Nuwara Eliya dates back to the early-19th century, when the British colonial administrator John Davy discovered this verdant bowl-shaped valley which is overlooked by the rugged, jagged peak of Mount Pidurutalagala (Sri Lanka’s highest mountain). This history is obvious from the moment you arrive in Nuwara Eliya – which is fondly termed ‘Little England’ by many locals. Quite apart from the temperate climate (Nuwara Eliya stands at over 1,800m and has a mean annual temperature of 16 degrees celsius), the town itself is awash with relics of the British colonial period, including country clubs, old hotels, a golf course and even a racecourse. Gorge on locally-grown strawberries as you walk along, and peer into tiny allotments bursting with fruit, flowers and vegetables. Stroll through the rose beds of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, or visit a vibrant Hindu temple. Trek through Horton Plains and visit World’s End, where the plateau comes to an abrupt halt and drops 1,000m straight down. Go on walks and bike rides through the surrounding tea fields and explore a tea plantation with  resident planter.