains belonging to the prehistoric era. The Makandawa Forest Reserve here unravels the best opportunity for you to watch a diverse range of birds including orange-billed babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, etc. Kitulgala is a treat to those seeking tranquility to reinvigorate their soul.
Location: Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
Places to Visit: Belilena Caves, Makandawa Forest Reserve, Nalagana Ella Falls, etc.
Best time to Visit: February to April
4. Adam’s Peak
Located 150 km from Colombo, Adam’s Peak is one of the best hill stations that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Sri Lanka. It is also one of the popular pilgrimage sites frequently visited by Buddhists. The foot-shaped indentation at the top of the pyramid-shaped mountain here is believed to be the footprint of Lord Buddha. Popularly known as Sri Pada, the sacred footprint attracts Buddhist devotees from different parts of the country every year. This footprint is also believed as that of Shiva by Hindus, Adam by Muslims, and St. Thomas the Apostle by Christians. After reaching the top, you can offer prayers at the shrine located on the top of the mountain here. Apart from being a pilgrimage, this site offers spectacular views of the surroundings. It might take up to four hours to hike the peak depending on age and fitness. What makes Adam’s Peak absolutely irresistible is the breathtaking scenery that you’ll get to see at the end of the hike.
Location: Adam’s Peak, Central Highlands, Sri Lanka
Places to Visit: N/A
Best Time to Visit: December to May
5. Diyatalawa
Located 180 km away from Colombo, Diyatalawa is known for being another gorgeous hill station in the island country of Sri Lanka. Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, this destination attracts tourists from different parts of the country and the globe as well. This hill station is home to Sri Lanka Army, Navy as well as Air Force Training academies. Some of the places that you can’t miss during your stay here include Rawana Ella, Lipton’s Seat, St. Catherine’s Seat, Pilkington Point, Adisham Monastery, Demodara railway station, etc.
Location: Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Places to Visit: Rawana Ella, Lipton’s Seat, St. Catherine’s Seat, Pilkington Point, etc.
Best Time to Visit: January, March, and June to September
Whether you want to go on a pilgrimage or simply want to enjoy white water rafting, hill stations in Sri Lanka provide you with ample opportunities to fulfill your dreams. Visit these 5 hill stations in Sri Lanka to rejuvenate your soul and make your trip a memorable one.