Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s hill country retreat, famed for its crisp air, lush tea plantations and colonial era elegance. Nicknamed “Little England,” it offers rose gardens, trout filled lakes and scenic highland treks. With cooler temperatures and misty mornings, it’s the perfect contrast to the island’s tropical coasts, ideal for rejuvenation, exploration and a refined step back in time.

• Iconic Ceylon tea estate visits
• Horton Plains and World’s End hikes
• Colonial bungalows and English gardens
• Gregory Lake boat rides available
• High altitude strawberry farms and markets
• Scenic train journey through cloud forests

Nestled at over 1,800 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is a highland hideaway that swaps sun for cool mountain air and tropical rhythms for Victorian grace. Once the favourite retreat of British colonials, the town still bears the imprint of “Little England”, with its Tudor style mansions, rose gardens and golf courses nestled among misty hills.

Surrounded by rolling tea estates, Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Ceylon tea country. A visit here is not complete without touring a tea factory, learning how leaves are plucked, withered and brewed into the world famous beverage. Don’t forget to sip a freshly brewed cup as you overlook the velvety green plantations.

Adventure seekers can trek through Horton Plains National Park, home to World’s End, a dramatic cliff drop offering sweeping views over the island’s southern plains. Boating on Gregory Lake, horseback riding or strawberry picking are just a few of the quaint experiences waiting here.

Sri Lanka Tailor-Made recommends Nuwara Eliya for travellers seeking a cooler, calmer contrast to the coast, whether you are a tea lover, nostalgic wanderer or honeymooner in search of highland romance.