Central part

My preferred part of Srilanka is the central region. Breathtaking views of green hills and mountains, tea plantations and rice fields, humble and cheerful people, many kinds of animals and unexplored areas not yet visited by tourists. Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities nestled in the middle of the hills and also serves as a transport link to all corners of the island. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples. Nature is green here all year round, but the waterfalls are much stunning and full of water during the rainy season. Ella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya and Adams Peak are some of the “popular” places. Not only these places are connected by train links, which attract tourists more and more.
The central district is my favourite part, where I am usually spending most of my time. Therefore my content is mainly focused here.

I am still adding new pictures and experiences, so stay in touch!

Meemure

This peaceful village in the middle of nowhere has the purest nature. If there is one famous village over locals than Meemure is it. Rice fields, camping or hiking a waterfall nearby.
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Elephants and Pinnawala

Pinnawala is the 🐘 Rescue Station. There should be Elephants who don’t survive in the wild, sick individuals and orphans. Based on what they claim, Elephants who are heal and able to survive should return to the jungle.⁣
I believe that this Orphanage originated with an excellent idea and that there are still Elephants in need of help to survive or to make their life “better”. Over time, however, this idea has turned into a big tourist business.⁣ Read more!
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Galboda Waterfall

Reach this 30 m high waterfall by train or by bike very near to Kandy. Not many people know about the Fall. Read more!
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Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is located near the city Gampola which is like 20 km from Kandy. I recommend you to climb it and enjoy the view! Since Ambuluwawa is an isolated mountain, the whole 360′ is clearly visible to the tower. Read more!
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Kotmale

The area is well known for the second biggest Stupa, Tea and Rice Plantations, Waterfalls, Stupid and Hanging Bridge, some mysterious places and just 40 km from Kandy. Read more!
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Hanthana Mountain

View which must be seen – it is over the central part of Srilanka, mainly Kandy city. The range of mountains is about 12 km and this environmental area well protected against pollution. The walking path goes through a tea plantation, the hill is a bit steep so have good shoes. There are not many shadow places to hide and nothing to buy around – so be well prepared with liquids. Local ticket 50 Rps, Foreign ticket 100 Rps and for a scooter 20 Rps.
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Lipton’s Seat

Wake up early to see the perfect sunrise, and you should be there before 9 am to see the clear view. It can happen the clouds will pop up during the day. You can even walk or take a tuk-tuk/scooter to the very top. I recommend at least one way to walk – there are shortcuts through tea plantations. I paid 1000 Rps to take a tuk-tuk from Haputale city to the top (so be wise how much people ask!) and it took 45 min. At the top is a small place to drink tea or to buy some snack. Take some jacket with the morning breeze can be cold.
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Ella

Oh, yes, the famous Ella. I couldn’t miss it. The panoramic view from a train to Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak or Ella Rock, Ravana Fall or the most expensive restaurants. I call it “white city”, more tourists than locals. Locals still don’t understand why this village happened to be one of the most famous.
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Kandy

Kandy the pearl of the central part of Srilanka. You still can feel the historical kingdom vibe. Mountains, tea plantations and rainforest surrounded this town. The Temple of Tooth is what tourists are interested. I am saying in this area is much, much, much more! The most favourite city of mine.
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Peacock Rock

Peacock Hill has situated nearby Pussellawa and 40 km from Kandy. Be aware that the road is not in good condition. Then you have to walk through the forest for 30 min; the hill is not steep and easy to go up. It is for free with no permission to ask. At the top are communication towers, yet that doesn’t destroy the view. The 360′ view is really worthy and no tourists whatsoever.
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Bambarakiri Fall

The waterfall with hanging bridge situated in Matale District, just a 30 min drive from Matale on the way to Riverstone. The road well developed so park your vehicle at the entrance and walk 80 m. You will even pass a shop on buying a snack. This natural swimming pool suggests taking a bath, as locals do. No entrance fee. Crystal clear water.
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Hatton

Hatton is a city used mainly for oversleeping when you want to climb Adams Peak. It is easy to reach the town by train with a scenic view or by bus (instead of taking a train to Ella, take a train to Hatton). I can’t suggest anything particular in that city apart from the surrounding of tea plantations and mountains.
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Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is well known “Little England” city for architecture, horse races, drinking tea, cold and rainy weather. This city in the middle of mountains is untypical Srilankan city just because the reason mentioned. Don’t underestimate the climate and be prepared for cold and rain, jackets and long pants for sure (warm clothes is selling over the streets as well). You can get there on the road also by train. Either option is with a scenic view and unforgettable.
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the 18 Bend Road

The road Mayiyangana-Kandy leads you through an epic view. Lucky you if the weather will be sunny and no clouds. The way has a length of 41 km, and it is pretty ok to drive even for a scooter. In reality, there are just 17 bends when one removed years ago. There are many monkeys around the road, so be conscious if you stop to eat a snack and prevent against stealing.
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Dambulla

Rock cave temple with golden Buddhas is even on postcards. With hot weather have prepared a bottle with water and cover your head. As usually in front of each temple, take off your shoes, ladies cover your arms and legs. The steps up can be tricky for some people. Pay 1500 Rps fee.
One of the biggest markets makes the city a bit crowded by locals from early morning till late afternoon.
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Pidurangala Rock

One side is Pidurangala Rock and the second side is Sigirya Hill. If Sigiriya is touristically famous for the very high price, the Pidurangala is the better option. The climbing is pretty ok around 40 min till the very top where are big stones you have to overtake and that is not easy. There are no shops, so take enough water and some snack. You will find very hard some shadow at the top of the Rock; therefore I recommend you to climb early morning to see the sunrise. The fee is 1000 Rps.
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Ravana Waterfall

Just a few minutes from Ella by a bus and you can see Ravana Fall. It is 15 km away from Ella, be aware that the bus is the cheapest option. Everything else is overpriced. Since the stop is on the main road, many tourists, even locals, pause here to take pictures. No fee. Parking costs 100 Rps. Shops are around. There are plenty of monkeys, hence remain careful they won’t steal from you. It is not a coincidence the name is after the King Ravana from Indian epic story Ramayana, who kidnapped princess Sita. Wikipedia.
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Haputale

To wear a jacket and long pants is almost a necessity in Haputale. A city with a colder climate and even colder nights. A place where is a scenic landscape of the surrounding hills. Haputale is on the train route, but a bus ride will also bring beautiful views. If you want to go to Lipton’s Seat or Ella, it is a welcome stop here. Of course, you can visit some tea plantations and factories around or let the locals prepare you a delicious tea.
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