Image of Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka

Explore highland forests, woodland trails and unique natural environments.

CategoryHill Country
Featured places5
Generally bestGenerally January to April
Famous destinations

Where to go — our favourite places for this experience, ready to fit into a route that suits your dates and pace.

  1. 01

    Knuckles Conservation Forest

    The Knuckles range northeast of Kandy includes montane forest, river valleys and village landscapes within a protected highland area.

    A view of the Knuckles mountain range, Sri Lanka
    Knuckles Mountain Range
  2. 02

    Horton Plains National Park

    Horton Plains protects a high plateau of grassland and cloud forest; its walking circuit includes World's End and Baker's Falls.

    mountain forest srilanka.jayant
    Horton Plains National Park
  3. 03

    Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve

    Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve protects montane forest above the botanical garden; the strict reserve is not a general visitor walking area.

    Image of Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka
    Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve
  4. 04

    Peak Wilderness Sanctuary

    Peak Wilderness protects wet montane forest around Sri Pada, with pilgrimage routes crossing the sanctuary towards the summit.

  5. 05

    Riverston

    Matale District

    Riverston is a highland area in Matale District on the edge of the Knuckles landscape, known for mountain views and nearby village walks.

Good to know

The highlands are much cooler than the coast, and mist or rain can roll in at any time of year — pack layers and a light rain jacket. Reserved seats on the hill-country trains can sell out, so we book them early.

From the first idea to the final detail, we design Sri Lankan journeys you'll remember forever.