Sri Lanka’s mountainous heartland is a feast for the senses. Highlights include the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the colorful flower markets outside Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the tea terraces of Nuwara Eliya. An essential stop on any Sri Lanka itinerary, things to do in Central Sri Lanka include relaxing in a rose garden, playing golf, trekking to the World’s End, seeing wild elephants, exploring a prehistoric cave complex, enjoying one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and embarking on a candle-lit pilgrimage to the top of Sripada (Adam’s Peak) for sunrise.
The best time to visit Central Sri Lanka is between December and April when the weather is at its sunniest. The monsoon season from May through November is best avoided. While the rain turns the hill country lush and green, the mist can obscure beautiful views and the mud can make for treacherous trekking. It's also not ideal for visiting Sigiriya, as the steep, metal steps to the rock fortress are slippery when wet.
The best way to get around Central Sri Lanka is by train—the old Victorian railway offers spectacular views as it traverses the lush green highlands. If you can't snag a seat (booking in advance is highly recommended) you can also get around by car, taxi, or join a tour. Tuk-tuks are also a fun, albeit bumpy, way to travel short distances.
While Kandy and Sigiriya are the most popular places to visit in Central Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is also well worth checking out. Best visited by train (the nearest stop is Nanu Oya), Nuwara Eliya (known as Little England) started life as a 19th-century British hill country retreat, and still features many colonial buildings and English-style rose gardens. It’s also surrounded by terraced tea plantations and waterfalls, and is an ideal base for exploring nearby Horton Plains National Park.
