Hatton

Geographically Hatton is a small town in Nuwara Eliya but it plays a big role in Sri Lanka`s tea industry. Visit Hatton and you will see rolling tea estates like thick carpets across the mountains that surround the area.
Ceylon Tea is world renowned with people around the world enjoying a refreshing cup of tea daily. If you travel by train you will find yourself at a picturesque station that harks back to colonial times. You will feel as though you have travelled back through time as you enter this town named as such by the colonial planters that started planting their tea estates in the area. Visit a working tea factory to understand the process that goes into producing the famous aromatic tea leaf. For some Hatton is a stopover on their way to climb the breathtaking Adam`s Peak or Sir Pada as it is known in Sri Lanka. Other interesting places to visit are the Castlereigh reservoir and the Warleigh Church. Find your perfect accommodation in Hatton and have a truly scenic holiday.

Ella

Located close to the hill station of Bandarawela, Ella is a quaint little town in the mountainous central region of Sri Lanka. It`s ideal location provides easy access to some of the best nature trails, mountains treks and cycling routes, making it the preferred base for those exploring the surrounding areas.
Ella on its own is a beautiful little village which features some of the loveliest views in the Island. A handful of shops, a few small hotels and guesthouses, and a laid back easy going character, perfect this holiday destination. Some of the attractions and explorations located close by are the Ella Gap, which on a clear day provides views of the southern coast of the Island, the gorgeously cascading 82 feet high Ravana Falls, the pyramid-shaped rock of Little Adam`s Peak and the Bambaragala Peak which offer spectacular views over the mountains.

Haputale

At an altitude of 4736 feet, Haputale is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Its high elevation in the mountainous setting makes it a spectacular destination to explore.
Being located along the southern mountain edge the little hill station features spectacular views of the northern part of the Island as well as views across the southern plains up to the coast. For the best views of the surrounding areas visit the Haputale Gap. From the Horton Plains National Park to the rocky peaks of Hakgala and Namunukula and from Nuwara Eliya to the southern ocean waters and the Hambantota lighthouse the Gap provides breathtaking bird`s eye views of the entire area. The climate, the natural setting and the beauty of the area makes Haputale an ideal destination to hike, trek, cycle and even walk to explore the gifts of Mother Nature. You can also explore the Dambatenna Tea Factory of Lipton fame, the neo-Gothic St. Andrew`s Church, the Benedictine monastery of Addisham and the famous Lipton`s Seat.

Kitulgala

Located in the western Sri Lankan wet zone area, Kitulgala is an enchanting little town which mainly consists of rain forest terrain. The area receives two monsoons per year and is considered one of the wettest destinations in the Island.
Its natural setting with the forests and the lovely Kelani River flowing through it, the beauty of the area and the lush tropical flora attracts many visitors to the area.The rapids offered by the Kelani River in the Kitulgala area makes it ideal for white-water rafting. And the verdant forests around the area complement the adventurous rafting experience. The scenic river and the area around it were also used in filming the Academy Award-winning movie, the Bridge on the River Kwai.Kitulgala being located in a primeval forest area boasts tropical flora and more than 50 species of rare birds. As the destination still maintains its natural setting with minimal modernization it offers an ideal setting for outdoor nature explorations. Camping, trekking, bird watching and exploring the nearby waterfalls are popular in Kitulgala. The town is also an ideal base for those interested in climbing the 2,234 metre high Adam`s Peak

Horton Planes

Horton Plains enchants visitors with the splendour of nature`s beauty. It has an untouched feel to it that truly makes trekking through the vast expanse of the plain an unmatchable lifetime experience.
From wild plains to a rainforest along a winding path the trek takes you through to a sheer drop at the end, aptly named World`s End. If you start early you will be able to avoid the gentle mist that starts descending towards early afternoon. However, this mist adds to the mystical quality that surrounds the Horton Plains. After World`s End visitors can also see the Baker`s Falls one of the many beautiful waterfalls that Sri Lanka is home to.Be absorbed by the dense silence that is completely peaceful and in no way daunting. It harkens to simpler times when man was one with nature. You too can experience heightened sense of concentration as you take trek through beauty. The trek is quite a workout but not too stressful and can be enjoyed by all.Be respectful of nature as a visit to the Horton Plains will leave you with a sense of calm and wonder as you see varying kinds of fauna and flora and if lucky maybe a samba or monkeys

Nuwaraeliya

At an altitude of 2000 metres above sea level and with velvety green mountains surrounding it Nuwara Eliya is one of the most picturesque destinations in Sri Lanka. This mountain station is popular for the tea plantations around the area as well as the influence of colonialism in the town.
Located in the heart of the local tea industry the English planter sought this destination as their base mainly because of its salubrious climate and scenic setting. Made in to a little English village by the Britishers the city today still portrays the typical setting of an old English countryside.With various interesting attractions in the area and most of the colonial lodgings being converted to hotels and guesthouses Nuwara Eliya is a much sought after holiday destination by locals as well as foreigners. Attractions in and around Nuwara Eliya include, the picturesque Gregory`s Lake which is located in the town itself and which offers boating and rowing options and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, located about 10km from the town it`s elevation of 5000 – 6000 feet makes it the only Botanical Garden in the world boasting such a high altitude. Among some of the rare plants the Garden boasts is a 100 year old Monterey Cypress (Macrocarpa) which is a species of cypress endemic to the Californian Central Coast. For the sport and adventure lover the city itself features a dramatically set 18-hole golf course with an old English style club house, and for those willing to venture out further the ideal explorations are the Horton Plains National Park which boasts rare flora and fauna as well as excellent hiking and walking trails and the tough climb of the Pidurutalagala which is the highest mountain peak in the Island. For scenic explorations there are a range of attractive waterfalls each featuring its own unique cascade, scenic tea plantations to explore and various picnic spots for relaxation

Matale

Located in the central province of Sri Lanka, Matale is located in an enchanting valley which is popular for farming. This old village town boasts an interesting history and serves as a hub to some of the most important historic monuments in the area.
The town is surrounded by the foothills of the famous Knuckles Mountain Range and the area is popular for the cultivation of tea, rubber and spices. The attractions in and around the area includes the 2nd century BC Aluvihara Buddhist Temple, which is located just north of the main town, and the Rangiri Dambulu Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Kawatayamuni Temple, the Embili Viharaya, the Watagoda temple. Matale is also famous for the 1848 rebellion which was initiated in this town by national heroes Weera Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda. Incidentally the city is also the home town of Monarawila Keppetipola who led the Wellasa rebellion against the British troops

Adamspeak

Adam`s Peak in Sri Lanka or Siri Pada as it is popularly known, is in fact recognized by many names owing to the ambiguity of its historic origins. Whichever name is used Adam`s Peak is a haven for all faiths, a place which different religions revere.
Located in the Ratnapura central highlands, many start the ascent of the mountain from the town of Hatton and descent via Ratnapura. There are six known trails leading the summit, however some are not in use today.The best time for climbing is from December to May as there after the rainy season and strong winds set in. The climb is usually done during the night, along lit pathways and steps, so that you are in time to witness the sunrise from the summit. It truly is a breathtaking experience. The foot print at the top is believed by the different religions to be that of Lord Buddha or that of Adam by Muslims and Christians. The surrounding forest is a wildlife reserve and is the natural habit for elephants and leopards. This mountain is mentioned in ancient chronicles which asserts its place of significance from ancient times. It is a chilly journey and warm clothes are a must, as is a positive mind regarding the climb. Once done you feel a sense of accomplishment and well being as you re-trace the steps of ancient people, including, according to certain lore, that of Alexander the Great.

Bandarawela

Located 200 km from Sri Lanka`s capital Colombo, Bandarawela is a bustling little town in the Badulla district. Its altitude of 1300m, the colonial past, the surrounding tea plantations and its scenic setting make Bandarawela the ideal setting for a holiday destination.
The area can be reached by both rail and road.The popularity of this destination lies mainly in the belief that this picturesque area possesses one of the most favorable climate for one`s health. Actually the town, set amongst the mountains, is neither too warm nor too cold. This ideal setting is what attracted the colonial rulers to the area and also the reason for visitors from all over the world choosing it as a holiday destination. The history and the heritage of the city can be traced as far back as the Island`s Anuradhapura Kingdom and as evidence the town boasts the ancient Dhowa Buddhist Rock Temple. It is believed that this Rock Temple which features a 38 foot image of the Lord Buddha carved in rock and murals from the Kandyan Era, was initiated in the 1st century BC.

Ratnapura

Popularly known as the `city of gems`, Ratnapura is the main gem-mining city in Sri Lanka. Located right on the crossroads between the Hill Country and the Southern Plains, the city boasts a scenic setting.
For most Ratnapura is the ideal hub for exploring the various natural attractions around the area. Popular excursions include the virgin rainforests of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Uda Walawe National Park, white water rafting in Kitulgala and the famous Adams Peak. The town features a bustling market area where gem dealers play a prominent role. The area is hilly and scenic with a mix of tea plantations, paddy fields, and silvery streaks of cascading waters affording an enchanting holiday destination.