Fans of the outdoors and of walking will be enchanted by Sri Lanka which has one of the biggest diversities in the world in terms of preserved natural spaces. From the top of a mountain peak reaching over 2000 metres high to the wild plains covered in jungle, go off to explore in the heart of the country's national parks.

Sri Lanka’s Natural Paradise

Ella is one of the most charming mountain stopovers in Sri Lanka. Not so much the village itself as its surroundings. Ella has one main road where you find most of the village's activities. In less than 10 minutes you are in the heart of Sri Lanka's mountains, surrounded by nature and in the middle of the tea plantations.

Ella’s Tea Plantations

Whether you are passionate about history or nature you can't help but be charmed by Sigiriya and its surroundings. You'll climb back into time and history as you climb the steps of the Lion Rock. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset over the magnificent countryside of the plains.

Sigiriya’s Lion Rock

A lots less busy than the beaches in the south, the east coast of Sri Lanka guarantees you a stay off the beaten path. Long beaches that are almost empty most of the year, and an island where you can swim with sharks.

Golden Sand Paradise: Uppuveli and Nilaveli

Sigiriya

Anuradhapura

Yala National Park

Haputale

The town of Matale, which lies along the spice garden road and stands at the gateway to Sri Lanka's mountainous region, is an interesting place for a quick visit.

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A cave monastery, local arts and crafts, and spice gardens are what makes the town of Matale an interesting place to visit. When here, I recommend spending one or two hours in one of the spice gardens located at various locations along the road leading to the town centre. When I visited, I learned some of the secrets of Ayurvedic medicine, a thousand-year-old traditional science from Sri Lanka. Fans of wellness tourism may be able to experience a spice balm massage, depending on the specific site visited. However, don't purchase any spices, creams or ointments from the shops at the gardens: prices are often much higher there than at the traditional markets or stores. If, like me, you've opted to travel between Dambulla and Kandy by bus, stopping off at Matale will give you the chance to take a break and get some air. Because they're paid by the journey, Sri Lankan bus drivers often drive like racing drivers and pay little heed to the rules of the road.

Matale Vacations

Matale: How to get there?

Matale: When to go?

Matale: For how long?

Matale: What to see in the surroundings?

Sri Lanka: our articles for your vacation