The Hill Country is spread over the centre of the island.
A beautiful region, dominated by mountains and tea plantations.
Its capital, Kandy, is a great place to visit on tour. The
atmosphere is cooler and there is plenty to see, whether it
be the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, Botanical Gardens
or Elephant Orphanage. Further into the mountains, joined
to Kandy by one of the world’s most spectacular railways,
is Nuwara Eliya. A colonial hill station surrounded by tea
plantations and worth the extra journey. There is a wide range
of accommodation throughout the region; from 5* hotels, cosy
guesthouses or a stunning golf and country club.
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy
 The
only test match venue to be owned by a school, this is a unique
cricket venue in many ways. Asgiriya is owned by Trinity College,
one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious schools and producer
of some of the countries great cricketers. Most recently it
was Kumar Sangakkara; who has since returned to score a hundred
against the Australians in 2004. Asgiriya, although a little
scruffy considering its international status, has a beautiful
setting. The ground is carved into a hillside and is overlooked
by Kandyan peaks and a giant seated Buddha. The Buddhist Research
Institute, Kandy to Colombo railway line and one of Kandy’s
poorer slums all border the pitch, but this does not distract
from the peacefulness of the ground. The wicket is one of
the fastest in Sri Lanka and this is matched by a lightening
outfield. After the game, enjoy a beer in the Old Trinitians
Clubhouse that overlooks the ground.
Peradeniya Campus, Kandy
Peredeniya University provides a suitable alternative to the
Asgiryia Stadium, when Asgiriya is unavailable. It is also
a far cheaper option. The university ground is just outside
Kandy and the pitch is formed in a natural amphitheatre. This
is a great venue for a tour game and the picturesque setting
makes up for the basic facilities. Naturally, most games held
here are against a university side. The students are most
welcoming and are fantastic hosts.
Radella Cricket Grounds, Nuwara Eliya
 Perched
in the hills near Nuwara Eliya and celebrated by Wisden as
‘one of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world,’
the Radella Cricket Ground is well worth the journey deep
into the central highlands. Mountains clad with rows of tea
bushes tower over the pitch and tea pickers will stop for
a moments rest and watch the match unfold. The ground was
created by British tea planters in the 1870 and a typically
British pavilion completes this unique venue. The condition
of the pitch is variable and the weather can be very British.
Sweaters may well be needed; a welcome change to playing at
Sri Lanka’s other venues.
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