Things to do in Hill Country
Discover the best attractions and experiences Hill Country has to offer
Historic Monuments
Immerse yourself in hill-country heritage, from royal temples to colonial-era landmarks.
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) - Kandy
A sacred Buddhist temple housing the revered tooth relic, set beside Kandy Lake.
Queen's House, Nuwara Eliya
A restored colonial mansion reflecting British hill-country architecture and vibes.
St. Paul’s Church, Kandy
A historic Anglican church showcasing colonial-era architecture in the heart of Kandy.
Museums
Learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage and hill-country history through dedicated displays.
Pedro Tea Estate Museum
Explore the history of Sri Lankan tea and the processing steps through exhibits.
Kandyan Arts Association Museum
Exhibits traditional Kandyan crafts and masks showcasing regional artistry.
Religious Monuments
Sacred sites and temples that anchor the hill-country’s diverse faiths.
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
A revered pilgrimage mountain for multiple faiths with a famous sunrise route.
St. George’s Cathedral, Kandy
A historic Anglican cathedral featuring impressive stained glass and colonial architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Spectacular landscapes, from highland plains to alpine gardens.
Horton Plains National Park
Open grasslands and the dramatic World’s End cliff offer sweeping views.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
A cool, terraced garden with rare plants and misty mountain ambiance.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in classic hill-country towns that charm with their pace and scenery.
Kandy
Vibrant hill city anchored by the Temple of the Tooth and lively markets.
Nuwara Eliya
The ‘Little England’ experience among sprawling tea estates and colonial architecture.
Ella
A relaxed hillside town known for dramatic railway viaducts and viewpoints.
Free Things to Do
Explore the Hill Country’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Gregory Lake stroll
Walk the lakefront, watch locals and enjoy scenic views in Nuwara Eliya.
Little Adam's Peak hike
A gentle climb delivering panoramic views of tea fields and valleys.
Tea estate wander
Stroll through public-looking estate lands to soak in the tea-country atmosphere.
Gastronomy
Taste the hill-country’s famous teas and local flavors.
Pedro Tea Estate – Tea Tasting
Sample a range of Ceylon teas and learn how they’re produced.
Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Indulge in traditional tea-time treats in a refined colonial setting.
Nightlife
Evenings in the hill country can be relaxed, with cultural shows and lights.
Kandy Cultural Show
An evening of Kandyan dance and drumming at a local cultural venue.
Kandy Esala Perahera (seasonal)
Experience Sri Lanka’s iconic temple procession when the festival runs.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and scenic experiences to cap your day.
Kandy Esala Perahera
A grand procession of dancers, drummers and decorated elephants (seasonal).
Kandyan Dance Show
Live traditional dances showcasing Sri Lankan artistry.
Sports
Active ways to enjoy the cool climate and landscapes.
Adam's Peak sunrise hike
Climb to the summit before dawn for a spiritual sunrise.
Horton Plains trekking
Traverse the plains on a gentle to moderate hike amid wildlife.
Off the Track
Unforgettable journeys off the beaten path.
Kandy to Ella scenic train ride
Board a famed train through tea country with dramatic viaducts and views.
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train segment
Rail journey offering intimate views of waterfalls and farms.