Ambewela Farm, Sri Lanka

Ambewela sits at around 1,800 metres, about 17 km south of Nuwara Eliya, on the road to Horton Plains. Its rolling green pastures, black-and-white cattle and cold winds look so unlike the rest of Sri Lanka that the area is nicknamed "Little New Zealand". Two large dairy farms here supply much of the country's fresh milk, and both welcome visitors.

What to see

• Ambewela Farm is the bigger and busier of the two. Visitors can see the cattle sheds, calves, goats and rabbits, and the milking parlour.
• New Zealand Farm, a few kilometres further on, is similar, with wide views over the pastures. Its name comes from the cattle breeds and farming methods brought in when it was set up.
• The wind turbines and pastures between the two make this one of the most photographed stretches of road in the hills.
• The sales outlet sells fresh milk, flavoured milk, yoghurt, cheese and ice cream. Most visitors stop for a glass of warm fresh milk, which is very welcome in the cold.

This is a simple outing, and it is most popular with Sri Lankan families and children. Don't expect a polished tourist attraction.

Visiting times

The farms open to visitors for set hours in the daytime, typically from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with milking sessions around midday. Times change, so check before you go. A small entrance fee is charged.

Weekends, public holidays and the April season are extremely busy, with long queues of vehicles on the narrow road. Go on a weekday if you can.

Weather

Ambewela is one of the coldest and windiest places in the country. Mist and drizzle can arrive in minutes, even on a sunny day. Bring a warm, windproof layer. January to April is the driest period.

Getting there

By road, Ambewela is about 45 minutes from Nuwara Eliya, on the route through Pattipola to Horton Plains. Many visitors stop here on the way back from the early-morning Horton Plains hike, which works well, since the farms open after you finish the walk.

Ambewela also has a small railway station on the main line between Nanu Oya and Haputale. This is one of the most scenic sections of the route, and nearby Pattipola is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka. See our Kandy to Ella train guide.

For families, our guide to Sri Lanka with kids has more easy outings like this one.