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Here’s how to really experience the hills of Sri Lanka

Hill Country Tours (4)

We have created the perfect tour for you to experience the cool climate of the gorgeous hills of Sri Lanka! Spend 7 days in the home away from home for the British colonists.

If you’re on the lookout for pleasant temperatures, colonial buildings and hill country cuisine, look no further.

The first two nights are spent in Kandy, formerly the seat of medieval kings, and this gives an opportunity to absorb the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Sri Lanka. There’s an opportunity to attend the feeding of orphan elephants as well as visiting the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and touring the town.

The scenery becomes more dramatic on the drive to Nuwara Eliya, the hill station favoured by the British when the heat of the coast got too enervating. The bungalows, climate and ambience evoke an old fashioned England. The hotel in the tea hills is uniquely (and comfortably) converted from a tea factory.

The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella through forests and hills is acknowledged as one of the World’s great train trips. There are views too to be seen from the hill country village of Ella with its quaint cafés and scenic waterfalls.

Below is a breakdown of our suggested itinerary along with recommended accommodation. Feel free to speak to our tour consultants to customise the tour to your liking. Drop us an email oninfo@walkerstours.com and create your perfect holiday today!

Day One – Kandy and Overnight Stay at Earl’s Regency Hotel

You will be met by our English speaking chauffer guide and be transferred to the hill capital Kandy.

Day Two – Pinnawela and Overnight Stay at Earl’s Regency Hotel

After breakfast take an hour’s drive to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of baby elephants. In the afternoon take a tour of Kandy town and visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Day Three – Nuwara Eliya and Overnight Stay at Heritance Tea Factory

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, this drive takes around two and a half hours through the scenic country side. In the afternoon take a tour of the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. Get a brief insight into how the world famous Ceylon Tea is created at a tea factory and plantation site.

Day Four – Nuwara Eliya and Overnight Stay at Heritance Tea Factory

In the morning you have the option of heading to Horton Plains on a beautiful, scenic trek. This consists of a visit to Worlds End as well as Bakers Fall. Return in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Day Five – Ella and Overnight Stay at 98 Acres, Ella

After breakfast proceed to Nanu Oya Train station to conduct a train journey to Ella.

Day Six – Sightseeing and Overnight Stay at 98 Acres, Ella

After breakfast conduct a walking tour including a visit to the Ravana Ella Falls and Cave. Enjoy the breath taking views in and around the hotel.

Day 7 – Final Day

After breakfast head to the commercial capital, Colombo. The drive is scenic. Grab one last look at the beautiful hills of Sri Lanka before arriving at Colombo and getting ready for a safe trip home.

Why you should be in Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya

We recently visited sunny Kalpitiya in the North West of Sri Lanka. Just a 3 and a half hour drive from Colombo, here’s why Kalpitiya is one of our must visit locations during your holiday to Sri Lanka!

Kalpitiya’s lagoon and beach front have a range of activities to choose from throughout the year. The weather makes it an ideal location to relax and take in the sun but the true highlight of Kalpitiya is its many water based activities that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

The sea is calm and the winds are just right during months between November and April. The skies fill with kites, and the water is perfect for some exciting snorkeling or some relaxing fishing. This period is also the dolphin and whale watching season in Kalpitiya, an experience not to be missed.

The highlight of Kalpitiya however is kite surfing. This activity is available throughout the year with peak winds from the South-West monsoon reaching up to 25 knots between May and September. If you have never kite surfed and you would like to try it (we highly recommend you do) Kalpitiya is also houses many kite surfing schools with international, certified instructors that are there to guide and help beginners.

Both the beach front and the lagoon front at Kalpitya have hotels and resorts that offer cabanas and villas at affordable prices. Most of the resorts in the area also own boats and take guests out on the lagoon or sea for excursions. Some also offer complete packages which include your stay and activities of your choice at competitive prices. Just make sure these hotels are certified to take guests out on excursions.

So pack your sun tan and make the trip to Kalpitiya for some fun in the sun. You won’t be disappointed.

Our top 4 must visit beaches in Sri Lanka

Soft sand, clear blue seas and perfect weather. Sri Lanka’s beaches are some of most beautiful locations in the world. Our little island paradise is perfect for a holiday of just lazing on the beach with a cool tropical drink in your hand or enjoying some exciting water sports by the beach.

We list out 4 of our favourite beaches from the East and South of Sri Lanka that are perfect for a tropical vacation.

1. Nilaveli Beach

About 20 km away from Trincomalee, Nilaveli is known for its beautiful bays and soft, white sandy beaches. In addition to the scenic beauty of Nilaveli’s unspoilt beach, water sports such as diving, wind surfing and snorkeling are popular amongst visitors.

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Nilaveli is not limited to its gorgeous beach. If you feel like taking a break from relaxing on the beach, set out and explore Pigeon Island – used by British forces for target practice during World War 2 and now a breeding ground for migratory birds, or Fort Fredrick – an important part of Trincomalee’s colonial history.

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The ideal time to visit this untouched paradise is between the months of April to October, when the weather is just right for that perfect tan.

2. Passikudah Beach

Another beautiful beach located in the East of Sri Lanka, in the Batticaloa District, Passikudah Beach is a popular destination amongst local and foreign visitors. The shallow turquoise blue water of Passikudah is the perfect backdrop for a picnic or a quiet day of relaxing under the sun.

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Passikudah is also a popular surfing destination, with surfing competitions organized annually. Kite surfing, boogie boarding and sailing are also popular activities.

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The months between April and October are perfect for visiting the long golden shoreline and calm waters of Passikudah Beach.

3. Mirissa Beach

Located close to the Southern tip of Sri Lanka, Mirissa beach is a picture perfect location surrounded by coconut palm trees and safe waters, free of rocks. Surfing and snorkeling are two popular activities to take part in during your visit.

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One of the major highlights of Mirissa Beach is that it is one of the world’s best locations for whale and dolphin watching. It comes highly recommend by us and is a once in a life time experience.

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Mirissa Beach is perfect between the months of December to March and is the ideal place to get away from the cold winter.

4. Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is located in the Southern Province of the island, and is considered the world’s number two spot for surfing by most. In addition to the beach, the lagoon in the centre of Hikkaduwa is a beautiful safe environment to enjoy some snorkeling. Further south the waters are populated by exotic fish, sea turtles and coral.

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In addition to a unique beach culture, Hikkaduwa’s main attraction is its surfing. Surfers from around the world visit Hikkaduwa’s main surfing points every year. Diving in Hikkaduwa is also a must try because of the abundance of unique marine life, guaranteeing an amazing experience.

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As with Mirissa Beach, the months between December and April are idea, for a holiday to Hikkaduwa to enjoy the nature and amazing beach culture.