Nuwara Eliya Tea Estates

Nuwara Eliya sits high in Sri Lanka’s central hills, surrounded by steep slopes covered in neat rows of tea. The British developed it as a cool-weather retreat in the nineteenth century, and its colonial bungalows, gardens and Gregory Lake still earn it the nickname “Little England”.

Visit a working tea factory to see how the leaves are withered, rolled and dried, then taste fresh Ceylon tea overlooking the estates. Nearby, the Seetha Amman Temple stands beside a stream at Sita Eliya, linked by tradition to Ashok Vatika in the Ramayana, and is a moving stop for many Indian travellers.

Evenings can be chilly, so pack a warm layer. The winding hill roads are slow, so allow plenty of time, or take the train onward to Ella. Waterfalls and strawberry farms along the way make good stops for families.