Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss!
Lipton’s Seat – The Ultimate Sunrise Spot
Location: Near Haputale Why It’s Special: Imagine rolling tea estates stretching as far as the eye can see, clouds floating beneath you, and a spectacular sunrise that feels like something out of a movie! This was Sir Thomas Lipton’s favourite viewpoint, where he would admire his vast tea plantations.
🚶♂️ How to Get There:
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Tuk-tuk ride from Haputale (30 mins) OR
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Hike up through tea fields (2 hours for an unforgettable experience!)
Travel Hack: Arrive before 6 AM to witness the sunrise in solitude before the crowds arrive. Bonus: Grab a steaming cup of local tea at the tiny tea shop at the top!
Diyaluma Falls – Sri Lanka’s Secret Infinity Pools
Location: 1 Hour from Ella Why It’s Special: Everyone goes to Ravana Falls, but Diyaluma Falls is a hidden paradise! As Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, it boasts natural infinity pools overlooking the mountains.
How to Get There:
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Tuk-tuk or car to Koslanda (starting point)
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Hike for 45 mins to reach the secret pools at the top!
Travel Hack: Wear water shoes because the rocks can be slippery. Also, pack a picnic—there’s no better lunch spot than floating in a natural infinity pool with a view!
Adisham Bungalow – A Slice of England in Sri Lanka 🇬🇧🏰
Location: Haputale Why It’s Special: A serene monastery hidden in the Haputale hills, this old English bungalow surrounded by pine forests looks like something straight out of the UK countryside! Originally built by Sir Thomas Villiers, it now serves as a retreat run by Benedictine monks.
How to Get There:
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A scenic 20-min drive from Haputale town
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Short walk through pine forests
Travel Hack: Try the homemade jams and fruit preserves made by the monks!
Idalgashinna Railway Station – The Most Beautiful Train Stop
Location: Between Haputale & Ohiya Why It’s Special: If you’re taking the Ella–Kandy train, make sure to jump off at Idalgashinna Station! This tiny railway station sits in the middle of misty hills, with breathtaking views on all sides!
How to Get There:
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Stop at Idalgashinna when taking the Ella–Badulla train (it’s a rarely visited stop!).
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Take a short hike through tea plantations for even better views!
Travel Hack: The next train doesn’t arrive for hours, so you can enjoy the peaceful silence of the mountains before hopping back onto the railway!
Bomburu Ella – The Untouched Hidden Waterfall
Location: Near Nuwara Eliya Why It’s Special: Unlike the crowded waterfalls near Ella, Bomburu Ella is completely hidden in the forest! It’s Sri Lanka’s widest waterfall, tucked away in the misty highlands where you can hike through untouched wilderness and swim in crystal-clear pools.
🚶♂️ How to Get There:
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30-min tuk-tuk ride from Nuwara Eliya town
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Short hike through lush jungle
Travel Hack: Go early in the morning before anyone else arrives, and pack mosquito repellent since it’s deep in the forest.
Travel Hacks to Make Your Hill Country Trip AMAZING!
Best Time to Visit: December – April (Dry season, clear views, best hikes!) May – October (Greener, but occasional rain)
Train Travel Tips: Sit on the Right Side for the best views from Ella to Kandy! Buy 2nd-Class Tickets – You can enjoy the open windows and hang out by the doors!
Packing Must-Haves: Rain Jacket – Weather changes FAST in the hill country. Good Hiking Shoes – Many paths get muddy. Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water isn’t safe, but filtered refills are available!
Food Hacks: Matey Hut (Ella) – BEST home-cooked Sri Lankan food at affordable prices! Tea Tasting at Lipton’s Seat – Experience fresh, organic tea in the plantation itself! Try Kottu Roti – Sri Lanka’s famous spicy chopped roti dish, available everywhere!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rush
Hill Country travel is NOT about checking off sights quickly—it’s about slowing down, sipping tea, and soaking up the fresh mountain air.
Take your time. Chat with local tea pickers, enjoy an unplanned train stop, find a hidden jungle path, and let the adventure unfold naturally.
After all, Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is about feeling its magic—not just seeing it!
A Dream Trip to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
From watching the train pass over Nine Arch Bridge, to hiking secret trails, swimming in hidden waterfalls, sipping tea in colonial bungalows, and discovering peaceful railway stops, Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is an unforgettable paradise.
With these hidden gems and smart travel hacks, you’ll experience the TRUE magic of the mountains—away from the crowds, in the heart of nature, just as Sri Lanka was meant to be experienced.
Budget Hacks & Money-Saving Tips
Skip the Expensive Train Tickets! When booking the Kandy–Ella train, many travellers rush for 1st-class tickets. DON’T! Instead, go for 2nd or 3rd class non-reserved tickets—not only are they way cheaper, but you’ll get to hang out by the open doors, capturing breath taking views!
Take Local Buses Instead of Tuk-Tuks Tuk-tuks are fun but pricey for long trips! If you’re traveling between Ella, Haputale, and Nuwara Eliya, jump on a local bus
Eat at Local ‘Rice & Curry’ Spots Fancy cafes in Ella overcharge for Western food. Instead, find tiny roadside eateries—you’ll get an authentic Sri Lankan meal for under $2!
Bargain at Local Markets! Heading to a tea plantation or fruit stall? Locals expect bargaining, so don’t settle for the first price!
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle Instead of buying expensive bottled water, fill up at guesthouses—many places offer filtered water for free!
Unique & Offbeat Places to Stay
Live Inside a Treehouse in Ella Skip the usual hotels—stay at “Ella Eco Lodge”, a beautiful treehouse retreat hidden in the jungle!
Farmstay at Halpe Tea Estate Want to wake up surrounded by tea fields? Book a local tea plantation homestay and learn how to make fresh Ceylon tea!
Try a Buddhist Monastery Stay For a peaceful, spiritual experience, some monasteries near Bandarawela allow visitors to stay overnight and join meditation sessions with monks!
Ella Hideout Cabins Tiny wooden cabins, completely surrounded by jungle, located off the tourist track!
Secret Local Experiences Most Tourists Miss!
Visit the Mystery Train Tunnel at Demodara This hidden railway tunnel near Demodara station is built in a loop INSIDE a mountain—an engineering wonder!
Hike Behind Ravana Falls Most visitors only see the bottom of Ravana Falls, but there’s a hidden trail behind the waterfall that few people know about—perfect for secret jungle views!
Try Fresh Buffalo Curd with Treacle Skip the usual desserts—ask locals for Buffalo Curd with Kitul Treacle. This sweet, creamy treat is a must-try in Sri Lanka’s hill villages!
Explore Poonagala Tea Estate (Better than Lipton’s Seat!) Lipton’s Seat is gorgeous—but often crowded! Instead, visit Poonagala Tea Estate, where you’ll find empty hilltops, fewer tourists, and even better views!
Perfect Travel Itinerary for Maximum Adventure!
Day 1: Arrive in Ella → Hike Little Adam’s Peak → Sunset at Nine Arch Bridge ✔ Day 2: Train ride to Haputale → Visit Lipton’s Seat → Explore Adisham Bungalow ✔ Day 3: Day trip to Diyaluma Falls → Swim in secret infinity pools ✔ Day 4: Travel to Nuwara Eliya → Visit Bomburu Ella & Poonagala Tea Estate ✔ Day 5: Hidden railway tunnel at Demodara → Relax at a local monastery
Unlock the Real Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka’s Hill Country isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about slowing down, uncovering hidden gems, and immersing yourself in local culture.
So ditch the usual tourist spots, bargain like a local, eat authentic street food, and let the adventure find you!
Whatever adventure you try, always do your own “risk assessment”. This is a great country full of adventures, however, when you step outside the big cities watch out for things that may be unusual to you and enjoy safely. If you are not sure, contact a reputable guide.