Sri Lanka's tea country, and one of the most scenic train rides in Asia.
The hill country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella delivers rolling tea estates, a cooler climate, and the famous scenic rail journey between the two.
Central HighlandsRegion
Jan–MarBest visiting window
Scenic &
rail travellersIdeal client profile
rail travellersIdeal client profile
Overview
Sri Lanka's hill country offers a genuine change of pace and climate from the coast and Cultural Triangle — tea estates carpeting the hillsides, colonial-era hill station charm in Nuwara Eliya, and the widely photographed train journey to Ella through tunnels and tea country.
Highlights
Nuwara Eliya
A colonial-era hill station, sometimes called 'Little England,' surrounded by tea estates.
Ella
A small hill-country town, base for the Nine Arches Bridge and short hikes.
Scenic hill-country train
One of the most celebrated train journeys in Asia, running through tea country.
Tea estate tours
Working tea plantations with factory tours and tastings.
Best time to visit
Jan–MarClearest, coolest — the strongest window
Apr–SepWetter, but the tea country stays green
Oct–DecNortheast monsoon influence
Dec–MarCoolest nights — pack layers
Suggested itinerary
3 Days
Tea Country Escape
Nuwara Eliya → the scenic train → Ella. Hill country at its best.
8 Days
Scenic Sri Lanka
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Galle, hill country and coast combined.
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