Spectacular Hill Country

The hill country offers a change from the warm coast. Roads wind past tea fields, villages and wooded slopes, and the air becomes cooler as you climb. You can spend a few days walking, visiting a tea estate and enjoying the views without making every day a long outing.

Ella has routes to Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge, along with cafes where you can stop between walks. Nuwara Eliya has Gregory Lake, gardens and tea estates nearby. Horton Plains is a longer walking visit through grassland and forest, with viewpoints that depend on clear weather.

Bring a warm layer and something for rain, even if you have packed mainly for the beach. Paths can be slippery after showers, so choose walks suited to your group. A stay of more than one night gives you time to rest and another chance at the views if mist arrives.