Mountains of Sri Lanka are located in the middle of the island rises up to 2524 meter above sea-level. Some travellers mistakenly think that Sri Lanka is a country with Flatland without any notable peaks and mountains. The highest point of the island is known as the Pidurutalagala Mountains, Nuwara Eliya.
The mountains of Sri Lanka is one of the most scenic regions in Sri Lanka. Mountains, escapements, patches of forests, waterfalls, streams and cool, comfortable clime are some of the reasons for its popularity as a holiday destination.
Therefore the mountains are part of every Sri Lanka road trip. Following is a list of attractions discovered in and around the cities of Ella, Bandarawela and Haputale.
Pilkington Point
This is actually a viewpoint located in Bandarawela. It enables you to have a bird’s eye view over the low elevated southern Sri Lanka. The name” Pilkington Point” derived after the name of popular English planter, George Pilkington. After travelling several kilometres on the Bandarwela- Koslanda road is the narrow road which leads to the summit. One needs to take a trek on a marked trail and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
Dowa temple
Dowa temple is believed to be originated during the last phase of the Anuradhapura kingdom. But according to some scholars it was in existence as early as 1st century BC. Apart from the antiquity, the temple is a popular religious institution in Bandarawela.
The temple accommodates a large number of Buddha statues and paintings. The image house, which believed to be a hiding place of King Walagambahu (1st century BC), is a natural cave in magnitude size and showcases some beautiful religious paintings and Buddha statues. One of the highlights of the temple is the partly completed gigantic granite Buddha statue on a monolithic rock.
Adisham Bungalow
Adisham Bungalow is a spacious palace occupied by a pioneer planter of British Origin. It is picturesquely located on a mountain, providing a breathtaking view over the mountains, escapement and tea plantation in the lower elevated area. The scenic view from the palace must be enjoyed by every visitor of Haputale.
The palace is built after English style and the material was imported to build the palace. The workers were brought from India and England to make sure it is of the top-notch quality. The surrounding area of the palace is extremely calm and peaceful. It is dominated by woods and plantations and no inhabitants within several kilometres of its reach.
Tangamale nature reserve
Tangamale nature reserve is located just in front of Adisham Bungalow. It is about 5 km from the city of Haputale. A part of this patch of the forest consists of the secondary forest with trees such as pines. The rest of the forest is made of primaeval forest originate many centuries ago. The forest spread over 131 hectares and can be a handy spot for an enjoyable trek. Several species of animals and many species butterflies can be seen here. And it is a very popular nature reserve among the bird lovers as well.
Little Adam’s peak
This best alternative for people, who find Adam’s Peak Mountain tour, is beyond their endurance. The mountain looks exactly the same as Adam’s peak and that’s the very reason for naming it as little Adam’s peak.
One can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Ella gap from the summit of the mountain. The climb takes about 1 hour and can be easily reached from Ella. Take the road in the eastward direction from Ella and 12 km drive take you to the starting point of the climb.
Ella gap
Ella gap is the deepest ravine in the island of Sri Lanka. Ella gap is about 1000 meters deep and more than 10 km long. Ella provides a beautiful view over the low elevated southern part of Sri Lanka on sunny days with a clear sky. A number of treks in Ella provide an opportunity for a memorable low exhausting adventure.
Mountain of Sendakatti
Mountain of Sendakatti is another place for an enjoyable trek amidst the picturesque greenish environment. Here you won’t feel tired due to the cool healing clime. The view is at its best in the early morning before the appearance of clouds and mist. The trek is to be found near Haputale town above the Haputale gap.