Up-Country, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty of Sri Lanka's Up-Country, a region of misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and cultural treasures. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Up-Country region is a breathtaking escape into nature's splendor. Known for its lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cool climate, this area offers a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat of the lowlands. As you journey through winding roads, you'll be greeted by the sight of emerald-green landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly. The region is dotted with charming colonial-era towns such as Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' for its quaint architecture and manicured gardens. One of the highlights of the Up-Country is the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella, often regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. This route takes you through verdant forests, past cascading waterfalls, and across picturesque valleys, providing ample photo opportunities at every turn. The town of Ella itself is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, offering trails to Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, and the stunning Ravana Falls. Tea enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the Up-Country is home to some of the finest tea estates in the world. A visit to a tea factory is a must, where you can learn about the intricate process of tea production and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. For those seeking a deeper cultural experience, the Up-Country is also rich in history and tradition. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is a significant religious site and a testament to the island's Buddhist heritage.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Up-Country.

Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the best weather and visibility.
Pack warm clothing; temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings.
Book your train tickets in advance, especially for the Kandy to Ella route.
Hire a local guide for hiking trails to ensure safety and get the best experience.
Don't miss the tea estate tours; they're both informative and picturesque.

Top City Travel Guides in Up-Country

The cities of Up-Country, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Nuwara Eliya

Kandy

Ella

Destinations in Up-Country

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Horton Plains National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Yala National Park

Adam's Peak

Bundala National Park

Explore Up-Country: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Horton Plains National Park

Discover the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of Horton Plains National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Sri Lanka.

4.6

Bambarakanda Falls

Discover the breathtaking heights of Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

4.7

Great World's End Drop

Discover the breathtaking views and rich biodiversity at the Great World's End Drop, a natural wonder in Sri Lanka's Horton Plains National Park.

4.7

Aberdeen Waterfall

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aberdeen Waterfall, a hidden gem in Ginigathhena, Sri Lanka, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.8

Best landmarks in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Explore Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kandy, where the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha resides amidst stunning architecture and rich history.

4.7

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - a vibrant haven filled with diverse flora and stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.

4.6

Sigiriya

Explore Sigiriya, a stunning fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and breathtaking views.

4.7

Galle Dutch Fort

Discover the enchanting Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending rich history with stunning coastal views and vibrant culture.

4.7

Best restaurants in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Dutch Trails Sri Lanka

Experience exquisite seafood dining alongside thrilling adventures at Dutch Trails Sri Lanka in beautiful Negombo.

4.5

Hill Cool Restaurant හිල් කූල් රෙස්ටුරන්ට්

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine amidst breathtaking hill country views at Hill Cool Restaurant in Kotagala.

4.2

Athula Restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Athula Restaurant in Dambulla – where flavor meets tradition in every dish.

4.7

The Cafe Restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at The Cafe Restaurant along Kandy-Colombo Road – where flavors meet hospitality.

4.2

Best bars in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant

Experience the perfect blend of Asian fusion cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Kandy.

4.2

Cheers Pub

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delightful cuisine at Cheers Pub, the heart of Colombo's nightlife scene.

4.4

Malli

Discover the lively ambiance of Malli Pub in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where great drinks and friendly conversations await.

4.0

Playtrix Sports Bar and Cafe

Discover Colombo's premier sports bar and cafe, where live sports meets delicious dining in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

The Love Bar at Flamingo House

Discover the heart of Colombo's nightlife at The Love Bar, a trendy disco club offering great drinks, vibrant music, and an unforgettable party atmosphere.

4.1

Rhythm and Blues

Dive into the lively nightlife of Colombo at Rhythm and Blues, where classic R&B and vibrant energy create an unforgettable dance experience.

3.7

Cleopatra Nightclub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Cleopatra Nightclub, Colombo's premier destination for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.

3.2

The Chiller Room

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Colombo at The Chiller Room, a premier nightclub with great music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.5

Best shops in Up-Country

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Crescat Boulevard

Explore Crescat Boulevard, Colombo's vibrant shopping mall offering local and international brands, delicious food, and entertainment for all ages.

4.3

Laksala

Discover the heart of Sri Lankan culture at Laksala, the ultimate souvenir store in Colombo, brimming with unique crafts and local treasures.

4.3

Cool Planet

Explore Cool Planet in Kandy for a unique shopping experience filled with fashion, accessories, and local culture.

4.0

ODEL Mall Kandy

Experience the lively atmosphere of ODEL Mall Kandy, where shopping, dining, and leisure come together in a unique Sri Lankan setting.

4.1

Explore Up-Country on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Up-Country, mapped for you.

Up-Country Essentials

Up-Country in Sri Lanka can be accessed via several routes. The closest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From Colombo, you can take a train, which is a scenic and popular option, especially the journey to Kandy. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a bus. The train journey from Colombo to Kandy typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kandy, you can continue your journey to other Up-Country destinations such as Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Hatton by train, bus, or car.
Public transport in Up-Country consists mainly of trains and buses. The train routes are particularly scenic and are highly recommended for travelers. Buses are frequent but can be crowded. For more comfort, consider hiring a private car or a tuk-tuk for shorter distances. Taxis and ride-hailing services like PickMe are also available in major towns. Renting a scooter is another popular option for exploring the area at your own pace.
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in towns like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. It's wise to ensure you have sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.
Up-Country in Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard travel precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. Major towns like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya have hospitals and clinics. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available in most towns.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ayubowan' or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Up-Country like a local, consider visiting local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting tea plantations and factories to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea industry. For a unique experience, take a hike in Horton Plains National Park or explore the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella.

When is the best time to visit Up-Country?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Up-Country

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Up-Country. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [Āyubōvan]
- Goodbyeගුඩ්බයි
  [Guḍbai]
- Yesඔව්
  [Ov]
- Noනැහැ
  [Næhæ]
- Please/You're welcomeකරුණාකර
  [Karunākara]
- Thank youස්තුතියි
  [Sthuthiyi]
- Excuse me/Sorryමට කණගාටුයි
  [Maṭa kaṇagāṭuyi]
- How are you?ඔබට කෙසේද?
  [Obaṭa kesēda?]
- Fine. And you?හොඳයි. ඔබට?
  [Hoṇḍai. Obaṭa?]
- Do you speak English?ඔබට ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරන්නද?
  [Obaṭa iṅgrīsi kathā karannada?]
- I don't understandමට තේරෙන්නේ නැහැ
  [Maṭa thērennē næhæ]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමෙන්න මෙනුව බලන්න
  [Menna menuva balanna]
- I don't eat meatමම මස් ආහාර නොකෙරෙමි
  [Mama mas āhāra nokeremi]
- Cheers!සතුටුයි!
  [Satuṭuyi!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseකොන්දන්න, කරුණාකර
  [Koṇdanna, karunākara]
- Help!ආධාරයක්!
  [Ādhārayak!]
- Go away!පලා යන්න!
  [Palā yanna!]
- Call the Police!පොලිසිය කැදපන්න!
  [Polisiya kædapanna!]
- Call a doctor!සෞඛ්‍ය වෛද්‍යවරයා කැදපන්න!
  [Saukhya vaidya varayā kædapanna!]
- I'm lostමම අහිමිවී ගියා
  [Mama ahimiwī giya]
- I'm illමට අසනීපයි
  [Maṭa asanīpayi]
- I'd like to buy...මට මිලදී ගන්න ඕනෑ...
  [Maṭa milādī ganna ōnæ...]
- I'm just lookingමම බලනවා
  [Mama balanavā]
- How much is it?ඒක කොච්චරද?
  [Ēka kochcharada?]
- That's too expensiveඒකදී ලැබෙන පිරිවැය වැඩි
  [Ēkādī labena pirivaya væḍi]
- Can you lower the price?මිල අඩු කරන්න පුළුවන්ද?
  [Mila aḍu karanna puḷuvanda?]
- What time is it?දවස කොච්චරද?
  [Dawasa kochcharada?]
- It's one o'clockඑකයි
  [Ekayi]
- Half past (10)අර්ධය (10)
  [Ardhaya (10)]
- Morningඋදෑසන
  [Udæsaṇa]
- Afternoonදහවල්
  [Dahaval]
- Eveningසවස
  [Savase]
- Yesterdayඊයේ
  [Ēyē]
- Todayඅද
  [Ada]
- Tomorrowහෙට
  [Heṭa]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?කෙසේද...?
  [Kesēda...?]
- What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [Lipinaya kumakda?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?මාපයේ මට පෙන්වන්න?
  [Māpayē maṭa penvanna?]
- When's the next (bus)?ඉදිරියෙන් (බස්) කවදද?
  [Idiriyen (bas) kawadada?]
- A ticket (to ....)පැතිකඩක් (ට ....)
  [Pæthikaḍak (ṭa ....)]

History of Up-Country

The Kingdom of Kandy, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's Up-Country, served as the last bastion of native Sinhalese sovereignty before falling to British colonial rule in 1815. This kingdom was renowned for its strategic location amidst the central highlands, which provided natural fortifications against both Portuguese and Dutch invasions. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, which houses Buddhism's most important relic—a tooth of the Buddha—became a symbol of both political and religious significance.
With the fall of the Kingdom of Kandy, the British seized control and dramatically transformed the Up-Country region. They introduced tea plantations in the mid-19th century, turning the area into one of the world's leading tea producers. The lush, terraced hillsides of Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and Ella are a testament to this colonial legacy. British planters built sprawling estates and brought in Tamil laborers from India, whose descendants continue to work in the tea industry today.
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England,' is a town that showcases the British influence on Up-Country. Developed by British colonists as a summer retreat, Nuwara Eliya boasts charming colonial-era architecture, manicured gardens, and a temperate climate reminiscent of England. The town's golf courses, racecourse, and the iconic Grand Hotel are relics of its colonial past, making it a unique cultural enclave within Sri Lanka.
The Up-Country is also a hub for traditional Sri Lankan arts, particularly Kandyan dancing. Originating from the Kingdom of Kandy, this dance form is characterized by elaborate costumes, intricate footwork, and dynamic movements. Performances are often accompanied by traditional drumming and are a staple of cultural festivals such as the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most spectacular Buddhist festivals in Asia, featuring processions of dancers, elephants, and drummers.
The Mahaweli Development Project, initiated in the 1970s, is Sri Lanka's largest multipurpose development project and has had a significant impact on the Up-Country region. The project aimed to provide irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control. It led to the construction of several dams and reservoirs, transforming the agricultural landscape and improving the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in the region.
The Up-Country is home to a diverse cultural tapestry, prominently featuring the Tamil community, descendants of workers brought by the British to work in the tea plantations. This community has preserved its distinct language, customs, and religious practices, contributing to the region's rich cultural mosaic. Hindu temples, Tamil festivals, and traditional Tamil cuisine are integral parts of the Up-Country's cultural identity.
One of the most iconic experiences in Sri Lanka's Up-Country is the scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella. This route, originally built during the British colonial period to transport tea, offers breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls. The journey has become a tourist attraction in itself, providing a unique way to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.