Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka.
The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka comprise three protected areas: Peak Wilderness, Horton Plains National Park, and Knuckles Conservation Forest, all recognized as a World Heritage Site. The region features steep forested mountains with submontane rain forests that support diverse wildlife and plant communities.
The British colonial period transformed this mountain region in the mid-1800s by establishing large-scale tea plantations, recognizing it as ideal for tea cultivation. This colonial legacy reshaped the landscape and many plantations continue operations to the present day.
Local communities throughout the region grow tea and spices using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. You can see these practices in the fields around villages and hillside plantations that shape the landscape.
The best time to visit is December to February when weather is drier and visibility remains good in the higher elevations. Accommodations range from simple guesthouses to mountain lodges, with local guides available for hiking and nature exploration.
The region is home to animals found nowhere else on Earth, including purple-faced langurs and leopards that roam the ancient forests between steep peaks. Spotting these creatures is rare but reveals the area's connection to ancient plant life from the Gondwana supercontinent.
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