THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
A majestic realm of mist-shrouded peaks, emerald tea plantations, and cool, crisp air. This is the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, where you can trace the history of Ceylon Tea, trek to breathtaking viewpoints, and escape the coastal heat in a landscape that feels worlds away.
Why Visit The Central Highlands?
World-Famous Tea: Walk among the endless, manicured rows of Ceylon tea and visit historic factories to sample some of the world’s finest brews.
Epic Trekking Trails: Summit iconic peaks like Adam’s Peak and explore stunning nature reserves, waterfalls, and high-altitude grasslands.
Colonial Charm: Experience a bygone era in quaint towns like Nuwara Eliya, complete with Tudor-style bungalows and manicured gardens.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April, September-November): This is the ideal time, offering mild weather for hiking and sightseeing. You’ll avoid the heaviest rain of the two monsoon seasons and enjoy clearer views.
Deep Off-Season (May-August, December-February): The region experiences its primary (Southwest) and secondary (Northeast) monsoons. You will find the best value on accommodation, but be prepared for cold and heavy mist/rain.
Peak Season (March, July-August, December-January): Coincides with local school holidays and peak international travel. Expect higher prices and crowds, especially at major sites like Adam’s Peak.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Kandy
Kandy is the cultural capital and gateway to the Highlands. It is famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the annual Esala Perahera festival. The city sits around a beautiful lake and is a major transit hub.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the Esala Perahera without the crushing crowds, book your accommodation with a clear view of the procession route at least six months in advance.
Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains
Known as ‘Little England,’ Nuwara Eliya is characterized by its cool climate, colonial architecture, and manicured gardens. Nearby, Horton Plains National Park offers the dramatic sheer cliff of World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
Your Smart Tip: The best time to visit World’s End is immediately after sunrise (around 6-7 AM) before the morning mists roll in and obscure the spectacular view.
Ella
A traveler favourite, Ella is a small town nestled in the hills with a relaxed vibe. It’s the base for hikes to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, and the location of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of a tuk-tuk, hike to the Nine Arch Bridge, arriving just before 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM to see the famous train pass through for the best photo opportunity.
Haputale & Lipton’s Seat
Haputale is a less-touristed town offering a more authentic glimpse into the tea country. The main draw is Lipton’s Seat, a stunning viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his tea empire.
Your Smart Tip: Hire a tuk-tuk from Haputale to take you to the viewpoint for sunrise. The crisp morning light is unforgettable, and you can enjoy a fresh cup of tea at the top.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is temperate, even cold at night, contrasting sharply with the tropical coast. Temperatures range from 16ºC to 10ºC during the day, dropping lower at night. Always pack layers and a rain jacket.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Temple Dress Code: When visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, you must remove your shoes and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Photography: Always ask permission before taking a photo of a tea picker. They often expect a small tip in exchange.
Buddhism: Remember that the handshake is not commonly used. Instead, a slight bow with hands pressed together (like a prayer) is a common greeting.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouses ($15–$30), mid-range boutique stays ($50–$80), luxury colonial hotels ($100+).
Food: Local rice and curry set meal ($3–$6), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($10–$20 per person), high-end hotel dining ($40+).
Transport: Train ticket (Kandy-Ella 2nd Class, $2), private driver ($50–$70/day), local bus (very cheap, $1–$2).
Activities: Horton Plains National Park entrance ($25–$30), Tea Factory Tour ($2–$5).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$60 (guesthouses, local food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $70–$120 (mid-range hotels, restaurants, driver).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: The train journey between Kandy and Ella is considered one of the most scenic in the world and is the most popular way to travel. Book tickets in advance.
By Bus: The local bus network is very cheap and frequent but can be crowded and slow.
By Private Driver: The most comfortable and flexible option for covering longer distances and reaching remote tea estates.
Must-Try Food
Kottu Roti: Chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables, egg, or meat, often accompanied by the sound of rhythmic chopping.
Hoppers (Aappa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, usually served with a fried egg inside.
String Hoppers (Indi-Aappa): Steamed rice flour noodles, served with curry and pol sambol (coconut relish).
Godhuma Roti: Thick flatbread made from wheat flour, often eaten with curries.
Vegetable Roti: A folded roti packet filled with curried vegetables.
Pol Sambol: A vibrant coconut relish made with scraped coconut, chili, lime, and red onion.
Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry): A unique, highly spiced fish curry often found in the Highlands.
Watalappam: A rich coconut custard pudding sweetened with jaggery (palm sugar) and spices.
Curd and Treacle: Creamy buffalo milk curd drizzled with kithul treacle (from the fishtail palm tree), a classic Sri Lankan dessert.
Ceylon Tea Cake: A light, moist cake made with local tea.
Must-Try Drinks
Ceylon Tea: The quintessential drink, from a strong “cuppa” with milk to lighter, fragrant varieties like Silver Tips or Orange Pekoe.
Arrack: Sri Lanka’s indigenous alcoholic spirit, distilled from the fermented sap of the coconut flower, often mixed with soda or ginger beer.
Lion Lager: The most popular local beer.
Ginger Beer: A sweet, non-alcoholic soda with a strong ginger kick.
Faluda: A sweet, cold dessert drink made with rose syrup, basil seeds, and ice cream.
Wood Apple Juice: Made from a unique, pungent-smelling fruit that has a refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavour when blended.