Nestled 6200 feet above sea level, amid the tea plantations of the cool, central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is a charming hill station developed by British planters in the late 1800s. Set in an area of great natural beauty and pleasant climate, these natural charms of Nuwara Eliya, in parts echoing their homeland, easily persuaded the British to settle here. Testament to its past, the town is home to many renowned institutions of Sri Lanka’s colonial British era; such as the Racecourse, the Hill Club and of course the attractive Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.

A Scottish soldier of the Golan Highlanders built the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and its magnificent course for the British serviceman and officials stationed here in 1889. Today it remains a well-kept and challenging golf course set in stunning surroundings. Squint and you may feel you are playing golf back in the British Isles, but the course holds many features and experiences unique to Sri Lanka. Whether it is your helpful caddie and his wide Sri Lankan smile, or the course’s flora and fauna you’ll be in no doubt you in one of Asia’s beautiful corners.

From the 1st tee this course rewards straight hitting. It is a testing tee shot, made all the more tense because you stand in full view of the clubhouse. However any dropped shots on the first can be clawed back on the par 5, 2nd, where the green is accessible in two. The par 5, 6th, is the longest hole in Sri Lanka; with a wide fairway it presents the ideal opportunity to pull out the driver and open up your shoulders. Careful with that driver though because the fairways are lined with well-established trees, a slightly wayward shot brings these into play. If you manage to stay clear of the trees further challenges lie in the crags and creeks that bisect the fairways and the remorseless gorse and bunkers, causing many a curse and bogey. The challenging 12th, 13th and 14th holes are referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’ due to their resembling hills. It is also leopard country so let that be warning enough to keep the ball on the fairway.

The clubhouse and bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink and meal after your round. It is full of character and colonial history. Little has changed since the founding of the club and you can even enjoy a log fire on cooler evenings.

• Nuwara Eliya is 160km from Colombo approximately 5 hours drive. However Red Dot would suggest coming from Kandy (3+ hours) and experience one of the world’s great rail journeys. The SriLankan Air Taxi also flies to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy or Colombo.

• There is no time of year ‘when not to come’ to Nuwara Eliya. The season in Nuwara Eliya is April and this is best avoided as accommodation is at a premium. It is at this time that Sri Lankans flock to the town to escape the heat. December to March traditionally has the best weather but travel here in the low season and have the town to yourself.

• Par 70 (Ladies: 72), 5550 metres (4867m).

• Normal golfing dress codes are in place on the course. ‘Smart dress’ is required in the clubhouse. The ‘Players Bar’ has a more relaxed dress code. There is also a billiard room.

• There are a number of major competitions held at Nuwara Eliya and Red Dot will warn you if your stay will clash with any course restrictions.

• Other than the golf course, there are plenty more attractions and activities to keep you busy. Visit the Pedro Tea Estate and discover the origins of your morning pot of tea. For gardeners there is Hakgala gardens, 27 acres overflowing with roses and ferns. There are a number of walks one can undertake. On the edge of the town is Mt Pidurutalagala (Sri Lanka’s highest mountain). Explore the eucalyptus jungle and rare indigenous cloud forest on the slopes of this peak, for birdlife and exotic plants. Alternatively, be more adventurous and use Nuwara Eliya as a starting point for a Horton Plain safari or expedition to the summit of Adam’s Peak.