Single Tree Hill
A short climb above Nuwara Eliya with a wide view over the town, Gregory Lake and the surrounding tea hills.
Rising above Nuwara Eliya town, Single Tree Hill is exactly what its name suggests, a solitary tree standing at the summit of a hill that's become one of the more rewarding short climbs in the area for anyone chasing a proper panoramic view. Reaching the top means a walk of a couple of kilometers along winding paths that cut through surrounding tea plantations, gaining elevation gradually enough that most visitors find it manageable without needing serious hiking experience.
From the summit, the reward is a sweeping view over Nuwara Eliya town itself, the patchwork of tea estates spreading across the hills, and on clearer days, glimpses of the wider Central Highlands stretching toward the horizon. It's a popular enough spot with both locals and travelers that early mornings tend to bring a mix of joggers, photographers chasing golden light, and the occasional local family out for a weekend walk.
Because it sits so close to town, Single Tree Hill works well as a quick escape from Nuwara Eliya's busier streets, a chance to get some elevation, a proper workout, and a rewarding view all within a relatively short round trip, without needing to commit to a full day excursion elsewhere in the hill country.
The hill is also known as Haddon Hill. Its summit sits at around 2,100 metres, only about 250 metres above the town, which is why the climb feels so manageable for most people.
On a clear morning the view reaches well beyond town. You look straight down on Gregory Lake, and on the best days you can pick out Piduruthalagala, Hakgala and even the distant peak of Sri Pada on the horizon.
Timing matters here. Mist and cloud often roll in later in the day and can swallow the view completely, so I'd set off early and aim to reach the top soon after sunrise. Wear shoes with grip, since the path can turn slippery after rain, and bring a warm layer, because it's noticeably colder at the top. If you'd rather not walk the whole way, a tuk tuk can take you most of the way up Single Tree Hill Road. Round off the day with a slow afternoon by the lake or a walk through Victoria Park.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time: Sunrise or sunset, on a clear day
How to get there
About 3km from town up Single Tree Hill Road. Walk up or take a tuk-tuk most of the way.