HillCountry TeaEstates SriLanka
5
Day Itinerary •
Sri Lanka
Five days in the Sri Lankan Hill Country and tea estates gives you the full extraordinary depth of the finest highland landscape in Asia, from the remarkable Horton Plains World's End cliff and the extraordinary Nuwara Eliya Little England to the fine Ella Rock hike, the remarkable Kandy to Ella train journey, the extraordinary Knuckles Mountain UNESCO wilderness and Lipton's Seat tea empire viewpoint. This extended route covers the Hill Country completely. Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains on Day 1, Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak on Day 2, the extraordinary Kandy to Ella train on Day 3, the remarkable Knuckles Mountain trek and Matale spices on Day 4, and the fine Haputale, Lipton's Seat and Buduruwagala sculptures on Day 5.
Best Time To Visit
December to April for finest visibility and weather
Getting There
Fly into Colombo (CMB)
Getting Around
Train for Kandy to Ella, hired car for all other routes
Budget Per Day
Approx 6,000 to 28,000 LKR per person per day
Difficulity
Moderate, several hill walks and mountain terrain
DAY 1
NUWARA ELIYA
MORNING
NUWARA ELIYA TEA ESTATES AND FACTORY
The extraordinary Nuwara Eliya, the finest hill station in Sri Lanka at 1,889 metres, known as Little England for its remarkable colonial-era bungalows, the fine golf course, the outstanding horseracing track and the extraordinary cool climate in the heart of the finest tea-growing country in the world. The remarkable Pedro Tea Estate adjacent to Nuwara Eliya, the finest tea factory tour in Sri Lanka, shows the outstanding withering, rolling, fermenting and firing process that produces the most extraordinary high-grown Ceylon tea. 3 hours drive from Colombo
MIDDAY
HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK AND WORLD'S END
The extraordinary Horton Plains National Park, the finest high-altitude plateau in Sri Lanka at 2,100 metres and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the remarkable 9km circular trail leads through extraordinary montane grassland and cloud forest to the outstanding World's End cliff, an extraordinary 880-metre vertical escarpment giving the finest view in Sri Lanka when cloud-free. The fine Baker's Falls and the remarkable Chimney Pool are the finest natural features on the extraordinary plateau. Entry approx 4,000 LKR. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
NUWARA ELIYA COLONIAL HERITAGE AND GARDENS
The extraordinary Nuwara Eliya colonial town centre with the remarkable Grand Hotel from 1891, the fine Hill Club with its outstanding billiards room and the extraordinary Victoria Park, the finest botanical garden in the Hill Country with the remarkable Rose Garden and the outstanding birdlife including the fine Sri Lanka White-eye and the extraordinary Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. The remarkable Nuwara Eliya Hakgala Botanical Garden 10km south is the finest formal garden in the hills.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve adjacent to the Hakgala Botanical Garden, the finest high-altitude forest in Sri Lanka with the remarkable endemic species including the extraordinary Sri Lanka Leopard, the fine purple-faced langur and the outstanding bear monkey, is the most biodiverse montane forest accessible from Nuwara Eliya. The remarkable dawn birdwatching walk through the extraordinary cloud forest is the finest wildlife experience in the Hill Country. ourhiddenearth.com
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Nuwara Eliya hotel Outstanding Hill Country breakfast with the finest Ceylon tea. Extraordinary hoppers and remarkable string hoppers at a fine hotel. | Lunch: Horton Plains provisions Packed lunch on the extraordinary World's End trail. Fine provisions from Nuwara Eliya before departure. | Dinner: The Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya The finest colonial club dining experience in Sri Lanka. Extraordinary jacket-and-tie dinner in the remarkable 1876 club.
DAY 2
ELLA
MORNING
ELLA ROCK HIKE
The extraordinary Ella Rock hike from Ella village, the finest day hike in Sri Lanka, ascending through the remarkable tea estates and the fine railway track crossing to the extraordinary summit at 1,041 metres with the most outstanding 360-degree panorama of the Hill Country, the fine Ella Gap and the remarkable coastal plains visible in the distance. The extraordinary Nine Arch Bridge visible from the summit trail is the finest piece of railway engineering in Sri Lanka. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
NINE ARCH BRIDGE TRAIN SPOTTING
The extraordinary Nine Arch Bridge near Ella, the most photographed railway structure in Asia and the finest example of colonial railway engineering in Sri Lanka, built in 1921 entirely from rock and cement without steel when wartime metal supplies were diverted. The remarkable train crossing, when the extraordinary blue and yellow local express emerges from the fine forest tunnel and crosses the outstanding nine arches above the jungle gorge, is the finest single photographic moment in Sri Lanka. 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
LITTLE ADAM'S PEAK AND ELLA VALLEY
The extraordinary Little Adam's Peak above Ella village, the finest short summit walk in the Hill Country, a remarkable 1.5-hour return hike to the fine 1,141-metre summit with the most extraordinary valley view in Sri Lanka. The remarkable Ella Gap below and the extraordinary tea estate carpet in the valley with the fine Rawana Falls waterfall are the finest landscape from any accessible hilltop in the Hill Country.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rawana Ella Cave 3km from Ella on the road to Wellawaya, a remarkable natural cave system associated in the Ramayana with the extraordinary episode of Ravana hiding Sita in the fine cave system, is the finest hidden cultural site near Ella. The remarkable Rawana Ella Falls visible from the main road and the extraordinary cave pilgrimage site are the finest combined natural and mythological site in the Hill Country.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Ella guesthouse Good substantial breakfast before the Ella Rock hike. | Lunch: Ella village restaurant Outstanding rice and curry after the extraordinary hike. Fine Ella village thali. | Dinner: Ella 98 Acres or Zion View Outstanding dinner at the finest Ella hillside restaurant. Extraordinary Hill Country views and remarkable Sri Lankan cuisine.
DAY 3
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
MORNING
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY
The most extraordinary train journey in Asia and one of the finest in the world, the remarkable Kandy to Ella train through the extraordinary Hill Country tea estates, mountain passes and the fine Demodara Loop where the train curves completely around the hillside in a remarkable 360-degree spiral. The outstanding views from the train door of the extraordinary tea estate landscape, the fine waterfalls, the remarkable tunnel sections and the extraordinary Nine Arch Bridge approach from the train are the finest rail journey in Sri Lanka. Observation deck seats sell out. Book days ahead.
MIDDAY
HATTON AND ADAM'S PEAK FOOTHILLS
The extraordinary Hatton station in the remarkable Adam's Peak foothills, midway on the Kandy to Ella train, where the finest tea estate panorama in Sri Lanka spreads across the remarkable Dimbula valley with the outstanding colonial-era tea planter bungalows visible on the hillsides and the extraordinary rows of perfectly manicured tea bushes extending to every horizon. The fine Dimbula tea, produced in this extraordinary valley, is the finest high-grown Ceylon tea in the world.
AFTERNOON
ELLA ARRIVAL AND VILLAGE EXPLORATION
The extraordinary arrival at Ella station after the remarkable train journey through the most beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka. The fine Ella village with its outstanding cafes, the remarkable Ella Rock silhouette above the valley and the extraordinary warm welcome of the fine Hill Country guesthouses make Ella the most beloved destination in Sri Lanka for independent travellers.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Lipton's Seat viewpoint 1,700 metres above the extraordinary Dambatenne tea estate near Haputale, reached by a remarkable 10km morning walk or fine tuk-tuk, where Sir Thomas Lipton himself surveyed his extraordinary tea empire from the outstanding hilltop with the finest 270-degree view of the Sri Lanka Hill Country, is the most extraordinary tea estate viewpoint in the world. The remarkable dawn mist over the tea estate valleys and the fine Lipton's Seat pillar are the finest hidden experience near Haputale.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Kandy hotel Good breakfast before the morning Kandy train departure. | Lunch: Train provisions or Haputale stop Extraordinary Sri Lankan short eats bought from remarkable platform vendors at the fine Haputale station stop. | Dinner: Ella guesthouse Outstanding welcome dinner in Ella. Fine dhal curry and remarkable roti at a local guesthouse.
DAY 4
KNUCKLES
MORNING
KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE TREK
The extraordinary Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the finest biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, where the remarkable five climate zones, the outstanding endemic species and the extraordinary mist-covered peaks accessible by fine forest trails create the most extraordinary wilderness experience in the Hill Country. The fine Mini World's End viewpoint in the Knuckles and the outstanding Corbett's Gap panorama are the finest hidden viewpoints in the range. Entry approx 1,500 LKR. 1.5 hours drive from Kandy
MIDDAY
RATTOTA VILLAGES AND KANDYAN COUNTRYSIDE
The extraordinary traditional Kandyan villages in the remarkable Rattota area below the Knuckles Range, where the fine paddy fields, the outstanding traditional houses and the remarkable rural Kandyan lifestyle give the most authentic village experience accessible from Kandy. The extraordinary spice gardens of the Matale district, where the fine cinnamon, the remarkable cardamom and the outstanding pepper grow in remarkable home gardens, are the finest spice heritage in Sri Lanka. 1.5 hours drive
AFTERNOON
MATALE HINDU TEMPLE AND SPICE COUNTRY
The extraordinary Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam Hindu temple in Matale, the finest Dravidian temple in the Sri Lankan Hill Country with the remarkable painted gopuram tower covered in extraordinary sculptural figures, and the outstanding spice garden tour in the remarkable Matale district showing the fine cinnamon peeling, the extraordinary nutmeg and the remarkable vanilla pods. The fine Matale spice gardens are the finest cultural agri-tourism in Sri Lanka.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Knuckles Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage Site is named for the remarkable resemblance of its jagged peaks to a clenched fist when viewed from Kandy. The fine endemic species including the extraordinary Sri Lanka Leopard and the remarkable Knuckles pygmy lizard are found nowhere else on earth. The outstanding biodiversity of five climate zones in a single compact range makes the Knuckles the finest UNESCO site in the Hill Country.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Kandy or Knuckles area Good breakfast before the Knuckles trek. | Lunch: Knuckles trailhead Simple outstanding packed lunch on the extraordinary Knuckles Mountain trail. | Dinner: Kandy farewell Outstanding Kandyan dinner. Fine Sri Lankan buffet and remarkable Kandyan dance performance.
DAY 5
HAPUTALE
MORNING
HAPUTALE AND DAMBATENNE TEA ESTATE
The extraordinary Haputale, the finest viewpoint town in the Hill Country on the dramatic Haputale Ridge with the remarkable view over the extraordinary southern lowlands from 1,431 metres, and the outstanding Dambatenne Tea Estate 10km away, the finest working tea estate in Sri Lanka established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890. The remarkable Lipton's Seat hilltop viewpoint, the most extraordinary tea estate panorama in Asia, and the fine factory tour at Dambatenne are the finest combined tea experience in the Hill Country. 1.5 hours drive from Ella
MIDDAY
BUDURUWAGALA ROCK SCULPTURES
The extraordinary Buduruwagala rock-cut Buddhist sculptures 5km from Wellawaya, the finest 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist carvings in Sri Lanka, where the remarkable seven colossal figures carved into the extraordinary granite rockface include the fine Bodhisattva Maitreya with the outstanding miniature stupa in his headdress and the remarkable Tara figure with her extraordinary gesture of fearlessness. The fine remote location in the dry zone jungle is the most extraordinary setting for ancient sculpture in the south. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
ELLA FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE
The extraordinary final afternoon in the Hill Country with the remarkable Ella gap view, the fine Ella village and the outstanding sense of completion from the most extraordinary highland circuit in Asia. The remarkable departure south towards the coast or north towards Colombo through the fine Hill Country roads marks the finest farewell to the most extraordinary landscape in Sri Lanka.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Lipton's Seat viewpoint 1,700 metres above the extraordinary Dambatenne tea estate near Haputale, reached by a remarkable 10km morning walk or fine tuk-tuk, where Sir Thomas Lipton himself surveyed his extraordinary tea empire from the outstanding hilltop with the finest 270-degree view of the Sri Lanka Hill Country, is the most extraordinary tea estate viewpoint in the world. The remarkable dawn mist over the tea estate valleys and the fine Lipton's Seat pillar are the finest hidden experience near Haputale.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Haputale or Ella guesthouse Good breakfast before the Dambatenne tea estate. | Lunch: Haputale town Outstanding rice and curry near the remarkable Haputale viewpoint. Fine local dal and extraordinary coconut sambol. | Dinner: Ella or south coast Outstanding farewell Sri Lankan curry. Fine arrack coconut cocktail and remarkable roti.
Where To Stay
Nuwara Eliya The Hill Club or Heritance Tea Factory. Approx 10,000 to 40,000 LKR. Ella 98 Acres Resort or Zion View. Approx 6,000 to 25,000 LKR per night. Budget Guesthouses throughout. Approx 1,500 to 5,000 LKR per night.
Top Tips
1. Book the Kandy to Ella train observation deck seats weeks ahead. The finest rail experience in Asia.
2. Horton Plains World's End is finest before 9am when cloud-free. Start the circuit at 6am.
3. The Hill Club Nuwara Eliya requires jacket and tie for dinner. Worth bringing from home for this experience.
4. Lipton's Seat is finest at sunrise before the cloud arrives. Leave Haputale by 5:30am.
5. The Knuckles trek requires a local guide. Arrange through a Kandy tour operator the evening before.
6. Sri Lankan tea at the source in the Hill Country is the finest in the world. Buy estate tea directly.
Total Budget
5,500 to 56,500 LKR/day