Secrets of the Hills

Pop the kettle on and pour yourself a cuppa, because if ever there was a story best told over tea, it’s this one.

A Train Ride Through the Clouds and Beyond.

Escape the heat for a while in the rolling hills covered in tea plantations. The train from Kandy to Ella is one not to be missed, said to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and they’re not exaggerating. Rubber trees, waterfalls, and tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, and it’s one of the few times in your life you’re permitted to hang out of a moving train door, wind in your hair, the world rushing by. An open door encourages you to lean out, but we were in first class, so I couldn’t do it – but the views were still worth every second.

The Nine Arches: Stone, Stories, and Silent Valleys.

Don’t miss the iconic Nine Arch Bridge near Ella, where you can watch the blue train curve across the arches surrounded by emerald hills. Built during the British colonial period and completed in 1921 using only stone and cement without steel, local legend says the builders paused construction during World War I due to a steel shortage, later completing it using traditional methods. Watching the train cross this bridge, surrounded by mist and tea fields, is a perfect moment for your camera and your memory bank.

Footprints at the Edge of Heaven.

If you like hiking, this place is for you. Walk the Pekoe Trail through tea plantations or climb Adam’s Peak to see the sunrise. Adam’s Peak itself is surrounded by legends. Buddhists believe the footprint at the top is Buddha’s, Hindus say it’s Shiva’s, and Christians and Muslims claim it belongs to Adam, left behind after he was cast out of Eden. Standing there as the first light of dawn paints the horizon, you can’t help but feel part of something timeless.

Tea Leaves and Tales of the Hills.

And, of course, don’t forget a visit to a tea factory for a sip of the famous Ceylon tea, learning about the leaves that shape the nation’s hills. We visited a tea factory for a tour and a taste, and it is well worth it. There’s something unforgettable about sipping tea right where it’s grown, surrounded by rolling plantations that shimmer green in the morning sun.

Where Waterfalls Guard Their Secrets.

Hatton and Ella are known for their charm, but the wider Hill Country is also home to more waterfalls than almost anywhere else in the world. Many are hidden away in lush valleys or cascading dramatically down cliffs, each with its own character. Some roar with unstoppable force, others trickle serenely into crystal pools—each one worth discovering. We haven’t visited Hatton or explored Ella in depth just yet, but they’re firmly on our list.

The River’s Challenge and the Lure of the Sky.

Kitulgala is the spot for white-water rafting, a giant swing over the river, and an epic zipline I absolutely can’t wait to try. The area is lush, green, and brimming with adventure. Imagine the rush of the rapids, the laughter as you swing across the water, or the thrill of flying high above the jungle canopy. It’s the kind of place where your inner adventurer wakes up instantly.

Hill Country Travel Tips.

Mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack a light jumper.
Stick to marked trails to protect the environment and for your safety.
Buy tea directly from local plantations for a fresher taste and to support community growers.

So, as you sip the last of your tea, imagine yourself wandering those misty hills, the wind in your hair on that train from Kandy to Ella, and the sunlight dancing across emerald tea fields. Sri Lanka's Hill Country is the sort of place that echoes in your memory, full of colour, stories, and moments begging to be made.

And honestly, we can’t wait for the next time we get to return. Perhaps one day soon, you’ll be planning your own adventure here, cup of tea in hand, ready to make memories of your own.

If you’re dreaming of your own Sri Lanka adventure, look at our Sri Lanka page for beautiful hotel ideas to begin planning your journey.

Coming Next on the Blog...

What if we told you that beyond the misty hills lies another side of Sri Lanka, where the land gives way to secrets held by the sea? Golden shores, hidden coves, and sunsets that feel almost otherworldly. In our next blog, we’ll reveal the beaches where time slows down and the ocean whispers stories you’ll want to hear.

Enquiry Call Back