Being a rich country of natural biodiversity, Sri Lanka elaborates and proves it many times and this is exactly what we’d like to showcase to you with our Sri Lanka hill country tours. 7 Day Conquer the Hills allows you to explore the central highlands of the country which boasts of its highly diversified landscape and ecology which lets the wild fauna and flora thrives in its natural habitats. The journey unfolds from the Hill Capital Kandy, exploring the wilderness of Udawattakele sanctuary, cycling in the hills, an adventurous train ride to the tea country, and summing up by hiking and trekking experiences in Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Are you ready to triumph over this challenge?
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Upon arrival be met by your chauffeur guide and head off to your first stop in Kandy.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect combination of gentle mist and bustling streets. The perfect blend of Old and New will take you by surprise as you stroll through the streets, which almost seem as though frozen in the past.
Take a morning trek in the Udawattakele Sanctuary.
Udawatte Kele located north of Kandy Lake is an eco-tourism site which expands over 103 hectares. The park was once a forbidden forest called Uda wasala watte (the garden above the royal palace) during the Kandyan kingdom. Visitors can tour the sanctuary every day from 6 am to 5 pm. Though the entire garden was declared as a forest reserve in 1856 and upgraded as a sanctuary in 1938.
This garden has an exclusive collection of avifauna. Other than that it is one of the beautiful bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka.
In the afternoon go a cycling tour around Kandy. This is a 4 – 5 hour city tour which covers some of the main site in Kandy. Few highlights of the tour are Gannoruwa Agro Farm, Garrisons Cemetery and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Hop in for a train ride to Nuwara Eliya, another hill country destination. While being one of the best and most affordable ways to experience the hill country, this slow and rattling journey through the hills, from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, offers stunning vistas of the tea country.
Once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, visit a Tea Factory and take a quick city tour before the mist settles down covering the city’s beautiful vistas.
This morning you are headed for a trek at Single Tree hill/One tree hill Mountain, which is the tenth highest peak in Sri Lanka (2100 meters), rising only 250 meters above the Nuwara Eliya city. Single tree hill is easily accessible by use of the road across the tea estate.
Single Tree Hill Mountain is one of the most panoramic vantage points of Nuwara Eliya which gives an extraordinary view of the city below where you could absorb the beauty of the Haggala Mountain, Pidurutalagala range, Lake Gregory and the whole of the northern slice of the Horton Plains. Walking through the natural montane forest and a eucalyptus plantation, we will come across a variety of bird species, butterflies, lizards, frogs and a vivid array of wild flowers.
Before long, you will reach “Shanthipura”, Sri Lanka’s highest village with an elevation of 2034 meters, where the observation point will provide you yet another bird’s eye view of the Garden City of Nuwara Eliya.
Take a drive through the winding roads that lead you through beautiful mountains, picturesque views, and chilly weather to the small cosy town of Ella.
Once you arrive in Ella check out Nine Arch’s Bridge and Ravana Waterfalls.
The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most famous destinations in Sri Lanka. Found between Ella and Demodara, this historical bridge dates back to 1921 but still stands strong and dominating – a testimony of the strength of British architecture in the colonial days. Picture perfect and a photographer’s haven when it comes to catching shots of passing trains, the bridge is a must-visit for anyone exploring Ella.
Considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, Ravana Falls is a foamy flow of water which flows down in the form of a large flower capturing the hearts and souls of anyone who is lucky enough to behold its beauty.
Early morning set off to climb Mini Adam’s Peak.
While Adam’s Peak is considered to be one of the most treacherous and difficult climbs in Sri Lanka, Mini Adam’s Peak is an easier alternative which provides views that are equally beautiful. It will take you around 45 minutes to climb the 1,141 metre hill and you will be surrounded by panoramic views every step of the way.
As your holiday is nearing the end head off to Colombo.
Hope you had a great holiday in Sri Lanka…and sadly it’s time to leave. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.