Stand on the edge of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic precipice at the Great World’s End in Horton Plains, where a sheer 1,200-meter drop reveals sweeping views of tea estates, forests, and distant coastlines, rewarding an easy highland hike with one of Asia’s most breathtaking panoramas.
The origins of the Kotabowa Devalaya trace back to the era of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798 – 1815) and are intimately tied to an upcountry walawwa known as Otthambadena Walawwa. This Walawwa once oversaw a vast estate spanning 423 acres—land that would later become part of the devalaya itself.
The All Saints’ Church of Agarapathana, built in 1893 on the Holbrook Estate, is a rare cross-shaped plantation church. Distinguished for its stone walls and shingle roof, it houses a historic Bible gifted from Surrey, England, in 1889, preserved amid the hills.
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s cool hill country, the Holy Trinity Church in Nuwara Eliya is a quiet reminder of the British colonial era. With over 170 years of history, this charming Anglican church holds many fascinating stories within its stone walls. The church’s story dates back to 1837, initially planned to serve the European community in Nuwara Eliya. Locals even called it “the White Man’s Cemetery.
Christ Church Warleigh is a quaint Anglican church gifted by an Englishman, William Scot, in 1878 for the British planters of Dickoya.The stained glass windows delicately narrate the life of Christ, while an old Bible, carefully taped to preserve it from decay, is a treasured artifact. It was gifted in July 1878 by Reverend Charles Hill of Warboys Parish in Huntingdonshire, England
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s historic heartland, Vilwala Rajamaha Viharaya is a beautiful relic from the Gampola Kingdom era. According to local legend, the temple was founded by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, the chief consort of King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 CE). While this story adds a layer of romance to his historic site, historians suggest that the inscriptions at the temple point to reign of King Vijayabahu V (1335–1341 CE).
Although the origin of the Hanguranketha Pattini Devalaya is unknown, this devalaya has been in existence during the reign of King Rajasinghe II (1635 – 1687) who is reported have carried out renovations at this site.
The Vishnu Devalaya at Hanguranketha is one of the main devalaya’s of the Kandyan Era. It is believed that it was here that the king Rajasinhe II was cremated.
Araththana Viharaya is a sacred temple located near Hanguranketha town, and it often served as the temple for the royalty who resided in Hanguranketha. The earliest documented evidence regarding the history of this temple, situated approximately one kilometer south of Hanguranketha, is found in two of its three title deeds.
Hanguranketha, a small town in the Nuwara Eliya District, was historically known as Diyatilakepura or Diyatilaka Nuwara during the Kandyan Kingdom. It frequently served as a temporary capital for the Kingdom of Kandy. The first royal palace in Hanguranketha was built by King Senarath (1604-1635)
The Eagles’ Viewpoint, a newly established scenic overlook in Shanthipura village—the highest elevated village in Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya District—offers stunning panoramic views of the picturesque landscape. Visitors can marvel at the rolling hills covered in vibrant tea plantations, lush greenery, and the majestic backdrop of distant mountain ranges.
Built in 1886 by the philanthropist Charles Henry de Soysa, Holy Emmanuel’s Church of Hanguranketha is one of the oldest Churches in the district of Nuwara Eliya. A special feature found in this church is a stone moonstone near its main entrance. Such moonstones are generally found in Buddhist shrines and buildings near its main entrance. This a plain moonstone and lacks any elaborate carvings.
The War Memorial at Nuwara Eliya stands inside Victoria Park near the roundabout where Udupussallawa Road, Kandy Road and Badulla Road meet near the Grand Hotel. This Cenotaph is made of large granite blocks and was designed by Mr. R.A. Powell, the late Provincial Engineer of the district, and the actual erection was carried out by the Public Works Department, Nuwara Eliya. The Brass plaque was done by Messrs. Hoare & Company in England.
Puna Ella, a majestic double waterfall near Ramboda, is renowned for its unique ‘Y’ shape where two distinct water sources—Puna Oya and Pundalu Oya—merge. Often called the Ramboda Falls, this 100-meter cascade offers a dramatic contrast between forest-fed and cultivation-fed streams, creating a breathtaking roadside spectacle.
Perched high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Horton Plains offers windswept grasslands, cloud forests, and the breathtaking precipice of World’s End. A place of rare wildlife and panoramic drama, it invites explorers to step closer and uncover its secrets beyond the mist.
Thotalagala Sumaithangi Stone lies on Haputale-Dambetanna Road in the village of Thotalagala. The structure lies right next to the road thus difficult to miss. However, there is no protection to this stone structure and may be partially covered by overgrowth on the sides of the road. There is an inscription in Tamil on one leg of the structure.
Singimale Sumaithangi Stone lies on an estate road next to a small chapel. The stone has an inscription in Tamil with what appears to be the number 1881 (need confirmation). This would have been used by carriers of tea leaves before the vehicles on these roads were introduced. The Chapel is a newly built building.
According to folklore, this Zero Milepost lies in the centre of the island. If you draw a vertical line between Point Pedro and Dondra Head and a horizontal line between Colombo and Sangaman Kanda, it is said that this Zero Mile Post lies at the intersection. However, with the advent of digital maps, it clearly can be seen this is not so. However, the vertical line runs very close to this point.
Located in the area of Hedunuwewa Grama Niladhari of Kotmale Divisional Secretariat Division, Hedunuwewa Ambalama is located at a distance of about one kilometer on the Wethalawa road running towards the east from the Hedunuwewa junction.
This undocumented Upper Elamulla Ella waterfall lies in Mandaramnuwara which can be reached from Padiyapelella, the road dotted with number of waterfalls. The fall is hidden from any access road and can be reached Elamulla Mini Hydro Power station and hiking up.
