
Ohiya

Hike

Bird Watch
Location Highlights
- Walk The Pekoe Trail stage 12: Udaweriya To Haputale
- Remote area with rugged mountains and mist covered valley
- Horton Plains National Park

Situated 1700 meters above sea level, Ohiya is a remote and picturesque region in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Known for its stunning landscapes and undulating hills, Ohiya is surrounded by patches of primary Montane Forests, Cloud Forests, and mountain grasslands, bordered by introduced pine and eucalyptus forests, as well as working and abandoned tea estates. It is nestled within the Ohiya forest reserve, serving as a buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Horton Plains National Park, renowned for its biodiversity.
The area’s remoteness is evident, with many abandoned tea plantations and “line house villages” dotting the slopes, where farming has become the primary livelihood due to the decline of the tea industry. Despite its challenging conditions, Ohiya maintains areas of undisturbed old-growth forests, preserved since an administrative order in 1873 prohibited further deforestation above 5000 feet.
Ohiya experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the southwest monsoon from May to September bringing the primary rainfall, totaling 2000 to 2500 millimeters annually. The region enjoys a cool and refreshing climate due to its elevation, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and colder nights averaging around 5 degrees Celsius. Misty and foggy conditions, especially during mornings and late afternoons, add to the unique atmosphere of Ohiya.
Home to a variety of wildlife, Ohiya boasts mammal species such as Sambar deer, toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, rusty-spotted cats, leopards, and Fishing cats. The Horton Plains area is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 21 species of endemic birds, including the Sri Lanka magpie, Dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka white-eye, and Sri Lanka Wood pigeon.
With its rugged mountains, diverse forests, and rich biodiversity, Ohiya offers fantastic trekking opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Our Favorite Accommodation in Ohiya
Icy Falls Hotel
Rating (tripadvisor.com)
4.5/5
Rating (booking.com)
9.0
Located near the base of Pidurangala mountain and ensconced within the Sigiriya Sanctuary, the Back of Beyond Jungle Lodge is a serene haven. Set within a charming unfenced 4-acre forest, with tree houses built into the canopy and surrounded by large trees and lianas, it offers a unique retreat amidst nature’s embrace.
The hotel also offers a unique range of guided outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including cycling, boat rides, and night walks to spot the elusive slender lorises. These activities provide excellent leisurely ways to explore the nature and culture of the dry zone areas of Sri Lanka.