Three hours from Kandy, after an uphill climb along roads that snake around misty mountains, you reach Nuwara Eliya, the island’s highest town situated in a lush valley about 1890m above sea level.  The hot and humid climate of the coastal areas is replaced by a crisp dry air and a unique lifestyle that has made this a popular holiday retreat for generations.

Discovered by the British who developed it into a summer retreat in the early 1800s, Nuwara Eliya still maintains much of its colonial character (it’s still called Little England by some people). The town sprawls over the fertile valley with Victorian-style 19th century homes, bungalows, guesthouses and hotels complete with gabled roofs, large open fireplaces and hardwood floors.  The residents of Nuwara Eliya take great pride in their beautiful gardens too with their neatly-clipped lawns and colourful flower beds.

The town’s main attraction is the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club with its challenging
18-hole golf course and a clubhouse full of colonial character.  The St. Andrew’s hotel, situated just a stone’s throw from the golf course, is a refurbished old Tudor-style mansion and the best hotel within the town. There are other good accommodation options just outside the town.

Close to Nuwara Eliya is Horton's Plains, an undulating 2000m high plateau with grassy plains interspersed with small patches of forest which is home to leopards, sambur, deer, bear, monkeys and a rich array of birds, including some endemic species. The most dramatic feature of the national park is “World’s End” where the plateau comes to an abrupt end and drops nearly a 1000m straight. The panoramic views from here are unparalleled.  

During the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year celebrations in April herald the “season” for Nuwara Eliya, another tradition that stretches back to the British colonial period. Colombo’s resident flock to the hills for the holiday to escape the enervating pre-monsoon heat. The 10-day holiday period includes horse races, motorcross rallies, golf competitions, flower exhibitions, concerts and revelry late into the night. Book early.