Published on Apr 15, 2025 5 min read

Tea and Trains in Sri Lanka: Discovering the Scenic Hill Country

Introduction

One of the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka is its Hill Country. Visitors will never forget this area, known for its beautiful tea gardens, royal charm, and amazing train rides. In Sri Lanka's Hill Country, you can fully experience the country's natural beauty and rich history by taking a train ride through misty mountains or learning about the country's rich tea culture. This guide tells you about some of the best things to do in the area.

Scenic Train Journey: The Heart of the Hill Country

A train ride through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a must-do experience. The journey from Kandy to Ella offers one of the most scenic train routes in the world. The train passes through lush green tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and charming villages. This picturesque ride allows travelers to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural beauty while traveling in a classic blue train. The Kandy to Ella route is especially famous, with its panoramic views of valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests. The journey provides a mode of transport and an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Nuwara Eliya: The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” is a charming town in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Surrounded by rolling hills and tea estates, this town is famous for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Nuwara Eliya’s highlight is its scenic Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy boat rides or stroll along the lake’s promenade.

For tea lovers, the town is home to several tea plantations that offer tours of the factories where visitors can learn about tea production. Nuwara Eliya also has picturesque gardens and colonial-era buildings, adding to its old-world charm.

Ella: A Tranquil Retreat Amidst the Mountains

Ella, a small town in southern Sri Lanka, is known for its peaceful ambiance and stunning views. Surrounded by lush green hills, Ella offers opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation. The town is home to Ella Rock, which offers one of the best panoramic views in Sri Lanka after a moderate hike.

Ravana Falls, located near Ella, is another popular attraction. This majestic waterfall cascades down the hills, creating a beautiful sight. Ella also boasts the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a historical railway bridge with stunning views of the valley.

Tea Plantations: The Heart of Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry

Sri Lanka is globally renowned for its tea, and the Hill Country is home to some of the world’s best tea plantations. Visitors can explore sprawling tea estates to learn about the tea production process. From plucking the leaves to processing them in the factory, visitors can see how Sri Lanka’s tea reaches global markets.

The Dambatenne Tea Factory, near Haputale, is one of the most famous plantations. Built by Sir Thomas Lipton, it offers guided tours that include a walk through the tea fields and a visit to the factory. Visitors can also sample different types of tea while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Horton Plains National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

For nature enthusiasts, Horton Plains National Park is a must-visit. Located at 2,100 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to rare flora and fauna, including the purple-faced langur and Sri Lanka junglefowl. The park’s most famous attraction is the World’s End, a dramatic cliff offering stunning views of the valley.

Hiking to World’s End is a popular activity, and the route also takes you past beautiful waterfalls like Baker’s Falls. The park is a haven for nature lovers, with its cool climate, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes.

Lipton’s Seat: A Scenic Viewpoint of Tea Plantations

Lipton’s Seat, located in the Dambatenne area, is a popular viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views of the Hill Country. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, who was instrumental in developing Sri Lanka’s tea industry, Lipton’s Seat offers a unique vantage point to admire the rolling hills and tea plantations below.

The hike to the viewpoint is relatively easy and takes about an hour. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding valleys, tea fields, and distant mountains. It’s one of the best spots in Sri Lanka to capture the beauty of the Hill Country.

Kandy: A Cultural Gateway to the Hill Country

Kandy, located at the foot of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, is a city of great cultural and spiritual importance. Known for the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the sacred relic of the Buddha, Kandy offers travelers a chance to experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can take a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, or visit the local markets. Kandy also hosts the annual Esala Perahera, a grand festival with traditional dancers, fire-breathers, and processions, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s culture.

Adventure and Hiking in the Hill Country

For adventure seekers, the Hill Country offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration. The region is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most famous trekking routes, such as the climb to Ella Rock and the hike to World’s End in Horton Plains.

The cool, crisp mountain air and the stunning scenery make hiking in the Hill Country a memorable experience. Other notable treks include the hike to Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, and the climb to the top of the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a destination offering something for every traveler. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic train ride, exploring lush tea plantations, or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, the region’s natural beauty and rich culture create an unforgettable experience. The cool climate, mist-covered hills, and colonial charm make the Hill Country one of Sri Lanka’s most unique and beloved destinations.