Hill Country Wonders
10 Days / 09 Nights Hill Country Journey
10 Days / 09 Nights Hill Country Journey
Exploring Sri Lanka's Hill Country is a must for first-time visitors to the island. With its cooler climate, distinctive culture, and charming colonial architecture, this region offers a refreshing change from the coastal plains. Home to rolling tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, sparkling waterfalls, and scenic valleys, the Hill Country showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore picturesque towns such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, experience world-famous scenic train journeys, and discover the traditions of Sri Lanka's tea heritage. Witness the stunning natural beauty of the region and feel the cool mountain breeze as you embark on our adventure-filled Hill Country tours in Sri Lanka.
On arrival at the airport, a WonderScapes Travels representative will be there to warmly greet you. From there, you will begin your journey to Kandy.
The final royal kingdom of Sri Lanka to fall to the British in 1815, Kandy boasts a rich and proud heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has much to offer travellers; explore the magnificent Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, wander through the bustling town bazaar and Kandy market, and visit a gem museum as well as an arts and crafts centre.
As the day draws to a close, proceed to your hotel in Kandy and relax at leisure.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Kandy
Spend a leisurely day relaxing or set off to explore the historic city of Kandy. This busy and bustling hill country capital beautifully blends heritage architecture with modern life. Once the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Visit the Udawattekele Forest Reserve, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city, or explore the vibrant local marketplaces. Take a walk around Kandy Lake and along Lake Drive for spectacular views of the town. Enjoy a short drive to the lush Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, where you may relax and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst beautiful surroundings. Spend the evening at leisure.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Kandy
After a scrumptious breakfast, travel higher into the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views on your way to Nuwara Eliya, famously known as the land of Ceylon tea. Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the cultivation and processing of the world-renowned Ceylon Tea.
Following a short rest, explore the charming colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” with its colonial bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, neatly kept hedgerows, and picturesque gardens shrouded in the cool, misty mountain air. Spend a relaxed evening at your colonial-style country home, soaking in the serene surroundings.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After an early breakfast, set off to explore the World Heritage Site of Horton Plains National Park. This highest plateau on the island, situated at 2,100 metres above sea level, is home to a rich diversity of endemic plants and wildlife. Visit World’s End, a dramatic sheer escarpment dropping 900 metres into the valley below. On a clear day, you can even see the Southern coast. Continue your trek to Baker’s Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings. Return to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After a relaxed morning, travel to the picturesque town of Ella, a highly popular destination for travelers seeking stunning photo opportunities. The drive is incredibly scenic, winding through high mountain passes with breathtaking views of waterfalls and valleys. Stop at Ravana Falls, the widest cascade in the country, and enjoy a leisurely lunch along the way.
Upon arrival, check in to your luxury room with a view and spend a romantic evening at leisure, soaking in the serene surroundings.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Ella
After a relaxed breakfast, set off to explore the landmark attractions that make Ella so famous. Walk across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel and a favorite spot for capturing memorable photographs. Visit Demodara Railway Station, renowned for its unique ‘loop,’ the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, which allows trains to navigate the steep terrain. Continue to Little Adam’s Peak — a moderate trek that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Enjoy a picnic lunch before driving to Lipton’s Seat lookout in Haputale, where you can admire sweeping vistas of lush tea estates.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Ella
After breakfast, travel west towards Bentota. As you journey down from the mountains to the coastline along scenic winding roads, you will witness the remarkable diversity of Sri Lanka’s landscapes. Rolling tea plantations slowly transform into green paddy fields, village gardens, and eventually the golden beaches of the southern coast. Pause en route for lunch by a picturesque riverside before continuing to your luxury resort in Bentota. The remainder of the day is at leisure, offering the perfect opportunity to relax or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach at sunset.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Bentota
Enjoy a scenic drive south along the coast to Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest living cities, rich in history and shaped by a blend of European and Arabian cultural and architectural influences. In the afternoon, explore the historic Galle Fort, strolling along its charming cobbled streets while learning about the stories behind its impressive ramparts. A vibrant centre of art, culture, and daily life, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a lively community, with narrow lanes lined with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and antique shops.
Highlights
The day is yours to spend as you wish. You can relax by the pool or explore the locality. The exquisitely landscaped country home of Sri Lanka’s world renowned architect - Geoffrey Bawa, is nearby. It makes a perfect place for an alfresco lunch. Or enjoy a romantic boat ride down the Madu River, floating under the tangled canopy of mangroves with the birds for company. If you wish for some thrills, enjoy some water sports on the Bentota Lagoon. Then, wait for those glorious sunsets.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Bentota
After breakfast, it is time to transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s culture and landscapes.
Ayubowan !
Your accommodation, meal plan and transfers are tailored to your preferences & budget
Bring cool & comfortable clothing!
Sunscreen, flip flops, shoes and insect repellent will always come in handy
At all religious sites in Sri Lanka everyone is expected to dress respectfully in modest light coloured clothing with shoulders & knees covered
NO hats or footwear are allowed inside temples, so flip flops (which you would have to leave at the entrance) and an extra pair of socks are a good idea so you do not have to walk barefoot on the hot ground.
