Bandarawela

Bandarawela might not be as rich in tea leaves as its Hill Country pals, but it was still the second most important hill station under the Brits who singled out its cool yet dry climate as the perfect place to convalesce. Today, it’s her lush hilly hinterland that draws the cooing crowds. Perched at an altitude of over 1,200m, Bandarawela’s fresh climate is literally made for lumbering outdoors. Discover its delights by hiking up Poonagala Hill to stake out tea estates, paddy fields and wooded jungle glens. Remnants of the British colonialists are fewer in Bandarawela than in neighbouring Nuwara Eliya but the town still manages to evoke a certain nostalgia of its own. The Bandarawela Hotel – a fusty yet atmospheric abode on the edge of town – is its colonial chieftain, since it began life as a cushy clubhouse back in 1893. If you fancy a peek, time it with High Tea so you can snatch a sneaky snoop inside as you sip Ceylon’s finest on the lawn. The Cargill’s building and Post Office opposite the hotel also ooze character since they too date back over 100 years.