One Tree Hill isn’t just a hill — it’s a 360° postcard view of Sri Lanka. Green mountains, rolling valleys, and the peaceful sound of nature all around you.
🌄 How I Discovered One Tree Hill
I actually found out about One Tree Hill thanks to a friend who lives in Matale.
My original plan was completely different — I was supposed to visit Riverston, Pitawala Pathana and then camp at Manigala Rock. 🏕️
But… nature had other plans. 🌧️
When I reached Riverston Peak, heavy rain hit me hard. I was totally unprepared for that much rain — within minutes, I was soaked to the bone. 😅
So, I decided to turn back and head to my friend’s house again. I waited there for a while, hoping the rain would stop.
That’s when my friend suggested One Tree Hill 🌳 and even gave me a contact to arrange the visit.
And that’s how I discovered this hidden gem — a place that most people don’t even know about.
In the next part, I’ll share everything you need to know to visit it yourself. 📍✨
Why Visit One Tree Hill?
If you’re looking for fresh air, stunning 360° views, and a place where time feels slower, One Tree Hill in the Matale District should be on your bucket list.
It’s perfect for:
- 📸 Photography – Sunrises, sunsets, and endless green hills.
- 🏕 Camping – Peaceful nights under the stars.
- 🚗 Mini road trip – Scenic journey through the hill country.
Quick Facts
- Location: On the way to Sembuwatta, Matale District, Sri Lanka
- Entry Fee: Rs. 500 per person (Last update May 5, 2023)
- Best for: Nature lovers, campers, hikers, and photographers
- Vehicle Access: Any vehicle can go, but off-road vehicles make it more fun
- Facilities: Huts for cooking/rest, water & toilets available
How to Get There
Option 1 – By Private Vehicle
- From Matale or Ukuwela, drive towards Elkaduwa.
- From Elkaduwa, continue straight (don’t turn onto Sembuwatta Road) for ~3 km.
- Look for the signboard for One Tree Hill.
- Final stretch: Narrow and bumpy—better with a vehicle that has high ground clearance.
Option 2 – By Public Transport
- Take the 8:00 AM Elkaduwa bus from Wattegama (Rs. 110 fare, Last update May 5, 2023).
- From Elkaduwa, hire a tuk-tuk to One Tree Hill.
NOTE: If you have trouble finding the location, you can contact Mr. Prabath at 0773120121 or the site caretaker, Shiwa, at 0761625914 for assistance.
🌌 The Tricky Night Drive to One Tree Hill
By the time I started heading there, darkness had already settled in. 🌙
Finding the place on Google Maps? Forget it. The location is tricky, and honestly, I was driving blind — just trusting my guide, Shiva, to lead the way.
The road was full of twists and turns, and by the time I checked my watch, it was already around 7:00–7:30 PM. I was in my friend’s little Toyota Vitz 🚗 — which, as I would soon find out, was about to face its toughest challenge yet.
The road? Completely broken in places. Every few meters felt like a mini roller coaster ride — bump after bump. 🎢
I took so many wrong turns that I lost count, stopping to ask locals for directions until I finally found the correct road.
Shiva told me, “Don’t worry, the car can go near the campsite.”
But the final stretch? Oh no… that wasn’t a road. It was basically an off-road track with rocks everywhere, and even a canal running through the middle. I just looked at Shiva like:
“With a Vitz?? Are you serious?” 😳
But there was no turning back. The rain earlier in the day had made the track even worse, but somehow, rock by rock, bump by bump, I managed to off-road a Vitz in the dark.
Finally, we reached the parking spot — which, thanks to the rain, had turned into a mud pit. 🛞💦
What to Expect in One Tree Hill
When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with:
- 🌄 Breathtaking 360° Views – See rolling hills, tea estates, and misty mountains.
- 🏕 Camping Area – Space for tents near the viewpoint and in nearby clearings.
- 🍳 Cooking Huts – Great for making a warm meal after a hike.
- 🚻 Basic Facilities – Water and toilets available.
⛺ Night at One Tree Hill
By the time I reached the campsite, it was pitch dark — I couldn’t see a single thing around me. 🌑
I set up my tent carefully, relying on my flashlight, and noticed there was already a nice little hut nearby. That became my cooking spot for the night.
⚠️ Important note: Be careful around that hut — there’s a steep slope right next to it. One wrong step in the dark and you might find yourself sliding down the mountain! 🏔️
The night was calm, and I slept surprisingly well. 💤
Then… morning came.
When I unzipped my tent, I was absolutely speechless. 😮
I’d never seen anything like it — it felt like I had woken up in heaven.
☀️ A full 360° view with the sunrise spilling golden light across the landscape. I was standing on a mountain peak, looking down at a dreamlike scene: clouds drifting lazily below me, green hills stretching endlessly in every direction.
It was so breathtaking, I instantly forgot all the stress of last night’s muddy off-road adventure.
Totally worth it. 🙌
Road & Hiking Conditions
- Two main routes: From Ukuwela or Matale. Both can be tricky for low cars.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy—only a short walk from the parking to the viewpoint.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
Watch Out For
- Leeches – Common during rainy months. Wear long pants, socks, and use repellent.
- Loose Rocks – Some steep areas require careful steps.
- Slippery Roads – If visiting in the rainy season, drive slowly.
😂 Leech Attack!
The moment I stepped out of the vehicle — surprise! My torchlight revealed dozens of leeches wriggling straight toward me like they’d been waiting for dinner. 🪱💨
I had to move quickly to escape their “welcome party.”
Strangely, once I reached the One Tree Hill campsite… not a single leech in sight. 🤔
No idea why they weren’t there, but I wasn’t about to complain! 🙌
Why You’ll Love One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill is more than a viewpoint—it’s a peaceful hideaway where you can:
- Breathe in fresh mountain air
- Camp under a sky full of stars
- Wake up to misty, magical sunrises
If you need a quick escape from city chaos, this is your place.
Final Tip: Pack warm clothes, a camera, and a good mood. One Tree Hill will do the rest. 🌿
One Tree Hill live weather update 🛰️
23°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
- Pressure
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
