Hills-Srilanka

Mist-shrouded mountains, rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and
quaint hilltop villages - these are some of the aspects of the enchanting
hill country, which rises to over 2,500m in the island’s central heartland.
A 125km distance by car or rail from Colombo, this region offers you the
chance to escape to a world that scarcely seems possible in the tropics.
With surreal landscapes, cool climes and a rich heritage, the hill country
is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, adventure-seekers and those simply
in search of peace and tranquility.


Whether you want to go rock climbing, fish for trout, play golf in stunning
natural surroundings, climb a sacred mountain or trek through the rugged
wilderness, the beguiling hill country has it all and will reinvigorate the
body and refresh the soul. No wonder the hill country is a small miracle.

Royal City of Kandy
Nestled in lush green hills and built around a scenic lake, the Royal City
of Kandy, at 500m above sea level, is the hub of any visit to the hill
country. Kandy (Colombo 116km) a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the last
bastion of resistance to colonial rule. Even today, Kandyans pride
themselves on their distinctive architecture, music, dance and art. The
showpiece of the city is the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth, which
hosts the Buddha’s tooth relic, an item of veneration to all Buddhists.
Each year, in July or August, the city holds the Esala Perahera, a
spectacular procession and display of medieval pageantry - replete with
caparisoned elephants, whirling fire-dancers and pulsating drummers - the
main purpose of which is to parade the tooth relic. Strolling around the
lake or exploring the numerous temples that dot the hills nearby is an
ideal way to experience the atmosphere of this historic city.