The tea route is the most atmospheric way to see highland Sri Lanka. The road climbs from Kandy to the cool plantations of Nuwara Eliya and down again to Ella, with one stretch covered by train through emerald hills. It's an unhurried journey about views, tea and altitude, not beaches. Find out more about the destination on the Sri Lanka page.
Kandy — the gateway to the hills
Kandy is the island's cultural capital and a convenient starting point. It's worth seeing the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the lake in the centre of town, catching your breath after the heat of the lowlands, and getting ready for the climb into the hills, where it turns noticeably cooler.
Nuwara Eliya — tea and cool air
Nuwara Eliya is often called 'Little England' for its cool climate and colonial architecture. All around are classic tea plantations, where you can walk between the rows of bushes and drop into a factory to see how the leaf becomes tea.
The train to Ella
The train ride towards Ella is the signature stretch of the route. The carriages roll slowly past plantations, waterfalls and hills, and the views from the open doors have long been an icon of Sri Lankan travel. In busy season, it's best to book tickets in advance.
Ella and around
Ella is a cosy hill town with walking trails, viewpoints and the famous old railway viaduct. From here it's easy to take short hikes up to the peaks for sunrise panoramas over the valley.
Seasonality
- The hills are cooler than the coast — warm clothing comes in handy year-round;
- Weather in the highlands is changeable, with rain and fog possible in any season;
- Check up-to-date forecasts before your trip to confirm the best months to travel.
The tea route isn't measured in kilometres, but in cups of tea and views from the train window.
The tea hills combine easily with the island's coastline — look for route ideas in the catalogue.
Weather in the hills and train timetables can change. Check current details and tickets closer to your travel date.
