Little England of Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colourful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures.
Densely forested Galway's Land National Park is home to endemic birds. The cool climate, rolling emerald tea estates, and colonial-era bungalows earned Nuwara Eliya its nickname "Little England." It sits at nearly 1,900 m above sea level — one of Sri Lanka's highest cities.
The famous scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is considered one of the most beautiful rail rides in the world, winding through mist-covered mountains and verdant tea plantations.
Key attraction
- Scenic train journey from Kandy through tea country
- Tea estates and factory tours
- Horton Plains National Park and World's End viewpoint
Highlights
- Visit working tea estates
- Ride or trace the scenic highland railway
- Plan a day toward Horton Plains
- Slow the pace with cool mornings and garden walks
