Tea Country Travel Guide
Sri Lanka is the world’s largest exporter of tea. Take a train from Kandy towards the Tea Country, and enjoy the spectacular views as it meanders through dense jungle opening into cloud forest, with undulating vistas of immaculate tea plantations in between. The journey then takes you through startling orange minivets perching on vivid Spathodia blossoms, thin bends clinging onto hillsides between soaring peaks and dramatic ravines. Add to that thundering waterfalls and glassy lakes reflect the astonishing scenery and you get what can best be termed as a paradise on earth.
Since the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka in mid-19th century, Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. For many miles prior to reaching Nuwara Eliya, you will be rewarded with views of acres and acres of tea plantations. You can visit many tea factories which also serve as tea outlets.
Besides being the heart of the tea industry, Nuwara Eliya is also the main hill resort of Sri Lanka. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters, the town still boasts several English style bungalows and buildings.
For tourists, the main attraction of Nuwara Eliya is the tea plantations. Apart from that, it also provides opportunities for golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking and of course exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, waterfalls and plateaus.
Attractions in and around Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka is the world’s largest exporter of tea. Take a train from Kandy towards the Tea Country, and enjoy the spectacular views as it meanders through dense jungle opening into cloud forest, with undulating vistas of immaculate tea plantations in between. The journey then takes you through startling orange minivets perching on vivid Spathodia blossoms, thin bends clinging onto hillsides between soaring peaks and dramatic ravines. Add to that thundering waterfalls and glassy lakes reflect the astonishing scenery and you get what can best be termed as a paradise on earth.
Since the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka in mid-19th century, Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. For many miles prior to reaching Nuwara Eliya, you will be rewarded with views of acres and acres of tea plantations. You can visit many tea factories which also serve as tea outlets.
Besides being the heart of the tea industry, Nuwara Eliya is also the main hill resort of Sri Lanka. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters, the town still boasts several English style bungalows and buildings.
For tourists, the main attraction of Nuwara Eliya is the tea plantations. Apart from that, it also provides opportunities for golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking and of course exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, waterfalls and plateaus.
Attractions in and around Nuwara Eliya
The Labookelle tea centre: Located on Kandy road, the centre offers guided tours of the factory free of charge and also runs a sales outlet and a restaurant on site.
The Tea Cup: En route to Colombo via Hatton, The Tea Cup is easily recognizable by the large teacup in the front. It is maintained by the Watawala Plantations Limited and offers brewed tea and snacks. It is also an important tea sales centre.
Victoria Park: The park is perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll. You can also boat at Gregory Lake or go pony and horse riding at the turf club of Nuwara Eliya also situated within the city.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club: Located at a walking distance from the town centre, this 18-hole golf course was built in 1891.
Waterfalls: There are many popular water falls around the town including Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Laksapana Falls. The Nuwara Eliya beer is brewed from the water of the stream.
Hortain Plains: The area forms an excellent base for excursions and is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers. Also within the park are the World's End, a shear drop of 1000m offers a breathtaking view of the land below on clear days, Bakers Falls and trails for hikers.
Hiking: Nuwara Eliya is home to the highest peak in Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala (2550m). Though the summit is not open to the public, visitors can hike up to 7000ft. There are several water falls along the route.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Hakgala Gardens lie beneath the towering Hakgala Rock some 10 km south of Nuwara Eliya and offer majestic views across hills receding in tiers into the distance. The gardens attract several migratory birds such as Gray wagtail, Pied ground thrush, bungalow swallow, Pied & brown shrike, Indian woodchat, Green willow warbler, and the Gray headed fly catcher. Above the gardens, a forest trail leads into virgin woodland, which is home to a troop of purple-faced leaf monkeys, a species endemic to the island, sambhur.