Bandarawela might not be as rich in tea leaves as its tea country siblings, 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 live and recuperate. Today, travelers are drawn here because of the excellent walking opportunities offered by Bandarawela’s lush hills, which provide sensational views across the rest of the tea country. Perched at an altitude of over 1,200m, Bandarawela’s fresh climate is ideal for outdoor activities: discover the delight of hiking up Poonagala Hill and passing tea estates, paddy fields and wooded jungle glens.

There are a limited number of hotels in Bandarawela, but The Dutch House is a beautiful 18^th century villa which provides magnificent views and has the unusual feature of an indoor swimming pool which may be preferable in the town’s cooler temperatures.