Visit Sri Lanka’s ‘Milk Farm’ in the Hilly Mountains

Ambewela milk farm is on your way to Horton Plains National Park and the World’s End Steep in Nuwara-Eliya.

Hence, you don’t have to make a separate trip to witness this farm, which is situated in a beautiful green valley, devoid of human habitation, in one of the most attractive places in Sri Lanka.

Situated above 6000 feet from sea level, Ambewela Milk Farm is regarded as an important hub in Sri Lanka’s milk production.

The Farm, which is famously known as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little New Zealand,’ was started in the 1940s by the British rulers.

British ruled Sri Lanka for nearly 150 years, until Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, gained independence in 1948.

In the 1960s, with the support of the New Zealand government, the New Zealand Farm was established in the adjoining area of the Ambewela Farm.

Even though two farms operated separately, the locals called both the “New Zealand Farm.’

This new initiative saw the introduction of the Friesian cows, a breed that originated in Holland and is globally known for high milk production with excellent yield.

Until the 90s, two farms, namely Ambewela Milk Farm and the New Zealand Milk Farm, both situated adjacently, operated as separate entities.

However, in the year 2001, the Sri Lankan government decided to sell both farms to a private firm known as Lanka Milk Foods, which came under the conglomerate Stassens.

Even though under one firm, both farms are still operated separately as New Zealand and

Ambewela Milk Farms, under one management.

The globally beloved dairy products, including Ambewela Fresh Milk, Ambewela Yogurt, and Ambewela Cheese, are all produced within these farms.

Visitor Attractions

It did not stop there, as the farm and the factory in the hills has become a tourist attraction.

The tourists are permitted to visit the factory and the New Zealand Milk Farm.

The farm is established across 1500 acres and consist of around 2000 cows, providing a real green picture for any visitors making it to the land.

This writer once reached the area by early morning, 7, and witness milk lorries entering the factory, special grass being transported by trucks to the farm, cows walking in lines to the fields etc.

The visitors also can taste and enjoy the dairy products produced by the farm at a stall established near the farm.

The daily excursion programs are in place for visitors starting from morning 8 to evening 6.

The entry charges are very nominal.

The Direction to the Milk Farm

Since the farm and the factory are established in in-between the road to Horton Plains, Ohiya, and World’s End, the visitors do not need to allocate a separate time to witness the Ambewela Farm and the factory complex.

The distance from the Nuwara-Eliya city to the farm is just 17 kilometers and devoid of traffic.

Ways to Reach The Farm

Bus

From Nuwara-Eliya City, the visitors can go in the bus, which will take around one hour to reach the location. (However, very minimal bus operation)

Taxi

Taxis are available both from Nuwaraeliya and ambewela train station.

Train

The trains are still not working between Nanu-Oya and Ambewela; once in operation, it will be a scenic ride.

However, trains are working from Badulla–Ella to Ambewela, which is once again a scenic ride.

From the train station, it’s just 3 kilometers to the milk farm, and either you can walk or get a taxi.

Own Transport

If you’re willing, owning transport will be ideal, as you can reach them on your own time, stop at scenic places to witness the surroundings, etc.

The place is is open to the visitors 365 days from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.