Rafter’s Retreat

The Hill Country


This old colonial-era bungalow serves as the hub for a rafting and birdwatching outfit that sprawls along the riverbank. The 10 quirky riverside cottages are basic and fan-cooled. You just pull up a blind to see the gushing river.

The breezy riverside restaurant is a great place for a few beers, and jovial owner Channa can organise all manner of tours and activities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Hill Country attractions

1. Classic Car Museum

0.91 MILES

It's more of a hotel garage than a museum, but this fine collection of classic cars is well worth a peek. Just buy a drink at the hotel and someone will…

2. Millennium Elephant Foundation

19.14 MILES

The Millennium Elephant Foundation houses elephants rescued from aggressive mahouts, and elephants retired from working in temples. Be aware that though…

3. Embekka Devale

19.25 MILES

Dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Mahasen, this beautiful temple, with its finely carved wooden pillars depicting swans, eagles, wrestling men…

4. Glenloch Tea Estate

19.51 MILES

Around 27km north of Nuwara Eliya, tours of this factory are fairly informative, explaining cultivation, types of tea and the drying and packing processes…

5. Lankatilake Temple

19.53 MILES

This impressive 14th-century temple, mounted on a rocky bluff, is the most imposing in the region. It's divided into two halves – one half Buddhist and…

6. Gadaladeniya Temple

20.58 MILES

This Buddhist temple with a Hindu annex dates from the 14th century, and the main shrine room contains a stunningly beautiful, gilded seated Buddha. Built…

7. Blue Field Tea Estate

20.72 MILES

This large tea estate is 20km north of Nuwara Eliya. Short tours are offered and there's a decent restaurant here too. Blue Field Tea Estate has no…

8. Katugas Falls

20.79 MILES

The 6m-high Katugas Falls, 3km north of town, are quite scenic, but crowded on Sundays and public holidays.