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Hill Country

Sri Lanka’s hill country is tea estates, cool towns and the famous train line from Kandy to Ella. Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale are the main bases, with walks to Horton Plains, World’s End and Adam’s Peak. It is clearest from January to April, and mornings are best for views.

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Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicSigiriyaMirissaElla RockColombo Lotus TowerArugam BayTEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELICSIGIRIYAMIRISSAELLA ROCKCOLOMBO LOTUS TOWERARUGAM BAY

The short answer

Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain of about 2,240 m, climbed overnight by pilgrims to reach the footprint shrine at the summit by dawn. It is a hard climb of several thousand steps, but in the December to May season it is one of Sri Lanka's great experiences.

Hill Country: questions people ask

How many days do I need in the hill country?

Four to five days lets you see Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Ella without rushing. Srilor's 'Hill country by rail' route takes five days.

Do I need to book the Kandy to Ella train?

Reserved seats sell out days ahead, so book as soon as you know your date. Unreserved second class is cheap and fine for short hops, but it can be crowded.

Is it cold in Sri Lanka's hill country?

It can be, especially in Nuwara Eliya and at Horton Plains early in the morning. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket whatever the month.