The Central Highlands,
Closer Than You Imagine
Thirteen landscapes, stories and sacred places—each an invitation to travel slowly.
Begin ExploringChoose a Direction. Find a Story.
Your highland field guideStay in Galaha and move naturally between historic tea estates, mountain paths, cultural landmarks and the lush university town of Peradeniya.
Belwood Forest & View Point
Nestled in the cool hill country near Galaha, Belwood Forest & View Point is a hidden natural retreat that offers visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Known for its lush greenery, refreshing mountain air, and panoramic viewpoints, Belwood is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, creating a calm and relaxing environment where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks beneath towering trees and listen to the soothing sounds of birds and nature. The cool climate and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind away from the busy city. One of the main highlights of Belwood is its spectacular viewpoint, which offers sweeping views of rolling mountains, mist-covered valleys, tea plantations, and dense forests stretching across the landscape. On clear days, the scenery is truly unforgettable, while early mornings and evenings provide magical views as mist drifts across the hills and the sky transforms with vibrant sunrise or sunset colors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a scenic picnic spot, or simply a quiet place to reconnect with nature, Belwood Forest & View Point offers an unforgettable experience. The area is perfect for photography, short hikes, birdwatching, and spending quality time with family and friends in a serene natural setting. Its untouched beauty, peaceful surroundings, and stunning landscapes make Belwood one of the hidden gems of Sri Lanka’s hill country. A visit here promises fresh air, incredible views, and lasting memories, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Galaha region and the scenic wonders of the Kandy District.
Belwood Rupavahini Village
Belwood Rupavahini Village traces its origins to the early 1980s, when the Government of Sri Lanka established a residential training centre to nurture young talent in the fields of television, music, dance, drama, and the performing arts. The project was launched in 1982 during the presidency of J. R. Jayewardene, coinciding with the establishment of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, the country’s national television broadcaster. Situated amidst the scenic tea plantations and cool mountains of Galaha, the Belwood campus was chosen for its peaceful environment, providing an ideal setting for creativity and learning. Students from across Sri Lanka lived and trained at the residential village under the guidance of experienced artists, musicians, television professionals, and media instructors. Over the years, Belwood became one of Sri Lanka’s most respected centres for performing arts education. Many well-known singers, dancers, musicians, television presenters, producers, and media professionals began their careers after receiving training at Belwood. Its graduates have made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s television, music, theatre, and entertainment industries. Today, Belwood is recognized not only for its educational and cultural importance but also for its breathtaking natural surroundings. Visitors are drawn to the area’s rolling tea estates, mist-covered hills, fresh mountain air, and panoramic views, making it a popular destination for photography, sightseeing, and nature lovers exploring the Galaha region. Located just a short drive from White House Galaha, Belwood Rupavahini Village offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a place where Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage meets the tranquil beauty of the central highlands.
The Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s first long-distance hiking trail, offering an unforgettable journey through the country’s breathtaking Central Highlands. Stretching over 300 kilometres across 22 scenic stages, the trail connects the hill-country towns of Kandy, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and Ella, guiding hikers through lush tea plantations, cloud forests, picturesque villages, mountain ridges, and historic tea estates. Named after the world-famous Pekoe tea grade, the trail follows many of the paths originally used by tea planters and estate workers during the colonial era. Along the route, visitors can experience Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage while enjoying spectacular views of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, mist-covered mountains, and vibrant local communities. Several stages of the trail pass through the scenic Galaha and Hanthana regions, making it an excellent adventure for visitors exploring the Kandy District. The Pekoe Trail is suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers, with each stage offering unique landscapes and varying levels of difficulty. Along the way, hikers can discover iconic attractions such as Loolkandura Tea Estate, Hanthana Mountain Range, Belwood Forest, scenic viewpoints, and charming tea villages while experiencing the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka’s hill-country communities. Recognized as one of Asia’s most spectacular hiking experiences, the Pekoe Trail combines adventure, culture, history, and nature into a single unforgettable journey. Whether you’re seeking panoramic mountain views, photography opportunities, wildlife encounters, or an immersive trekking experience, the Pekoe Trail is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Sri Lanka.
Loolkandura Tea Estate
Loolkandura Tea Estate, also known as Loolecondera Tea Estate, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destinations, located in the scenic hills of Galaha, Kandy. Recognized as the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, this remarkable estate is where Scottish planter James Taylor established Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea plantation in 1867, laying the foundation for the country’s world-renowned tea industry. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and breathtaking landscapes, Loolkandura offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Explore the historic tea factory, visit the James Taylor Museum, walk through picturesque tea gardens, and discover the rich heritage behind one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports. The estate also features scenic viewpoints, peaceful walking trails, and cool hill-country weather, making it an ideal destination for photography, hiking, and nature lovers. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, tea lover, or traveler seeking hidden gems in the Kandy District, Loolkandura Tea Estate provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the origins of authentic Ceylon Tea. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Galaha and Sri Lanka’s beautiful Central Highlands.
05Hanthana Mountain Range
The Hanthana Mountain Range is one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking natural attractions, located just south of Kandy in the Central Highlands. Famous for its rolling mountains, lush forests, mist-covered peaks, and panoramic viewpoints, Hanthana is a must-visit destination for hikers, photographers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts. Comprising a series of scenic peaks, including the popular Seven Peaks (Hanthana Kanda), the mountain range offers spectacular hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Along the journey, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Kandy City, the Mahaweli River, tea plantations, cloud forests, and surrounding mountain landscapes. The cool climate and fresh mountain air make Hanthana an ideal escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The mountain range is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, endemic birds, butterflies, and native plant species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and eco-tourism. Several scenic viewpoints provide unforgettable sunrise and sunset experiences, while the surrounding tea estates showcase the beauty of Sri Lanka’s famous hill country. Located close to the University of Peradeniya, Galaha, and Loolkandura Tea Estate, Hanthana can easily be included in a day trip exploring the Kandy region. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike, peaceful nature walk, camping experience, or stunning photography opportunities, the Hanthana Mountain Range promises an unforgettable journey through one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes.
06Bhadravathi Temple
Bhadravathi Temple, also known as Bhadravathi Raja Maha Viharaya, is a peaceful Buddhist temple located near Galaha and Pupuressa in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and scenic mountain landscapes, the temple is renowned for its hilltop stupa, breathtaking panoramic views, and tranquil atmosphere. One of the temple’s unique features is the National Infirmary for Sick and Aged Buddhist Monks, a government-run healthcare and residential facility dedicated to providing medical care and support for elderly and ill Buddhist monks from across the country. This makes Bhadravathi Temple an important religious, healthcare, and cultural landmark in Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb the temple’s steps to enjoy spectacular views of the Hanthana Mountain Range, rolling tea estates, forests, and the beautiful Galaha Valley. Whether you’re interested in Buddhist heritage, spiritual experiences, photography, or nature, Bhadravathi Temple offers a memorable visit in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
07Sandagiri Maha Seya
Sandagiri Maha Seya, also known as Sadagiri Seya, is one of the newest and most iconic Buddhist landmarks in the Kandy District. Nestled within the picturesque Hanthana Mountain Range, this magnificent white stupa stands as the largest stupa in the Kandy District, attracting pilgrims, photographers, and travelers seeking both spiritual tranquility and breathtaking mountain scenery. The stupa was completed in 2022 after several years of construction, becoming a prominent symbol of Buddhist devotion in Sri Lanka. Perched at an elevation of approximately 930 metres above sea level, Sandagiri Maha Seya offers spectacular panoramic views of the Hanthana Mountain Range, the Mahaweli Valley, lush tea plantations, and the surrounding hills of Kandy. Visitors can climb to the stupa terrace to enjoy peaceful surroundings, cool mountain breezes, and unforgettable sunrise and sunset views. The temple complex also features meditation areas and a spacious inner chamber beneath the stupa, creating a serene atmosphere for worship and reflection. Located just a short drive from Kandy city and close to the Ceylon Tea Museum, the University of Peradeniya, and Galaha, Sandagiri Maha Seya is an excellent addition to any hill-country itinerary. Whether you are interested in Buddhist heritage, scenic viewpoints, photography, or nature tourism, this remarkable landmark offers a unique experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
08Sri Lanka's First Cricket Ground
Nestled within the historic Loolkandura (Loolecondera) Tea Estate near Galaha and Delthota in the Kandy District, Loolecondera Cricket Ground is widely recognized as Sri Lanka’s First Cricket Ground. Established during the British colonial era, this historic ground was created by tea planters as a recreational venue and has become an enduring symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing and tea plantation heritage. Located in the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, where James Taylor established Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea plantation in 1867, the cricket ground is surrounded by lush tea gardens, mist-covered mountains, and breathtaking hill-country scenery. Visitors can explore this unique destination while discovering the fascinating connection between the origins of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and the early history of cricket in the Central Highlands. Today, Loolecondera Cricket Ground is a popular attraction for cricket enthusiasts, history lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking hidden gems in the Kandy region. Combined with nearby attractions such as the James Taylor Museum, historic tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints, it offers a memorable journey through Sri Lanka’s colonial past and natural beauty.
09Nil Diya Thatakaya
Hidden deep within the lush hills of Galaha and Udadelthota in the Kandy District, Nil Diya Thatakaya is a secluded natural attraction renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, peaceful surroundings, and untouched beauty. Surrounded by dense forests, tea plantations, and the cool climate of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, this hidden gem offers visitors a refreshing escape into nature. Fed by fresh mountain streams, Nil Diya Thatakaya is known for its naturally clear water and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walk through the surrounding greenery, listen to the sounds of flowing water and birdsong, and experience the serenity of one of Galaha’s lesser-known attractions. The location remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, allowing travelers to experience the authentic beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Whether you’re looking to relax beside the clear waters, capture stunning landscape photographs, or simply explore the hidden natural wonders of the Kandy region, Nil Diya Thatakaya offers an unforgettable experience. Conveniently located near popular attractions such as Belwood Forest & View Point, Loolkandura Tea Estate, Hanthana Mountain Range, and Sandagiri Maha Seya, Nil Diya Thatakaya is an excellent addition to a scenic day tour around Galaha and Delthota. Its pristine environment, fresh mountain air, and peaceful setting make it one of the region’s most rewarding hidden destinations.
10Old Railway Station Peradeniya
The Old Railway Station in Peradeniya is a charming colonial-era landmark that reflects the rich railway heritage of Sri Lanka. Built in 1867 during British rule, the station played a significant role in the expansion of the country’s railway network, connecting the hill country with Colombo and supporting the transportation of tea, coffee, and other agricultural products. Today, the beautifully preserved station stands as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial past and the early development of its railway system. Featuring classic British colonial architecture, the station is admired for its traditional stonework, timber structures, and historic railway platform. Although no longer serving as the main railway station, the old station building has been preserved as a heritage attraction and rail museum, attracting railway enthusiasts, photographers, historians, and travelers interested in Sri Lanka’s transportation history. Located close to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the University of Peradeniya, and the scenic Mahaweli River, the Old Railway Station can easily be included in a sightseeing tour around Kandy and Peradeniya. Visitors can admire the vintage architecture, capture memorable photographs, and learn about the evolution of Sri Lanka’s railway network in a peaceful and historic setting. Whether you’re passionate about railway history, colonial architecture, or cultural heritage, the Old Railway Station – Peradeniya offers a unique glimpse into one of the country’s oldest railway landmarks and remains a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
11University of Peradeniya
The University of Peradeniya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist attraction in the Kandy District. Nestled amidst the picturesque Hantana Mountain Range and bordered by the Mahaweli River, the university is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, colonial-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and peaceful atmosphere. Established in 1942, the campus spans over 700 hectares of rolling hills, forests, and beautifully maintained green spaces, making it one of the largest and most scenic universities in Asia. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined roads, admire the historic Senate Building, cross the famous suspension bridge, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The campus is also home to diverse birdlife, flowering trees, and impressive architecture that blends harmoniously with the natural environment. Located close to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, the university is an ideal stop for travelers exploring Kandy and Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Whether you’re interested in photography, architecture, history, or simply relaxing in a tranquil setting, the University of Peradeniya offers a unique experience that combines education, heritage, and nature.
12Mount Carmel Church
Mount Carmel Church is one of the most cherished religious landmarks in the Galaha region, offering visitors a peaceful sanctuary amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Nestled among rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains, the church is admired for its tranquil atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and strong connection to the local Catholic community. Dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the church has served as a place of worship, prayer, and community gathering for generations. Its serene setting, elegant architecture, and beautiful interior create a welcoming environment for both pilgrims and travelers seeking a moment of reflection and peace. Visitors are drawn not only by the church’s spiritual significance but also by its picturesque location. Surrounded by cool hill-country weather and breathtaking landscapes, Mount Carmel Church offers excellent opportunities for photography, quiet contemplation, and experiencing the natural beauty of Galaha. Throughout the year, the church hosts religious services and special celebrations, with the annual feast in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel attracting many devotees from across the region. Conveniently located just a few minutes from White House Galaha, Mount Carmel Church is an ideal stop during your visit. It can easily be combined with nearby attractions such as the Loolkandura (Loolecondera) Tea Estate, the Pekoe Trail, the Hanthana Mountain Range, and the scenic tea estates that make Galaha one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful hill-country destinations. Whether you are visiting for worship, cultural exploration, photography, or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Mount Carmel Church offers a memorable experience that reflects the rich heritage, faith, and natural beauty of the Galaha region.
13Galaha Quartz Quarry
The Galaha Quartz Quarry, also known as the Ambalamana Quartz Deposit, is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant natural mineral sites. Located near Galaha in the Kandy District, the quarry is renowned for its exceptionally pure vein quartz deposits, making it one of the country’s most valuable sources of industrial-grade silica. These deposits have played an important role in Sri Lanka’s mining industry for several decades and are recognized among the largest vein quartz deposits in the country. The history of the quarry dates back to the early 1980s, when commercial mining operations began to extract high-quality quartz used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, electronics, optical products, and other industrial applications. Geological studies have shown that the quartz at Ambalamana was formed millions of years ago through hydrothermal processes, producing massive veins of high-purity milky, clear, and rose quartz. The area became so well known for its exceptional quartz reserves that geologists have often referred to it as Sri Lanka’s “Silicon Valley.” Beyond its industrial importance, the Galaha Quartz Quarry offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s geological heritage. The dramatic white quartz formations, rugged quarry landscape, and surrounding tea-covered hills create a unique contrast that attracts geology enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers exploring the scenic Galaha region. Situated just a short drive from White House Galaha, the quarry can easily be included in a day of sightseeing alongside nearby attractions such as the Loolkandura (Loolecondera) Tea Estate, the Pekoe Trail, the Hanthana Mountain Range, Mount Carmel Church, and Belwood Rupavahini Village. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking hill-country scenery while learning about one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable geological landmarks. Whether you are interested in geology, mining history, photography, or simply discovering the hidden attractions of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the Galaha Quartz Quarry is a unique destination that showcases both the natural beauty and mineral wealth of the region.
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