Affectionately known as ‘Little England’, a city tour of Nuwara Eliya will allow you to see the interesting highlights and take in the splendid scenery of the distinctly English style city where the colonials used to escape to when it was too hot on the coastal plains.
And its little wonder why the wealthy tea pioneers chose Nuwara Eliya as their base. Situated nearly two kilometres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the highest city in Sri Lanka and experiences a far cooler climate than the rest of the island.
Its elevated position nestled among the lush rolling hills provides breath-taking scenery of the countryside with emerald green hills carpeted with Sri Lanka’s iconic tea plantations.
Ramboda Falls is one of the many beautiful waterfalls waiting to be discovered in Sri Lanka’s scenic Hill Country.
Located next to the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall, and is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque.
It is most definitely worth a stop off during your tour of the area given the stunning surroundings and countless photo opportunities that arise.
The waterfall itself is made up of three sections, the middle of which can be partially seen from the road. The other larger sections can only be fully seen by walking along the paths which take you down to the Ramboda basis, where there are a number of hotels, and you’ll see the full lower section of the falls.
The walk to view the top of Ramboda falls is somewhat more challenging but shouldn’t pose a problem for most people. Anyone who makes the walk up is well rewarded with the impressive views of the surrounding lush hills and the sight of the upper section of the falls which is clearly the most impressive of the three sections of Ramboda Falls.
If trekking the legendary Adam’s Peak sounds a bit too daunting, Little Adams Peak in Ella offers a much gentler option, standing about half the height of its big brother.
As you may have guessed, Little Adam’s Peak is named after the larger Adam’s Peak Mountain found in the centre of Sri Lanka, west of Little Adam’s Peak. The larger mountain was named after the footprint shaped depression in the mountain, the origin of which is said to be from Adam’s first footstep on earth, hence giving the name to the mountain. Little Adam’s Peak has a similar shape.
Adam’s Peak stands at over 2,200 meters tall whereas Little Adam’s Peak is a little over 1,100 meters high and has a much gentler climb up to the top.
One of the first attractions that comes to mind when you think of Sri Lanka is Sigiriya Rock – the colossal 650 feet tall rock fortress in Sigiriya. What few travellers know, however, is there is another large rock formation close by, with equally impressive views – Pidurangala.
While the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is overall more impressive and deserves its reputation as a ‘must see’ during any Sri Lankan tour, Pidurangala provides a great additional climb for those visiting the region for a couple of days or even an alternative for travellers looking for a less busy and cheaper climb with equally rewarding views from the top.
Undoubtedly ones of Sri Lanka’s most impressive views, Lipton’s Seat provides uninterrupted views over the beautiful lush landscape of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and its splendid tea estates.
Named after the Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton, the spot was Sir Thomas’s favourite place to peacefully meditate and look over his scenic tea estate. Today the wide reaching views over the emerald hills are enjoyed by travellers who hike or drive up the scenic route past the beautiful tea plantations. On a clear day the views rival those at Worlds End at the Horton Plains.
