Hill Club

Nuwara Eliya


Judged in pure value-for-money terms, the somewhat tired rooms at this quintessentially colonial hotel don't really cut it. However, a stay at the Hill Club is still many travellers' most memorable Sri Lanka experience. Chance your arm in the billiards room, stroll the sweeping lawns, admire the stone-clad exterior, sip a G&T in the bar and soak up the unique ambience.

Up until 1970 the club was reserved for British males, and one of its bars remained resolutely ‘men only’ until a few years ago. It’s now open to Sri Lankans and, golly gosh old chap, even ladies are allowed in.

The gardens are immaculate and there are four clay tennis courts (per hour Rs 700); the fee includes balls and racquet hire. Try not to lob a ball into the Sri Lankan president’s residence next door.

Dinner at the Hill Club is a thoroughly retro and unique experience and simply should not be missed.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nuwara Eliya attractions

1. Buddhist Temple

0.34 MILES

Located just south of Victoria Park, this temple has a small white stupa.

2. Victoria Park

0.43 MILES

This is one of the country's most attractive, and best-maintained, town parks. A stroll around its paths, past manicured lawns, is a pleasure. The park…

3. Galway's Land National Park

1.06 MILES

One of Sri Lanka's newest (2006) and smallest (29 sq hectares) national parks, Galway's Land is a dense patch of montane forest a couple of kilometres…

4. Lake Gregory

1.64 MILES

This lake is popular with domestic tourists who enjoy strolling the footpaths, taking out a swan-shaped pedal boat (30 minutes Rs 500) or trotting around…

5. Lovers Leap

1.7 MILES

From the Pedro Tea Estate, take a very enjoyable 5km (round-trip) walk to Lovers Leap, an impressive waterfall.

6. Pedro Tea Estate

2.26 MILES

To see where your morning cuppa originates, head to the Pedro Tea Estate, about 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola. You can take a 20…

7. Seetha Amman Temple

4.11 MILES

This colourful Hindu temple, 7km southeast of Nuwara Eliya, is said to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by the demon king Rawana, and where she…

8. Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory

4.21 MILES

On the A5, 11km northwest of Nuwara Eliya, the Labookellie Tea Factory is a convenient factory to visit as it’s right on the roadside. Its tours are very…