The Hill Country of Sri Lanka offers you a scenic experience that can only be summed up in one word – magic. Home to striking colourful scenery, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, breathtaking mountains, tea plantations and so much more – the Hill Country is a world away from the hot and humid coastal lowlands.
As a group, we’ll explore this incredible region, trekking up to some amazing views and witnessing some mesmerising waterfalls. Of course, a trip to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country would not be complete without a tea plantation visit.
You’ll also have the chance to visit one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife attractions – Yala National Park. Famously known for the highest concentration of Leopards in the world, Yala National Park boasts an array of fantastic wildlife such as Elephants and Sloth Bears.
DAY ONE - GALLE FORT, MIRISSA & THISSA
We’ll be up early on the Friday morning as we make way to Thissa (the gateway to Yala National Park). On the way, we’ll be stopping off at Galle Fort. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. We’ll wander its rambling lanes, you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers.
After Galle, it’s onto Mirissa. Situated on the south coast, Mirissa is a beautiful little fishing village with a picture-postcard beach setting. We’ll stop here for lunch and take in the views after a long morning of driving. In the afternoon we will make the final leg of the journey to Thissa and check-in to the hotel for the evening. After dinner, the group will head out to visit a local Hindu temple in the village.
DAY TWO - YALA NATIONAL PARK & ELLA
Today is an early start as we head into Yala National Park for a 5am sunrise safari. Famous for having the highest concentration of leopards in the world, Yala National Park is definitely one of the highlights of your time in Sri Lanka. After a full mornings safari we’ll head to Ella after lunch, a beautiful small backpacker-hub on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. On the way to Ella, we will stop at the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Based on the Demodara loop, it is a spectacular feat of engineering and construction spanning 91 metres.
DAY THREE - LITTLE ADAMS PEAK & NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, we’ll take a trip Little Adam’s Peak which is located just outside of Ella Town. Its a relatively pleasant ant not so strenuous 45 minute hike up to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak and the stunning views are well worth it. Endless valleys of tea plantations and waterfalls. After having lunch in Ella we will make our way to Nuwara Eliya where we will take a tour of a tea plantation and stop at an enchanting waterfall.