Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Rub shoulders with the locals on a 3-hour train ride from Kandy to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The scenery on the way is breathtaking and is said to be one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, undulating mountains and lush forests. It was originally built in 1864 to transport tea to the capital city.

The best adventures start with Tea

Nuwara Eliya is situated just below Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala which stands at 8281 ft. Nicknamed ‘Little England’ by the British because of its cool, damp climate, this is quite possibly the only place in Sri Lanka you may feel the need for a light jumper. The tea bushes seem to like it, though. Many of the buildings are reminiscent of a bygone England too. From here you can pick leaves at a tea plantation followed by a visit to a factory where you can watch the process from field to cup then finish your day with a refreshing pot of Ceylon tea while looking out to spectacular views.

If you prefer to drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, the scenery is no less stunning, en route you will pass several waterfalls, from merely trickling ones to awe-inspiring, crashing ones. Pause for a while at Ramboda Falls and take a plunge into the pool with the residents.

Sri Lanka is inviting you for a cup of tea!

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Hotels

Just a few hotels to whet your appetite

98 Acres Spa resort is a beautiful hotel set in the 98-acre tea estate. It offers many other activities, such as bird watching, village tours, or a visit to Nine Arches Bridge, or Bambaragama Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, (this is a 30-minute Tuk Tuk ride away) or ask your driver to take you there, he will also be able to give you the story behind the falls.

Try a spa or a quick dip in the inviting pool before you dine, followed by a comfortable sleep in a wonderful room built from recyclable substances; a combination of railway sleepers, granite, and thatch.

A short drive from Nuwara Eliya, this former Tea factory has been sensitively converted into an impressive 5 star hotel. Its 50 spacious and elegant rooms accommodate guests from couples to families. Overlooking extensive plantations, it is perfectly located to enjoy a total tea experience, from picking and processing to tasting. Complete your day with a mouthwatering high tea or unwind in the serenity of the hotel’s spa. Visit the nearby Lovers Leap waterfall, with its Romeo and Juliet folk story. Remember, the romantic legend is just that, so please don’t try to repeat it!

High in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and set among countless acres of tea bushes, this small, four-bedroomed hotel will transport you back to a bygone era. Once an estate manager’s bungalow, it still conveys a warm, Colonial charm. Round off a busy day and relax in Goatfell’s cool climate with a sundowner while sitting by the fire pit, enjoying the stunning views, while your butler (oh yes!) takes care of the good things in life.

Ideal for those who enjoy a more temperate climate, the five planter’s bungalows of Ceylon Tea Trails poise, elegantly, high in Sri Lanka’s hill country in perfect, cool tranquility. Framed by seemingly endless carpets of mature plantations, here lives the memory of long-ago Britain, infused with a flavour of Asia. The bungalows host 27 spacious rooms and suites with period furnishings in a laid-back Colonial style, with luxurious bathrooms and butler service. All overlook sweeping lawns with lush tropical gardens, some with breathtaking views of Castlereagh Lake. All bungalows are complemented by stunning Infinity pools. Tea tasting is naturally a must, along with a traditional Afternoon Tea on the lawn. Don’t look for a restaurant, or menu – mouth-watering gourmet cuisine is created daily for the bungalows to showcase local flavours and garden-fresh produce.