Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Located right in the centre of the island country, Nuwara Eliya, also known as the city of light is popular for its picturesque landscapes and beautiful tea plantations. At 1,868 metres from the sea level, the hill station is considered to be the most important producer of tea in Sri Lanka. Overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain of the country, Nuwara Eliya, is one of the most popular destinations in the India Ocean. Discovered by Samuel Baker, the hill station is also known as Little England due to its colonial past. The hill station is a photographer’s dream come true with its gorgeous valleys and meadows. It’s difficult to digest that Nuwara Eliya is just 180 km from the hot and humid city of Colombo.

• Lake Gregory, the man made wonder, nestled in the foot of the hills is nothing less than a stunning wallpaper. A boat ride in the lake will bring back all the peace you have been yearning for.

• Another must visit place in Nuwara Eliya is the Hakgala Botanical Gardens which is dipped in the mist all around the year. The fragrance in the air is captivating and will last in your memory forever.

• Lakshapana Fall is very popular in the whole of Sri Lanka; and also the most important as it’s used to generate electricity in the country. The falls are 129m high and plunge into Maskeliya Oya, forming an array of scenic lines of water.

• Lovers and honeymooners must also visit the Lover’s Leap waterfall. Locals narrate many folk tales based on true love stories that add to the curiosity. The story of a couple who jumped in the falls to be together in life and death is the most popular one and hence the name.

• Breweries are also a common sight in the hill station and Ceylon Breweries is well known throughout the region. Established in 1884 the brewery is one of the finest too.

Best time to visit — All around the year

Cuisine — Sri Lankan, Indian and Continental

Languages Spoken — Sinhala, Tamil and English

How to get there — By road through Colombo