The Hill Country - Sri Lanka - page 399

Bandarawela Hotel HISTORIC HOTEL
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 222 2501; www.aitkenspencehotels.com ; 14 Welimada Rd;s/d incl break-
fast US$90/106; )
Around 80 years ago they wisely stopped updating the furniture at this venerable tea plant-
ers' club. Now, in the 21st century, this hotel is a jolly fine show. So don your pith helmet,
walk shorts, gloves and long socks and ease into one of the relax-at-all-costs easy chairs.
There's nothing forced about this place. It's a genuine time capsule and as such is high
on atmosphere but low on modern amenities. For colonial buffs it's worth the trip to
Bandarawela alone.
Mlesna Tea Centre CAFE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Welimada Rd;tea Rs 70-100; 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat & Sun)
You're deep in tea country so buy some at this superb tea shop and cafe, which has high-
quality leaves from across the hills and a selection of daily cakes.
Getting There & Away
BUS
Buses run to the following destinations:
TRAIN
Bandarawela is on the Colombo-Badulla railway line. First-class observation tickets
through the hills cost Rs 1000 for anywhere between Nanu Oya and Badulla. From Nanu
Oya to Kandy is Rs 1250. A reserved 2nd-class ticket is Rs 600.
Trains heading east to Ella and Badulla leave at 12.50pm and 2.45pm.
Trains heading west towards Kandy leave at 7.15am, 9.57am and 1.10pm.