10 Top Rated Hill Stations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a common destination to be named when it comes to beaches and heritage in the tropical destinations. However, there is more to the island than the golden shores, there is a cooler part of the island, its green, foggy mountains. The picturesque view, fresh air, and green tea plantations in these areas are perfect destinations to those who want to relax and absorb nature. To get the best of what the island has to offer, one has to explore Sri Lanka tourism beyond the usual hotspots. 

The hill stations of Sri Lanka have it all adventure, relaxation and culture, from the colonial period towns to the sleepy mountain villages. Taking tea in a heritage bungalow or hiking through cloud forests, these high-altitude retreats will help you fall in love with another side of the country.  

Here are the 10 Top Rated Hill Stations in Sri Lanka 

1. Nuwara Eliya – Little England of Sri Lanka 

Nuwara Eliya is known as Little England for its colonial architecture, cold temperature, and British-style gardens. This hill station is an ideal relaxation spot surrounded by tea plantations and hills. One can visit the Gregory Lake, walk along Victoria Park, or visit the Horton Plains National Park. Nuwara Eliya is like a piece of England in Sri Lanka whether it is drinking hot Ceylon tea or walking across misty lanes. 

2. Ella – The Scenic Beauty Haven 

Ella is a relaxed hill town with a spectacular view and outdoors. The train ride to Ella is ranked among one of the most scenic rides in the world. Ella offers its visitors a green environment and gentle hiking routes which makes it a backpacker and nature lover destination to experience the peaceful mountainous beauty of Sri Lanka. 

3. Kandy – Cultural Capital with Hillside Charm 

Kandy is a combination of nature and culture. The city is concealed in the hills and has a famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, beautiful botanical gardens and a tranquil lake. Although it is an urban area, the vegetation and foggy mountains provide a peaceful getaway. It is the meeting of history and nature so Kandy is a perfect combination of tradition and tranquility of travelers who want to find depth and relaxation. 

4. Haputale – Tea, Mist & Mountains 

Haputale provides spectacular sceneries of tea plantations, cliffs and valleys. It is not as touristy as other hill stations and hence a good place to relax. Lipton Seat is the best point of view named after tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton and provides panoramas on clear mornings. Cool air, picturesque walks and welcoming people make Haputale a peaceful place where the best of the tea country is on display in Sri Lanka. 

5. Bandarawela – Laid-Back Hill Retreat 

Bandarawela is a beautiful hill town that means good weather and slow life. It is encircled by tea plantations, cascades, and woodland paths, hence, an ideal location to start touring the area. The town is colonial in nature and provides both nature and history. In case you want to escape the tourist rush, and spend your mornings in the mountains, Bandarawela is a quiet and refreshing getaway. 

6. Hatton – Gateway to Adam’s Peak 

Hatton is most recognized as the beginning of the pilgrims who climb Adam Peak which is a holy mountain and is visited by the people of all religions. The town has rolling tea estates and waterfalls around it making it a postcard setting. Hatton also provides intimate accommodations in tea bungalows where one can relax with the views of mountains and the warm welcome of the Sri Lankan people. 

7. Ohiya – Offbeat and Undisturbed 

Ohiya is not a very popular hill station and is ideal to those who want to be alone in nature. It is situated close to Horton Plains National Park and has excellent birdwatching and trekking prospects. The area is covered with highland meadows and deep woodlands.  

8. Maskeliya – Serene & Spiritual 

The town of Maskeliya is a quiet mountain city that is usually dwarfed by more popular neighbors. Nonetheless, it has beautiful waterfalls, tea plantations and picturesque hiking trails. It is also another entrance to Adam peak. The town's pleasant climate and peaceful atmosphere make it an excellent spot to reflect and unwind. 

9. Badulla – Scenic & Historical 

Badulla is a beautiful resort town and a historical town. It is the terminus of the renowned hill country railway line and the train journey there is full of beautiful sceneries. Within the town there are temples and colonial buildings and other nearby attractions such as Dunhinda Falls.  

10. Belihuloya – A Nature Lover’s Paradise 

Belihuloya lies in the dry and wet zone of Sri Lanka which makes the place unique in climate and biodiversity. It is a good place to visit by nature enthusiasts with river walks, waterfalls and eco lodges. The region is suitable to camp and trek in the wild, where adventure meets scenic calmness. The calmness and the lack of people make it an excellent off-the-grid experience where you can feel one with nature in a purest manner. 

Conclusion 

A welcome change to the coastal and cultural attractions of Sri Lanka, the hill stations are a pleasure to visit. All destinations have their own experience- such as sipping tea in Nuwara Eliya, train watching in Ella or trekking in Haputale. These highland towns are ideal to give your body and mind a chance to rejuvenate in cooler climates and green sceneries. 

Therefore, when deciding to spend your next vacation on an island, do not forget to explore Sri Lanka tourism that offers highland treasures. Scenic railways to cloud covered mountains, these hill stations are a journey to unforgettable beauty of nature and locality.