Nuwara Eliya

At around 1,900 metres, Nuwara Eliya is the highest town in Sri Lanka and was the favourite hill station of British planters, who built mock-Tudor bungalows, a golf course and a racecourse here in the 19th century — hence the nickname "Little England". Today it is surrounded by some of the island's most famous tea estates, and its cool climate (nights can drop below 10°C) is a refreshing contrast to the coast.

Things to do

• Tea factory tours — Pedro Estate on the edge of town and the Mackwoods Labookellie estate on the Kandy road both offer tours and tastings. Watch the leaf being withered, rolled and dried, then walk among the pickers on the slopes.
• Horton Plains and World's End — the main reason many people stay here. Leave before dawn to be at the park gate when it opens.
• Gregory Lake — a lakeside walk, boating and picnic spot on the edge of town.
• Victoria Park — a small, well-kept park in the centre that is good for birdwatching early in the morning.
• Colonial landmarks — the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club, the old post office and the golf course.
• Waterfalls on the way in — Ramboda Falls on the Kandy road and St Clair's and Devon Falls on the Hatton road.

When to go

January to April is driest and clearest. April is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, when Nuwara Eliya fills with local holidaymakers, races and events — fun, but rooms book out and prices rise. Bring warm layers year-round.

Getting there

• By train: the nearest station is Nanu Oya, about 15–20 minutes by road below town, on the Kandy–Ella line. Nanu Oya to Ella takes about 3–3.5 hours.
• By road: about 2.5–3 hours from Kandy and 4.5–5 hours from Colombo, on a winding mountain road.

How long to stay

One or two nights. One night is enough for a tea factory and Horton Plains; add a second if you want to walk more or simply enjoy the cool air.