Central Hills
Sri Lanka’s magnificent Central Hills spans across Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Dickoya, Bogawantalawa and many other smaller, incredibly beautiful, remote towns in-between. Vast reservoirs, gushing waterfalls, misty mountain peaks, untouched wilderness, and tea covered hills spans across the center of Sri Lanka and merges seamlessly with the Eastern Hills. A breathtaking spectacle that is best seen when travelling by train from Kandy to Ella, known as one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
Nuwara Eliya
The hill station of Nuwara Eliya sits at the highest point of the Central Hills at about 6,200 ft above sea level. Flanked by Pidurutalagala and Single Tree mountains, Nuwara Eliya’s colonial heritage remains. 19th century Victorian period houses with fire places and sprawling gardens; colonial period churches, the exclusive Hill Club and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club are landmarks of this quaint hill station. About 28 kms south of Nuwara Eliya is the magnificent Hortain Plains, a wilderness plateau at an elevation of 2,000 metres. These grassy plains and cloud forests provide a vast bio-diverse habitat that is home to many species of birds, butterflies, sambur, deer, and the endangered leopard subspecies, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka.
Hatton, Dickoya and Bogawantalawa
Situated one hour south of Nuwara Eliya is the town of Hatton where the vast Castlereagh Reservoir and tea covered hills provides a scenic backdrop to this pristine region. Close to Hatton is the sacred Adam’s Peak, a 2,200m high mountain peak that is a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees of many faiths. Thousands of pilgrims climb this sacred mountain from December to April each year through the night to reach the peak in time for the spectacular sunrise. Close to Hatton is Dickoya and Bogawantalawa….picturesque hill country towns that are immersed in tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and surrounded by mist covered hills. Travelling uphill along winding roadways, rural life unfolds….. children going to school early morning through the tea fields dressed in their crisp white uniforms; tea pluckers busy at work in the plantations picking the precious two leaves and a bud that gives Ceylon Tea its distinct flavour; and villagers stopping by to worship at the sacred Hindu Kovils, churches, and temples.
Bordering Hatton, Dickoya and Bogawantalawa is the spectacular Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve which is spread around Adam’s Peak up to an extent of over 13,000 hectares. Untouched wilderness, mountain peaks where some of the main river tributaries begin; and a high altitude has resulted in a thriving habitat for many endemic species of fauna and flora.
- Hop on board the train from Kandy and journey through the magnificent Central Highlands.Stroll along Nuwara Eliya’s leafy by roads edged with 19th century Victorian mansions and manicured gardens.
- Enjoy the Ceylon Tea experience with a visit to a tea factory.
- Attempt the adventurous climb up the sacred Adam’s Peak.
- Explore Hortain Plains National Park.
- Stay in a colonial period tea planters’ bungalow in Nuwara Eliya or Dickoya surrounded by tea covered hills.
Accommodation in the Central Hills
Accommodation options in the Central Hills include restored colonial period planters’ bungalows set on tea plantations; hotels and guesthouses.
Goatfell by Tear Drop, Nuwara Eliya
A luxurious colonial period bungalow perched on a hill in the village of Kandapola, just 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya town.
Galway Heights, Nuwara Eliya
A 4-star hotel located close to Lake Gregory, just 3 kms away from Nuwara Eliya town. The hotel offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites; and Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
Camelia Hills, Dickoya
A 5 bedroom planter’s bungalow situated in the Castlereagh valley in Dickoya. At an elevation of about 1,200 metres, the bungalow is situated on a tea plantation overlooking the still waters of the Castlereagh reservoir and surrounded by tea covered hills, pine trees and misty mountains.
