This may be a popular spot in Sri Lanka’s Central Valley, but it’s a far cry from the backpacker towns crowded into Ella’s narrow valleys. Here, the rolling green landscape feels expansive and breezy, dotted with elegant colonial bungalows and upscale resorts. So, if you’re an avid hiker, or just want to soak in some views from the comfort of a luxury setting, this is the ideal place to base yourself.

The area is home to many hikes, most notably Adam’s Peak, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known mountain trails famed for its spectacular sunrise views. The Pekoe Trail also runs through this area, with a few sections you can choose from depending on whether you want to ramble through rural villages or climb to breathtaking viewpoints. If you’re not interested in donning hiking boots on holiday, you can take a cooking class, picnic alongside Laxapana Falls, kayak across Castlereagh Reservoir, cycle through its surrounding alpine forests, or visit Shri Bhakta Temple. Just don’t miss a tour and tasting at one of the renowned tea plantations in Bogawantalawa Valley, and if you’re looking for a little adventure, hop on the train to see this open, genuinely quiet stretch of the Hill Country from a new vantage point.