Off the beaten path around Nuwara EliyaThis page is about less-frequented places of interest in the
central highlands of Sri Lanka. Find a list of links to dozens of off-the-beaten-path destinations all over Sri Lanka here... |
Nuwara Eliya
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Popular tourist attractions in the hillcountry of Sri Lanka
The number of touristic highlights in the highlands of Sri Lanka is immense. Apart from Kandy and ist surroundings the most beloved destinations in higher altitudes are Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda, Haputale and Ella, Adam’s Peak and Horton Plains, St. Clair’s and Devon Falls, Kitulgala river rafting and waterfall adventures, Sita Eliya and Divurumpola Ramayana pilgrimage sites sites, Hakgala and Ambuluwawa Gardens. Bambarakanda Ella and Diyaluma Ella and Kurundu Ella are the island's tallest waterfalls. However, the name of the major travel destination in Sri Lanka's highlands is, of course, this one: tea. Tea plantations open for visitors are found near Ramboda, Hatton, Ella. A perfect way to explore the scenic beauty of the tea regions, of course, is a train ride along the highland railroad.
Lonesome places in the Sri Lanka's Central Highlands
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1*star & almost secret
However, there are some additional places that are less famous and less crowded. For example, the most famous vistas are those from Lipton Seat near Haputale and World’s End on Horton Plains. However, Kondagala near Sri lanka’s first tea plantation and Mini World’s End at Magulsima are not less spectacular and almost never visited by foreigners. The tea region of Uda Pusselawa to the east of Nuwara Eliya is rarely freqented by tourists, despite ist scenic beauty.
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2**stars & rarely visted
Among the more than a hundred waterfalls of the highlands, let’s highlight 3 different regions. Near Norton Bridge are the deep chasms of Lakshapana and Aberdeen Falls. Reaching the bottom requires climbing lots of stairs at both sites. Aberdeen Falls can be the destination of a hiking tour starting at the Ginigathena Pass. Car parks are availabke at both sides of the river, but for taking photos you cannot avoid the climbs.
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2**stars & rarely visted
There are some remote places even in the touristy Kitulgala area, for example Beli Lena with a waterfall in front of a cave and the two waterfalls of Mannakethi.
A rarely visited area with lots of waterfalls is between Hanguranketa and Ragalla along the B413 road, here you find the 189 m tall Kurundu Ella and the island’s most picturesque ensemble of waterfalls known as Mandawela Ella. |
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3***stars & almost secret
Though Badulla is known to many travellers as the terminus of the highland railroad, not many foreigners are going to explore the surroundings, except from Dunhinda Falls. But there are several other places of interest that could be worth a detour from Badulla, The gravel road from the tea region of Spring Valley to Namunukula village is one of the most gorgeous scenic roads in Sri Lanka. From the top of the pass, jungle pathes lead to the summit of Namunukula mountain, which has breathtaking vistas in all directions.
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1*star & almost secret
A much shorter and easier detour from Badulla or also from Ella is a visit of Bogoda Bridge. This is by far the oldest and largest wooden bridge in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, it is roofed, because it suved as a pilgrimage rest, a so-called Ambalama, too. Apart from the picturesque bridge, there is also a cave temple in the typical Kandyan style.
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