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Nuwara Eliya

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• Explorelanka - Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya , town, south-central Sri Lanka . It lies at an elevation of 6,199 feet (1,889 metres) above sea level , immediately south of the island’s highest summit, Mount Pidurutalagala (8,281 feet [2,524 metres]), and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Kandy . From 1830 Nuwara Eliya was a hill station used by the British residents of what was then Ceylon. Because of the elevation, the vegetation is of the temperate sort, and European fruit and vegetables are grown. Although part of a major tea-growing region, the town is also a market centre for rubber, vegetables, rice, and fish. The salubrious climate has led to its development as a hill resort and health spa as well. It is the site of a meteorological observatory. Pop. (2001) 25,388; (2012) 23,804.

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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: Cool, Mountainous, and Very Civilized - IL

I’m waiting to catch sight of a lunar eclipse on this clear, starry night, and I’m shivering in my fleece jacket. I almost didn’t bring it along. I just left the steamy, tropical weather of Galle, on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southwest coast, six hours ago but that’s OK—inside my pretty mountain guesthouse there’s fragrant cinnamon wood in the fireplace, a steaming cup of hot tea, and homemade strawberry tarts waiting for me.

Nuwara Eliya (pronounced Noora-elya) is a small enough town that there’s little light pollution, and the scenery is nothing less than spectacular. At 6,129 feet in elevation, the temperatures are always cool and the air is clean. Year-round temperatures rarely exceed 75 F, dipping into the 50s F at night. Mornings are often foggy, and rain can occur any time of the year.

The cool, humid climate is ideal for growing tea, and Nuwara Eliya is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s famed tea estates. The teas produced in the mountains surrounding town—Lipton, Dilmah, Blue Field, and others—are exported around the world.

Nuwara Eliya is known as “Little England,” and you can really see the legacy of British colonial influence that remains from the time when Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) was part of their Empire. The clock tower and red brick post office in the center of town were built in 1894 during this period, and and the buildings haven’t changed much since then. The quaint clock tower still keeps perfect time, and the post office retains its original purpose. The interior is just as it was a century ago, right down to the oak trim. A portrait of young Queen Elizabeth graces the lobby. A formal garden of roses and prize dahlias on the grounds, and antique mailboxes that are still in use today, add to the charm.

Victoria Park is less than five minutes’ walk from the post office. This lovingly maintained 27-acre park was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s full of flowers and rose gardens, small ponds and lakes, rare birds, shady gazebos, and quiet pathways. Majestic old oaks imported from Germany and ancient twisted cypress trees give a feeling of permanence. Even during my visit in the July off-season, the park was bustling with visitors and young families.

You’ll see more fine examples of British colonial architecture throughout the town. The Tudor-style Grand Hotel, built in 1828, was originally the holiday home of Sir Edward Barnes, the fifth Governor of Ceylon. This majestic building has been lovingly restored and is surrounded by a large garden in a park-like setting fit for a king. It’s across the street from the oldest golf course in Sri Lanka, the 18-hole Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, established by British plantation owners in 1889. Nearby, several private homes with grand English-style lawns, stately trees, and neat gardens add to the Victorian-era ambiance.

Though Nuwara Eliya is not a huge city—its population is about 700,000—there are plenty of restaurants serving local and international cuisine, with dishes ranging from pub food and pizza to the omnipresent rice and spicy curry dishes that you’ll find throughout the country. I developed a taste for kottu, a creamy pasta-like dish made from sliced godhamba roti (a Sri Lankan whole wheat flatbread), mixed with vegetables, cheese, and chicken; it tasted like a rich and hearty stroganoff. The ginger beer—Sri Lanka’s favorite non-alcoholic beverage—was delicious and refreshing. If you eat where the locals eat, you’ll rarely pay more than $3 or $4 for a meal.

The new District General Hospital opened in 2018, bringing improved medical care to the community, and its reviews have been positive. If you had anything serious or complicated, though, consider going to Asiri Central Hospital or one of the other JCI-accredited hospitals in Colombo, roughly three hours away.

SRI LANKA AMONG THE FIRST ASIAN DESTINATIONS TO REOPEN

Sri Lanka has been largely spared from the COVID-19 pandemic. At time of writing, it’s only had 2,816 cases of the virus and just 11 deaths. The government feels that it has contained the virus and is proceeding with the first steps to re-open the country for tourism. The start date for re-opening was September 1, though the policy is subject to change as the situation develops. Tourist sites are expected to re-open, and foreign tourists from all nationalities are allowed to enter as long as certain conditions are met.

There is no mandatory quarantine, but you’ll be tested for COVID-19 not once, but several times, and other restrictions will also apply. Here are the details at the time of writing:

Tourists will not be permitted to enter Sri Lanka unless they are part of a small group, and must stay in government-approved accommodation. The options for lodging are posted on Sri Lanka’s tourism website. (See: Sltda.gov.lk )

Foreigners will need to stay in the country for a minimum of five days. You’ll need to come with a COVID-19-free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, a valid visa, and valid health insurance. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to take another virus test, which is free, and another one four to five days after your arrival; a mobile testing unit will come to your hotel. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 days, you’ll be required to take yet another test. If any results are positive, or if you have any symptoms, you’ll be quarantined for two to three weeks at a designated hotel.

Tourists will not be allowed to use public transportation, but the island is not that big and taxis and tuk-tuks are reasonably priced.

Visas cost $100. The fee includes all the required COVID-19 tests conducted in-country. A tourist visa is valid for 30 days but can be extended for up to six months. It should take four to six hours to get the results of the COVID-19 test, but if, for some reason, the results are not back in time, you’ll need to stay in a designated 4- or 5-star hotel in either Colombo or Negombo, which is the closest town to the airport.

Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, towers above the town at 8,281 feet. Thundering waterfalls overlooking hills blanketed in neatly cultivated rows of tea bushes provide endless exploration opportunities, though just walking through town in the cool weather and chatting with the locals is quite rewarding. Many Sri Lankans speak English and language difficulties are rare.

Rentals here can be good value. I found a nicely furnished three-bedroom 1,200-square-foot house near the town center listed for $350 per month. (See: Lankapropertyweb.com ) You can also find some lovely properties through Airbnb, and prices are often reduced for longer stays. I saw a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment for $600 per month and another apartment in a shared house for only $384 per month when the 40% long-stay discount is applied.

Dozens of hotels and small guesthouses are available for every budget. I stayed at the welcoming Lily Bank Cottage, where my spotlessly clean room with a fireplace (and a bundle of fragrant cinnamon wood) cost just $20 per night.

Nuwara Eliya is easily accessible by car, train, or taxi from Colombo. The 100-mile trip by taxi costs about $50. If you take the train, disembark at the Nanu-Oya station; from there, it’s a 30-minute drive to town. It’s easy to find taxis and tuk-tuks in town; most rides cost $2 or less.

MY DREAM HOME RETIREMENT VISA

Retiring in Sri Lanka is easy if you are at least 55 years old. You’ll need to deposit $15,000 in a fixed-deposit account at a Sri Lankan bank and make a monthly remittance of $1,500 (or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency) for as long as you have the visa.

You’ll also need to deposit $750 or the equivalent for each dependent every month. Dependents must be under the age of 18 and unmarried.

You can use the monthly deposit for your living expenses. That’s a generous amount for many expats—Sri Lanka isn’t an expensive country.

You will need to have health insurance–either a Sri Lankan policy or one issued from abroad.

Bring a certified copy of your latest bank statement, proof of your source of income, a police clearance report from the country where you have been residing, and your marriage certificate, if applicable. You can apply for the retirement visa as soon as you enter Sri Lanka with your 30-day tourist visa. The approval process takes about two weeks. The visa is valid for two years and can be extended in two-year increments.

(See: Immigrationlanka.com/info-2-7.html for complete information.)

Scattered expat enclaves can be found throughout Sri Lanka, though some might consist of just a handful of people. Other locations, like Galle and Unawatuna on the southern coast, have established expat communities. Expats throughout the country have told me that they enjoy making occasional trips into Colombo for shopping, sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.

A monthly budget of $1,500 would be adequate.The only thing that Nuwara Eliya seems to be missing is expats. The cost of living is low; a monthly budget of $1,500 would be more than adequate for most couples ($950 for a single). It has everything you might want or need—I think it just hasn’t been discovered yet. Nuwara Eliya is a perfect place for adventurous expats who are looking for a cool climate, great food, and inspiring scenery.

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Nuwara Eliya – A Slice of ‘Little England’ in the Heart of Sri Lanka

• Last Updated March 17, 2024
• Sri Lanka , Asia

Heading into Sri Lanka’s hill country, the island’s stuffy, humid interior is quickly replaced by a chill. The roads wind precariously up the swollen green hills into the cool wisps of cloud and mist that hang between them.

Specs of colour move slowly along the red dirt paths crisscrossing the patchwork of green as tea pluckers diligently pick the newest sprouting leaves from each bush. As they nip the leaves, they fling them over their shoulders into the heavy sacks that rest on their backs, secured with a single strap around their foreheads. Some wear colourful saris while others resort to long overshirts in the hope that it will protect them from the sun during long days in the fields.

Moving south-east into the epicentre of this tea-producing region, the smog and pollution of Kandy is replaced by fresh, dew-filled air; palms and wetlands soon become forests of towering, delicate eucalyptus; and gradually the concrete buildings begin to thin out, first replaced by wooden hovels with corrugated roofs that are in turn supplanted by stone walls, cottages and rustic churches surrounded by manicured gardens filled with shrubs and colourful bouquets. A few of the estates have familiar names: for every Sinhalese-named building, there is a multitude of sprawling estates with titles like Lavander house or Warwick Gardens, Stafford Bungalow or Somerset. This is England, but not as we know it.

Before the British came to Ceylon, there was nothing where Nuwara Eliya now stands. The high plain was first spotted by a group of English officers who were out in the hills on an Elephant hunting expedition. Sir Edward Barnes, the island’s governor wasn’t instantly drawn to the region, enraptured by the bleakness, drizzle and mist-covered landscape that reminded him so much of home. He decided to transform the hills into a sanitary retreat where troops could recover from the tropical diseases they had picked up in the muggy lowlands. In doing so, he created his own little England.

While much of my travels are spent searching for something different, searching for a place to break the mundanity of home, Nuwara Eliya feels incredibly English. Disconcertingly so. Mock-Tudor buildings dominate the town, half-stone and half-timber piles enclosed by wrought iron fences with neatly mown lawns and pristine flower beds. Wander the streets and you will find rose gardens, clock towers, tea shops, a quaint little post office and a Holy Trinity church. There is even a boating lake, golf club, and racecourse at Nuwara Eliya’s northern edge. If you didn’t know any better, you could be in Windermere or Keswick.

Yet, there is something a little off. Spend any amount of time in Nuwara Eliya and you will see beyond the surface, that the Englishness is mostly a superficial façade, an uncanny valley depiction of ol’ Blighty. At heart, this is still very much a Sri Lankan Town. The bus station is dusty and noisy, tuk-tuks whizz around the streets honking their horns, and monks in orange robes gather outside the town’s temple with its enormous, colourful statue of Lord Buddha.

Yet it does feel English. It could be the flower-covered roundabouts and WWII memorials or is it the white-washed cottages and semidetached homes? The town’s market is a prime example of this dichotomy. The moustachioed men chain-smoking and listening to Sinhalese music are as Sri Lankan as they come, but they are wrapped in woolly hats and padded, off-brand Barbour coats to protect against the cold and wouldn’t look out of place as barrow boys in Covent Garden as they gather at a kiosk, sipping a concoction for which both our nations are famous: Tea.

Although the region is synonymous with tea, coffee was once the main product of Sri Lanka’s hills. It was brought here by the Arabs, long before Europeans set foot on the island, with the Sinhalese using the leaves to flavour their curries rather than brewing the beans. When the British arrived on the island, after failed attempts at growing both sugar and indigo, they decided to give coffee a try, inspired by its success in the other colonies of Jamaica, Guyana and Dominica

Ceylon saw a coffee rush as military men, civil servants and even civilians invested in plantations, lured by the promise of wealth and exoticism. Unfortunately, after months at sea followed by long treks through the hills on foot, most found that the ‘estates’ that they had purchased were nothing more than patches of virgin forest that had been stolen from the Kandyans.

Despite this, the British managed to oversee successful coffee production until the 1880s when the crop was devastated by ‘coffee rust’, a fungus of the leaf that was laying waste to plantations all over the world. By the end of the 19t century, many planters had uprooted their coffee plants and replaced them with tea bushes imported from china. The plants thrived and the rest, they say, is history.

The forests that these early coffee and tea pioneers were cleared by planters almost two centuries ago and now, almost every possible hillside is covered in a leafy carpet of squat, green tea bushes, rippling across the landscape as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to see where one estate ends and another begins, with each looking identical to the others and only narrow dirt paths and handwritten signs separating the Damros from the Pedros.

Turning through the gates of the Damro Labookellie tea factory, I find myself stood before a large, 4-story factory, concrete with a faded green tile roof. It looks as though it hasn’t changed in the 2 centuries since its construction if it wasn’t for the shiny new visitor centre and café that has been attached to the building’s side. The tour of the factory is interesting and the tea tasting afterwards is welcome, but the real reason to venture into the hills is for the scenery. All around the factory, the land drops off into the valley below where tea pluckers stand on the terraces with scarves draped across their heads to protect from the rain, full bags of leaves ready to be weighed and valued.

Behind the main building, narrow roads lined with eucalyptus connect a series of villas that wouldn’t look out of place in surrey, villas that were built by the pioneers on ridges high above the plantations so that they could survey their estates and their growing wealth.

For a century, Nuwara Eliya was the hub of country life for wealthy colonists and in a way, still is. Some parts of the town have remained willfully unchanged in the intervening years to appeal to a certain type of person that rues the passing of the ‘good old days’. Nowhere exemplifies this quite like the Hill Club. Built in 1867, this building was upper-class Victorian England in microcosm: A gentleman’s club for coffee and tea planters; blazing fireplaces in every wood-panelled room, billiard tables, elephant foot umbrella stands and hunting trophies adorning the walls. It only designed to allow women entry in 1967, a – full century after its construction, but at least one of the gentlemen only bars has been amended to a mixed-sex venue. It is like stepping into a Harris Tweed sponsored time warp.

For me, both the Hill Club and the town’s equally plush Grand Hotel are a little too extravagant and instead I find myself at the aptly named Blackpool. While it isn’t quite as kitsch as the northern seaside town of the same name, it may be just as dated. It stands high above the town with sweeping views of the nearby landscape, set against the hazy backdrop of the surrounding hills. From here, with the drizzle pounding against the hotel’s windows, it is easy to see why the region reminded Sir Edward Barnes so much of home. I settled in for my single night in Nuwara Eliya at the hotel’s bar, cradling a local Lion Lager. I get the impression that the room is designed to resemble the sort of gentleman’s bar you would find at the Hill Club but the sticky carpets, pool tables and mobile DJ in the corner banging out cheesy pop hits while 3 drunken Sri Lankan’s throw themselves around the otherwise empty room gives more ‘mid-week Weatherspoon’s’ vibes. This certainly does feel like England after all.

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Laughing leopard hostel.

There aren’t many backpacking hostels in Nuwara Eliya but of the few that exist, Laughing Leopard is the best. Located just 10 minutes from the central bus station, this hostel has a focus on sustainability, furnished with colourful upcycled materials in an early 20th-century bungalow.

The Blackpool

The Blackpool stands at an altitude of 1876m, surrounded by vast tea estates, carefully tended vegetable plantations and beautiful mountainous terrain. The décor is a little dated but certainly gives off colonial vibes, particularly the wood-panelled bar area complete with billiard tables. There is even a heated, outdoor pool to help you warm up from the chilly hill country weather.

Heritance Tea Factory

Set on a hilltop away from the town, the 5-star Heritance was built within the wonderfully preserved shell of the Hethersett Estate Tea Factory. Despite the exterior, the inside of the hotel is cosy and modern, with many of the old plantation’s machinery being incorporated into the stylish design.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

The real draw of Nuwara Eliya is its oddly British air: the sprawling faux-Tudor landmarks, misplaced architecture and strange, English country village kitsch. The unpredictable weather does have the tendency to put a dampener on your ability to explore the town and its adjacent lake but the charming town and its stunning heritage hotels make a fantastic base for exploring the stunning southern hill country landscapes and tea estates.

Sample Ceylon Tea at a Historic Tea Estate

Sri Lanka is so synonymous with tea, it’s hard to believe that before the mid-1800s, it was mostly a coffee-growing nation. It wasn’t until James Taylor planted his first tiny tea plantation in 1867 and further developed the production process with Thomas Lipton (yes, of Lipton Tea fame) that Ceylon tea made a name itself.

Sri Lanka’s tea production has definitively come a long way since those initial 19 acres that Taylor planted, but not much has changed in the way that it is harvested: In the numerous plantations that surround Nuwara Eliya, women weave their way across the verdant green hills each day, using their well-trained and nimble fingers to pick the new leaves and buds from the top of the tea bush.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Nuwara Eliya without a visit to one of the factories churning out the nation’s most famous export and the Damro Labookelie Tea Estate, around 20km north of the town is the best of the bunch. Set high in the gorgeous rolling countryside at an elevation of around 2000m, the factory offers free tours in which you will be guided step-by-step through the production process, finishing with a tea tasting session at their on-site café. However, the best reason to visit is the opportunity to wander the Labookelie tea gardens amongst the Tamil women as they fill their sacks with leaves.

Take a Ride on the World's Most Beautiful Train Journey

First constructed by the British in the mid-19th century as a way to transport the produce of the regions bountiful tea plantations, the line that weaves its way from Nuwara Eliya through the lush hill country to Ella, Haputale, and Bandarawela in the east or to the nations cultural capital of Kandy in the west is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

The trip from Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya, to Ella takes a couple of hours, stopping off at all manner of delightful hill country towns and railway stations along the way. At each destination, locals scurry out onto the platform only to be replaced by a new influx of passengers, joined by men that squeeze their way down the packed carriages with baskets of fruit, freshly cooked rotis and urns of steaming Sri Lankan tea that they sell for just a few rupees.

A few intrepid passengers sit in the open doorways, their dangling legs swaying with the carriage’s motion and their heels beating against the train’s metal body, only pulling them inside to avoid battered railway signs or approaching tunnels. As you look from the windows at the countryside unfurling before you like lush green blanket tumbling across hills and valleys, speckled with plantation houses, tea fields and lanky, lurching palms, it’s easy to see why people hold this route in such high regard. Occasionally the scenery gives way to villages and hamlets where local life is in full swing: children running and laughing on the side of the rails, farmers tending to their fields and women preparing their washing. Eventually, they fade into view, once again being replaced with waterfalls and mountains.

This is quintessential Sri Lankan experience and, in a world where hyperbole seems so commonplace, one that actually lives up to the hype. I’m in no doubt that this may be the most beautiful train journey in the world.

Shop at the Central Market on New Bazaar Street

While the mock-Tudor mansions and sprawling green spaces that surround Nuwara Eliya are beautiful, the town’s main thoroughfare, New Bazaar Street has little of interest other than rows of local shops and food spots. However, the small Central Market is definitely worth a look. Set up during the colonial era, the stalls are very much as they were in those Victorian times; rows upon rows of fruit and vegetable stalls sold by men bundled up in woolly hats and labourers jackets, with only the sari-clad Tamil women shopping for onions and potatoes breaking the illusion of an old English market.

Pidurutalagala

Pidurutalagala towers high over the town with its peak rarely seen through the cloud cover and mist that often hovers over the hill country. At 2555m it is Sri Lanka’s highest mountain. Although the summit was once closed due to the military base that sits atop it, a section is now open to the public. However, hiking is still off-limits due to the array of military communication masts that are still used by the army so you will have to catch a tuk-tuk or taxi there (45 mins; Rs. 3000 return). Make sure to bring your passport to ensure you are allowed past the security gates.

Have High Tea at the Grand Hotel

Nowhere in Nuwara Eliya is more evocative of Britain than the brash, half-timbered Grand Hotel. This sprawling, luxurious, century-old pile gives of serious country club vibes and with its splendid wooden décor, historic bars, and billiards room, there is no better place in town to immerse yourself in colonial-era Nuwara Eliya. For the full experience, come for high tea. At 3.30pm sharp every day, High tea – complete with dainty cakes and triangular sandwiches – is served either out on the lawn or in the tea room by stoic waiters in waistcoats and white gloves.

Lake Gregory

Stretching from Nuwara Eliya’s southern end all the way to the foot of the surrounding hills, Lake Gregory was created by the governor, Sir William Gregory, in 1873. While not wildly impressive or exciting, the footpaths and lawns that line the western shore are a pleasant place to walk, particularly in an evening when locals and Sri Lankan holidaymakers flock here to picnic, ride horses, or float along in swan-shaped pedalos.

Victoria Park

Named for the former ruler of British Ceylon, Victoria Park is a little slice of Britain, with pristine lawns and a number of beautiful ornamental gardens. Located just off the main road and next to the noisy, bustling bus depot, the gardens are a surprisingly peaceful place to wander amongst the enormous eucalyptus trees and rose bushes. Its even prime bird-watching territory with a number of rare species such as the Kashmiri flycatcher and Indian blue robin stopping by on their migration routes.

Where to Eat & Drink in Nuwara Eliya

The majority of Nuwara Eliya’s best restaurants are confined to the town’s larger, upmarket hotels which offer a range of fine dining and international options as well as having fantastic colonial-era bars, particularly the Hill Club’s atmospheric ‘Mixed Bar’.

There are plenty of local, Sri Lankan cafes dotted along the town’s main drag and while many of them serve up the same mix of curry, rice and short eats, they can provide a cheap but tasty meal. Make sure to check out the small kiosks lining New Bazaar Road where you can find wonderful rotis, samosa and prawn dumplings for as little as Rs. 10 (4p) each.

The Hill Club

If you want to throw yourself headfirst into the past and re-live the colonial era, then the Hill Club is the atmospheric throwback that you need. Formal dress – meaning a jacket and tie for men – is required in the main dining room where waist-coated waiters in pristine white gloves serve classic, British cuisine. While the food may not be of a standard befitting the surroundings, it is worth stopping by for the atmosphere, even just to sip a whisky in the old-fashioned ‘Casual Bar’. Visitors are required to pay a temporary club membership fee of Rs. 100 to use the facilities.

Where : 9 Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 12pm – 10.30pm

De Silva Food Centre

Of the numerous Sri Lankan Cafés that occupy New Bazaar Street, De Silva Food Centre is probably the best. They serve a few western and Chinese dishes but the cheap vegetarian rotti and range of curries make this the best place in town to stop for a budget lunch or dinner. Try their ulundu vade because it is apparently the best you will find in this region of Sri Lanka.

Where : A/2 Building New Bazaar Street, When : Daily 7am – 10pm

Grand Indian

A small, casual, Indian restaurant at the foot of the Grand Hotel’s sprawling driveway. This is probably the best option in the city for Indian cuisine and despite being part of the exclusive Grand, all the dishes are reasonably priced. It does get busy so make sure that you arrive early to guarantee a table.

Where : Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 12pm – 3.30pm and 6.30pm – 10pm

Another in the Grand Hotel’s fairly large selection of restaurants, the Grand Thai offers a good range of South-East Asian cuisine such as curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes for around Rs. 600 – 800 per main.

Indian Summer

Although a little overpriced, the north Indian curries served at this ‘fusion restaurant’ are as good and as authentic as anything found at the Grand Indian, with the added bonus of being lakeside with beautiful views over Lake Gregory.

Where : 96 Gemunupura, Mahagastota When : Daily 10am – 10pm

Another mainstay of New Bazaar Street, Sri Ambaal is a cheap, south Indian spot with a menu of delicious vegetarian curries, short eats and string hoppers. The dosas are particularly popular.

Where : New Bazaar Street When : Daily 7am – 10.45pm

Sharing a building with the Grand Indian, this modern café situated on the driveway of the Grand Hotel is one of the few places in town where you can find a decent cup of coffee, along with decent cakes and a few underwhelming sandwiches.

Where : 5 Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 7am – 9pm

When is the Best Time to Visit Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya gets consistent rainfall throughout the year due to its high altitude, although February is usually the least rainy month. Just be warned, winter can be a little chilly here, especially at night. It is best to avoid the Sinhalese-Tamil new year in April when people flock here from Colombo to enjoy the onset of spring when the city is beginning to bloom. During this time accommodation can be hard to come by and prices tend to skyrocket.

Getting to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is easiest to reach by train. Although it doesn’t have its own station, Nanu Oya is just 5km away and has regular services to Ella, Haputale and Badulla to the east and Kandy or Colombo in the west. Although local buses arrive to meet each train and ferry passengers onwards to Nuwara Eliya, a tuk-tuk will be quicker and cost around Rs. 500 – 600 (between £2 and £2.50).

Nuwara Eliya’s bus station is right in the centre of town and as well as running services to the destinations mentioned above, there are also buses to Bandarawela or Galle (1 daily; 8 hours) and Matara (1 daily; 9 hours) on the southern coast.

I visited Nuwara Eliya as a guest of Sri Lanka Tourism. However, all views are my own.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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The Ultimate Guide & 10 Top Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

Posted by Lara | May 11, 2020 | Sri Lanka , World Heritage Travel | 0

Hi there, I'm Lara! Your classic Dutchie, who just as any other girl-next-door loves traveling, meeting people, and food. I am best described as an extremely clumsy, sarcastic solo female traveler with zero photography skills. Yet I decided to use these "skills" to give practical, budget, and sustainable travel tips for other solo (female) travelers.

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Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka (City of Lights) is a resort city in the Central Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. Blessed a with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it’s hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the  hot and humid Colombo .

Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little’ England’, was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create the resort into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and it’s strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, race course etc., evoke nostalgia of Colonial British Ceylon.

Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory is a picturesque, man-made Lake nestled at the bottom of small hills, bordering the town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s mountainous, tea-growing region. A visit or tour of Nuwara Eliya would not be complete without a visit to this scenic lake, with perhaps a boat ride or a walk along its shores. Originally a swamp and bog that was described by early residents as an “eye sore”, Lake Gregory was created by diverting the waters of the Thalagala stream which flows from the nearby Piduruthalagala mountain range.

The nearby town of Nuwara Eliya was “founded” by explorer Samuel Baker in 1846 and became a popular holiday spot for British colonials who wanted to get away from the sweltering heat of coastal cities and into the cool climes of the mountains. As the small town grew and expanded, the Governor of the time, Sir William Gregory, decided that electricity had to be introduced to the town and the Lake was originally created to generate much-needed electricity for the rapidly developing town.

Lake Gregory was fashioned under orders of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The water from the lake is directed to a place named “Blackpool” in Nuwara Eliya using a tunnel, and is used to generate electricity for the town even today. Lake Gregory also serves as an important catchment area for rainwater and mountain stream runoff, preventing flooding of the Nuwara Eliya town suburbs.

One of the benefits of the lake that was not foreseen by Governor Gregory was the recreational space it provided for the colonial holiday makers. Soon, boat rides on the lake became a favoured afternoon activity, a prelude to a picnic tea on the shores of the lake. Horse riding and pony rides for small children also became a popular activity on the shores of the Lake. It became a society icon, with “lake parties” becoming a trendy activity, and a walk to the lake from the racecourse was considered an invigorating activity for the energetic young people of the day. Of course, the muddy shores of the lake ensured that its popularity reigned with the ladies only during the warm, dry months of the year. The die-hard fishing and horse riding males, however, continued to use the lake year-round.

Lake Gregory continues to be a popular place for water-based activities including boat rides, sculling, fishing and paddle boating. Pony rides are still available for children, continuing the tradition started decades ago. Recent developments in the area have resulted in paved walkways being built along the lake, ensuring a comfortable walk as well as seating areas in scenic sites along the shoreline. Lake Gregory is also the landing site for the Air Taxis which fly into Nuwara Eliya from Colombo and  Kandy .

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is the second largest botanic garden in Sri Lanka and is located in a scenic part of Nuwara Eliya along the Badulla Road. Steeped in legend, often cloaked in a soft mist and always filled with colour and fragrance is the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, located around 10kms southeast of Nuwara Eliya. Tours to the gardens are a popular activity if holidaying in Nuwara Eliya, and while the Gardens are open year-round, the best time to visit and enjoy the beautiful blooms are from April to August, during the relatively dry and warmer period of year.

The Botanic Garden lies under the Hakgala Peak, between 5000 – 6000 feet in elevation – the highest set Botanic Gardens in the world. Hakgala boasts 100-year-old Monetary Cypress trees from California, Japanese Cedars, Himalayan Pines and English Oak.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden span around 27 hectares and are built in a series of terraces, with natural streams flowing through it in several places. The Garden was originally created in 1861 by the British Colonial government under the curatorship of three British of the same name – William Nock, JK Nock and JJ Nock. to grow Cinchona – from which the anti-malaria medicine Quinine was extracted. Thereafter, as tea came to be a commercial crop in the mountainous region, the Gardens became an experimental tea growing area. In 1884 it began life as a Botanical Garden with a wide-ranging and systematic gathering of sub tropical and alpine plants from across the Commonwealth as well as experiments in acclimatising temperate-zone plants to a tropical climate.

Take a tour of the Gardens and be amazed at the variety of plants, estimated at over 10,000 different species. Here you will find a range of conifers and cedar trees from Australia, Bermuda and Japan; Cypress varieties from the Himalayas, China, Mexico and some pine trees from New Caledonia and the Canary Islands. Among the other famous trees in the Garden, there are a group of English Oak trees, introduced to the Garden in 1890 to commemorate the “Heart of Oak” official marching music of the Royal Navy. Among the successful adaptations of temperate trees to this sub tropical climate is a Camphor tree, which usually only grows at elevations of 12,000m.

Ancient mythology has a unique story as to its creation, from the epic tale the  Ramayana . Hanuman, the monkey god, was sent to the Himalayas by Rama to bring back a specific medicinal herb. But he forgot what he was looking for, and decided to bring back a big chunk of the Himalayas, caught up in his jaw. The Gardens today rest at the foot of this huge rock called Hakgala (jaw-rock) which towers over the gardens and the surrounding Hakgala Nature Reserve.

Laxapana Falls (Lakshapana Falls)

Laxapana is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls, and perhaps the one that has proven the most useful in terms of generating power to the country, the Lakshapana waterfall is located in Nuwara Eliya district in the country’s mountainous region.

The Laxapana Falls falls are 129m high and rise from the Laxapana estate and plunges into the Maskeliya Oya via Maoussakelle. The waters of this mountainous river are fast moving, rushing over huge boulders and rocks, gurgling across a multitude of small streams around the mountains before emerging as an awe-inspiring waterfall, especially during the monsoon season when the rivers are swollen and full.

Located along the pilgrim’s tour route to Adam’s Peak, Laxapana falls is a favourite stopping place for a rest, an open air meal or a quick bathe in the large natural pools formed in the valley below the falls. The pristine jungle that surrounds the waterfall, which falls across a sheer rock cliff face, adds to the picture-perfect quality of the environment. It’s considered Sri Lanka’s seventh highest waterfall and is part of the Laxapana reservoir, which generates hydropower from a number of power stations in the vicinity.

The name Laxapana is attributed with many origins: some versions take its literal meaning of “a thousand lamps” in sinhala, and the fact that this waterfall is part of a hydropower system that lights up many homes; others describe the name as meaning “a hundred thousand stones”, pointing to the rock and boulder strewn path that the water follows before it gushes out in a waterfall. One fact though can be agreed on – the old name for the waterfall was “veddah hiti ella” meaning, the waterfall where the Veddah lived. The Veddah, Sri Lanka’s indigenous people, perhaps had a small colony in this area and lived in the many caves and cliff dwellings in this mountainous area.

Lover’s Leap Waterfall, Nuwara Eliya

Most visitors to a country love to learn about local folk tales and nothing makes a good story like a love story. And so, as visitors on tour stop at one of Nuwara Eliya’s most famous landmarks, the stories of the sad end of an ill-fated romance begins. Lover’s Leap in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s popular holiday town in the mountains, is a massive rocky cliff with a waterfall of the same name.

Its name is derived from the fate of a young couple who decided to be bound together forever by jumping off the cliff to their demise. But the romantic tale of what brought them to this point, or the manner in which they met their end are woven into a myriad stories, each changing with the storyteller or perhaps even the day on which you hear it. Whatever the reasons behind the lovers plunge, the name has stuck and the entire cliff is now named Lover’s Leap.

The Lover’s Leap waterfall is a breathtaking sight, falling to a height of 30m in a long, cascading sheet of water. Located on a tea estate, the Lovers Leap waterfall is only 2km from Nuwara Eliya town, making it the closest waterfall to the bustling holiday town and resulting in its popularity with visitors and tour groups alike.

The waters that feed this waterfall are said to originate on the southern end of the Pidurutalagala mountain range, Sri Lanka’s highest. The waters are taken to brew the famous Nuwara Eliya Beer. Access to the Lover’s Leap waterfall is off the Nuwara Eliya – Kandapola Road.

Devon Falls

The Devon waterfall, located in Talawakelle in the Nuwara Eliya district is one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive waterfalls. The waterfall drops for a sheer 97m of cascading water, and thereafter flows in three continuous tiers, making it waterfall after waterfall. It’s a beautiful and amazing sight.

And its one of a pair of waterfalls – a few meters away is the St. Clair waterfall, which together provides one of the most breathtaking waterfall sights in Sri Lanka to any visitor. Tour groups invariably stop and gaze in rapture from the look out point in Talawakelle, across a deep tree-filled gorge into which the water from the two falls flow and disappear. This is perhaps the only place in Sri Lanka where you can view two magnificent waterfalls, each distinctly different, from the same vantage point.

The Devon falls are located on Devon Estate, originally a coffee plantation which was transformed into tea and continues to be a working tea plantation today. The estate takes its name from a pioneering coffee planter named Devon, who is also attributed with clearing trees and shrubs around the falls to showcase the amazing waterfall at its best.

Tea plantation and factory visit

Tea is one of the three major natural products in Sri Lanka. Tea is exported along with rubber and spices. Sri Lanka is popular in western and European countries because of our very pure tea leaves that are hand-plucked from the exuberant hills in the central region.

Get your shoes on to avoid the creepy crawlies; a hat to keep your ears out of the cold. Take the opportunity to stroll around a tea plantation and watch “Ceylon Tea” as it makes its way to that warm cup you can enjoy with the backdrop of glorious Sri Lankan hills.

With the tour of the factory you’ll be able to see how the leaves are withered, sorted, graded and packed into packs. Signed, sealed and delivered for you to take back home for friends…or to keep it yourself!

Oliphant Estate – Nuwara Eliya

A visit to this estate, entrance from the road at the Ramboda end of Nuwara Eliya, is significant because it was here that the first thirty tea plants sent from China to Sri Lanka were planted by Mr. Laurence Oliphant, increasing his tea acreage to 100 acres.

The Ceylon Breweries – Nuwara Eliya

The brewing of beer was started in Nuwara Eliya by Sir Samuel Baker in 1881 at Lover’s Leap. It is an interesting visit, for the brewery is one of the finest in the island. It’s been in business since 1884.

Activities in and around Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara eliya city tour.

Nuwara Eliya is known as ‘Little England’ due to its climatic features and because the town has been designed and built to look like a typical English village. A Nuwara Eliya City Tour will typically take you past  quaint buildings such as the red brick Post Office, the esteemed Hill Club, The Golf Club with its 18 hole course and the Race Course, where Horse Races are still conducted regularly. The flowers that bloom during the season add a splash of color to the landscape and a boat ride on Lake Gregory is a fun activity. You will also visit the Hakgala Gardens and picturesque tea plantations.

Visit Horton Plains

The Horton Plains area is considered one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in Sri Lanka and was declared a National Park in 1988. It was added to the World Heritage List in 2010 along with two other mountainous nature reserves in the Central Highlands of the country.

Horton Plains National Park at 200m, is the highest plateau in the island and is located at the foot of two of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountains, the Totapola (2359m) and Kirigalpotta (2395m). Situated about 32kms from Nuwara Eliya and 8kms from Ohiya, Horton Plains Park covers around 3,160 ha in total. The highland plateau is undulating and covered with grassland, patches of thick forest, waterfalls, streams and rocky outcrops. The Plains are a beautiful, silent, strange world with some excellent soft and hard trails.

Horton Plains is considered Sri Lanka’s most important watershed, being the place of origin for many of the country’s major rivers, including the Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe. It also contains the most extensive cloud forest that remains in the country, and is home to dozens of endemic species of fauna and flora.

The history books record that Lt. William Fisher and Lt. Albert Watson discovered the Plains in 1834, and they named it Horton Plains after the then Governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton. However, this area was known to locals as “Maha Eliya Thenna” or the great open plain, and archaeological artefacts such as stone tools from Sri Lanka’s pre-historic era have been found to indicate that this area was inhabited and even cultivated for many centuries before the British visitors first came here.

Horton Plains and the adjoining Peak Wilderness Sanctuary are home to some of Sri Lanka’s most endangered plants and animals. Nearly 750 species of plants have been so far identified here, and when walking through its rich forest areas you will find that the forest canopy reaches nearly 20 metres in some places. There are dozens of wild orchids here, and 16 of them are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Among the wildlife in this Plain, 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, nine species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians have been identified. Among the most commonly seen mammals are the Sambar Deer, wild boars, Langurs, Giant Squirrels and if you are lucky you may even see a Leopard. One of the world’s most endangered primates, the Horton Plains Slender Loris, also calls this area home.

Horton Plains is a bird watchers paradise and groups often visit on bird watching tours, hoping to catch a glimpse of one or more of the 21 species of birds which are endemic to Sri Lanka. A large number of migratory birds are also found here and in the adjacent Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

Perhaps the most popular tour destination at Horton Plains is World’s End, a sheer cliff precipice at the Southern end of the park. The drop from World’s End is 870m and has a breathtaking view on clear days, although most times it is covered in a thick white mist. Another popular visitor attraction is Baker’s Fall, a magnificent 20m waterfall that is named after explorer Samuel Baker who is credited with having discovered and established the township of Nuwara Eliya.

Play Golf at Nuwara Eliya

Located in the town of Nuwara Eliya which sits high in the hills among the Tea plantations, is the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club with its splendid course, built by a Scottish soldier in 1889. The venue for many tournaments, this course is challenging and exciting, with many characteristics and distinctive natural elements that golfers should watch out for. The weather and scenic surroundings will make your entire sojourn peaceful and happy, more so since the Club offer accommodation and all modern amenities along with great service always accompanied by a smile.

Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is popularly known among the locals as Samanala Kanda, or Butterfly Mountain in Sinhala. The mountain is 2,243 meters tall tapering at its peak and is the most esteemed site in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Why is it special? It is unique as it is a blessed site to the followers of the world’s four major religions; Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Buddhists believe that the mark of the footprint is the left foot of the Buddha. Hindus believe that it is the footprint of Shiva.

Muslims attribute it to as where Adam, the first man, set foot when he was exiled from the Garden of Eden and Christians believe that the it is a footprint of St. Thomas who was the disciple Jesus. There are seasons in which the holy site is visited most by followers but the climb itself is a memorable journey.

The climb is through Gampola and Ginigathhena and you will find the story of this old path carved on two rocks off the 28th milestone on the Nawalapitiya – Ambagamuwa road. The spot is called Akuruketupana and the inscription dates to around 1100 AD. Today there are four other roads to the peak, the shortest being via Maskeliya and the most popular. Other roads are on the Sabaragamuwa side.

The Nissangala Lena on the road to Adam’s Peak (via Maskeliya, Hatton)

This is believed the cave in the mountainside, where King Keerthi Sri Nissanka buried a great treasure, including his regalia. It is only after one passes this cave and enters the forest that one comes to the Sita Gangula, a holy river of ice-cold water, where pilgrims bathe and put on white garments, before continuing their journey to the peak.

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Nuwara eliya.

Probably the best-known of Sri Lanka’s tea-growing districts, Nuwara Eliya is also the most rugged and mountainous, with the highest average elevation. The air is cool and bracing; the winds are scented with eucalyptus and wild mint. Rainfall is moderate except during the dry season, which falls between February and April. Nights are cold and sometimes frosty. This unique climate, combined with the terrain peculiar to the region, produces a tea that is recognized by connoisseurs as among the finest – if not the finest – in the world.

Tasters’ Notes for Nuwara Eliya Tea

NUWARA ELIYA – “Delicately fragrant”

Nuwara Eliya’s high elevation combined with low temperature, produces teas of exquisite bouquet. The infusion in the cup is the lightest (palest) of all the types of Ceylon Tea, with a golden hue and a delicately fragrant flavour. Sought after grades include whole-leaf Orange Pekoe (OP) and Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP).

History of Nuwara Eliya and Tea

Historically speaking, Nuwara Eliya is a relatively new place. The town from which the district takes its name sits perched on a plateau 1,868 m (6,128 ft.) above sea level, under the shadow of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Almost inaccessible in olden times due to the precipitous, jungle-clad terrain surrounding it, this scenic plateau was effectively uninhabited when it was discovered by an English explorer in 1818. Impressed by its magnificent scenery and climate, Sir Edward Barnes, the British governor of the time, resolved to turn the locale into the similar of Ceylon, a fashionable hill-station to which the government and society of the capital, Colombo, could repair during the hottest and unhealthiest months of the year. He accomplished this by the simple expedient of building a house there himself (it is now the Grand Hotel) and occupying it every year between March and April. ‘Newralia’ thus became, for a few weeks every year, the capital of colonial Ceylon.

In the early 1840s, a boom in Ceylon coffee saw the rapid conversion into plantations of parts of the hill country barely explored by Europeans until then. The pioneers who carved out these remote estates south and east of Kandy were lonely men who endured lives of some hardship; in the value of Nuwara Eliya they found a salubrious and centrally-located place of meeting and recreation. The town that sprang up to serve their needs was a largely womanless place at first, shaped by the interests of the men who frequented it. Clubs and watering-holes proliferated, sporting tournaments and ‘shoots’ were regular events, but domestic and civic conditions were primitive.

Later, as the boom progressed, wealth and the civilized comforts it brought changed the character of Nuwara Eliya. By the beginning of the tea era, it had become a genteel, somewhat pretentious little town, self-consciously English in character. For most of the British period it remained a largely European enclave, and a few Nuwara Eliya clubs even went so far as to maintain whites-only membership policies for some years after Independence.

But Nuwara Eliya was always a bit too high up in the hills for coffee, and the frequent rains often damaged the crops. The district only found its métier after the great blight of the 1870s and ’80s had wiped out the coffee industry and Ceylon planters turned to tea.  Desultory experiments with the new crop in earlier times had already shown it could be successfully cultivated there; now, it rapidly became clear that Nuwara Eliya offered an almost perfect climate for tea. By 1875, the first modest plantations were already flourishing, and by the end of the century, Nuwara Eliya was one of the principal tea-growing districts of Ceylon. It was generally acknowledged to produce some of the finest teas in the world – a reputation it has retained ever since.

Nuwara Eliya: Top 15 Things To Do In The Hill Country

The Hill Country’s tea capital, Nuwara Eliya, is a picturesque destination in Sri Lanka that seems to exist in a different dimension where peace and tranquility are the norms. For those who don’t know, Hill Country is the term broadly used to describe the mountainous region at the center of Sri Lanka. This region is home to lush green forests, national parks, and a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Nuwara Eliya is a small town in the Hill Country known as Little England. The quaint hill station offers an aesthetic blend of colonial architecture, a rolling carpet of dense tea plantations, and a pleasant climate reminiscent of the English countryside. Nuwara Eliya is not just a treat for sore eyes but a thriving playground for thrill-seekers and adventurers. 

This guide essays the top 15 things you can do in Nuwara Eliya to get the best out of your visit. So let’s get right to it.

Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

Table of Contents

1. Cross By The Ramboda Waterfall

While traveling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, you’ll pass through the majestic Ramboda Waterfall. You can park your vehicle by the road and admire the fall’s beauty. However, beware, as several monkeys will be swinging from the trees and rocks above. So keep your belongings safe, and don’t feed the monkeys anything.

2. The Tea Estates

After the Ramboda Waterfall, you will encounter the Damro Tea Estate en route to Nuwara Eliya. The place is quite refreshing as you get to relish a variety of teas. But what truly had my heart was how the guide explained the tea-making process. It was educational yet engaging and provided an insight into what occurs at ground zero. I experienced all this and didn’t spend a buck. However, if you want to carry fine tea back home, you’ll need to purchase it at the estate.

Since Damro is a popular estate, tourists flock to it, and you’ll find it crowded. However, if you’re looking for something quieter, you can visit other lesser-known tea estates in the region.

3. Send A Postcard From The Oldest Post Office

Located at the heart of the city, just opposite the Nuwara Eliya bus stand, is the oldest post office in Sri Lanka, built in 1894 during British rule. You can buy stamps and postcards (LKR 50) from here and post them to your friends and families. It is one of the best souvenirs you can acquire while traveling in a foreign land. For instance, I sent a postcard to Agalya in Denmark, and surprisingly she received it in a week.

4. Play At Victoria Park

With lots of activities for children, Victoria Park is an ideal place for families and people with kids. The park has two entrances just a stone’s throw away from the post office. You can either walk around the park, play with kids at the children’s playground, or even take a mini toy train that takes you around the park. The garden looks most scenic during March and May and August and September as flowers bloom during these months.

5. Take A Stroll At Little England

Nuwara Eliya is said to have been discovered by Colonel Officer John Davy in 1819. The town is famously known as Little England as it was solely a British creation where English veggies and fruits like lettuce and strawberries were grown in abundance. The area near Gregory Lake and the Grand Hotel has cozy buildings that create an ambiance similar to England’s. The weather enhances that vibe, and you feel transported to the country when you go for an evening or morning walk. The misty air envelops you and gives you a sense of peace.

6. Try Water Sports Activities At Gregory Lake

Nestled amidst mesmerizing landscapes, the lake offers a range of exciting water activities, including jet-skiing, cycling around the lake, speed boat riding, and pedal boating. So whether you’re looking to relax at the lake or get adventurous, the lake has something for your different moods. So take a moment to relax and unwind as you bask in the serene ambiance, sitting on the lush green grass surrounding the sparkling lake. 

7. Eat At An Indian Restaurant

If you need Dosa, chapati, or any Indian dishes, you can find them in Nuwara Eliya. During the British era, most of the laborers at tea plantations were Indian Tamilians brought from Southern India to Sri Lanka by British officials. As a result, their descendants today have set up several restaurants in the region. After eating Kothu, noodles, and rice curry, I yearned for Indian delicacies and found quite a few at the Indian restaurants here. Nothing can beat the smell, texture, and taste of a crispy dosa.

8. Hike Up To The Single Tree

The single-tree hike is one the best things to do in the Nuwara Eliya to get an aerial view of Little England. It is a 20-30 minute hike to the nearby hill overlooking Gregory Lake. The route is visible and frequented by tourists. So you won’t have any difficulty traversing the path. After crossing the Single Tree Buddhist temple, you must hike on a path riddled with rocks, boulders, and gravel. From the summit, where telecommunication towers are present, you can see the entire town of Nuwara Eliya, the surrounding mountains, tea estates, and more.

9. Take A Day Trip To The Horton Plains

Located 30 Km from Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains is a reserve forest area with numerous hiking trails. The hike to the “world’s end” covers Baker’s Falls, Great World’s End Drop, and Mini World’s End. A few accommodations are available nearby, making it convenient for travelers to explore the region.

• Entry fee for foreigners: LKR 5000
• Hike duration: 3-4 hours
• Hike distance: 9.5 Km (both ways)

We didn’t personally visit this place, but if you’ve enough time, you should consider taking a mini-trip to this place.

10. Explore The Hidden Places

Beyond all the touristy things to do, we took an off-beat path to explore the unexplored. We stumbled upon beautiful bridges on the village side, untouched waterfalls, tea estates, and more. If you’d like to explore the underrated places in Little England, check out our blog , where we dive into the intricacies of such places and on how to visit them.

11. Ride A Horse

Constructed in 1840, the Nuwara Eliya horse race course is a vintage venue and is the only horse racing venue in Sri Lanka. Situated at 6129 feet above sea level, the race course is one of the highest race courses in the world. The place spans a vast area where numerous horses gallop around. People hop onto the backs of these horses to go a few rounds. You can do so, too, for a few bucks. 

As responsible travelers, we strongly discourage engaging in such activities for the well-being of the horses. Instead, you can witness animals thriving in their natural habitat without being distressed by human intervention.

12. Play Golf

The Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the city with a massive golf course. You can try the sport on different courses that vary in difficulty. So whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the hotel has a golf course for you. The courses offer a unique and enjoyable experience amidst lush green fairways, landscapes that soothe one’s eye, and more.

Additionally, the golf club at The Grand Hotel has excellent facilities and amenities, including pro shops, driving ranges, practice areas, and clubhouse restaurants where you can unwind and socialize after your game.

13. Chill At The Lover’s Leap Waterfall

The Lover’s Leap Waterfall has an intriguing backstory to it. According to the legend, a prince fell in love with a girl, but the king did not agree to his relationship. So, on a full moon day, the disheartened prince climbed to the top of the waterfalls with his fiance and jumped off the rock. The place is named ‘The Lover’s Leap’ due to this story. You need to hike briefly to reach the waterfall, but it is pretty difficult to go near its bottom pool. This is because of the huge boulders present at the base. However, you can admire nature’s work of art from a distance.

You can also visit Devon Waterfall and St. Clair’s Waterfall.

14. Hakkala Botanical Garden

The second largest botanical garden if Sri Lanka is the Hakkala Botanical Garden. Located 16 Km from Nuwara Eliya, the park thrives with 10,000 varieties of fauna. The Garden is known for the orchids and roses planted here. During the spring season, the garden is vibrant with fresh blooms.

There are two golf carts to go around the flower garden.  But you must wait a long time for the group to come around.

• Entry Fee: USD 15 for foreigners, LKR 50 for Sri Lankans
• Parking space: Available

15. Visit The Sita Mata Temple

Just 2 Km before the Hakkala Botanical Gardens is the Sita Mata temple. Legends say that it was the spot where Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana. It is also where Sita prayed for Rama (her husband) to rescue her daily. This temple is of religious importance to the local people. The region is also called Sita Eliya.

Note: Pidurtalagala (aka Mount Pedro, 2524 m) is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, hiking has recently been strictly prohibited in the region.

How many of these things did you do or are you planning to do on your trip to Nuwara Eliya? If you think we’ve missed any locations, let us know in the comments below.

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Twins - Agalya and Atchaya

Agalya and Atchaya are the owners and authors of TwinsOnToes, a travel blog that helps travelers explore smarter, longer, and more affordably. With a wealth of experience from traveling since 2017 and writing over 350 blog posts, their tips and insights reflect a deep passion for the great outdoors. When not blogging about their favorite destinations, they are often found hiking remote trails or seeking out thrilling adventures.

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• Tales of Ceylon
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• Tales of Anuradhapura
• Tales of Jaffna
• Featured Tales

Check out our Tales of Angampora to learn more about the fate of this uniquely Sri Lankan combat technique.

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Experiences In Galle

Galle is one of a few Sri Lankan cities that offer a wide variety of experiences that are appealing to different types of travelers. From sun and sand, to culinary...

Signature Experiences

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Your Guide to Nuwara Eliya

Visit the heart of ceylon tea country, the legacy of british ceylon..

Nuwara Eliya, perched at an elevation of 1,868 metres in the central highlands of the country, is well known for its temperate climate, colonial history, and of course, for growing the best Ceylon Tea . Originally a simple town, it was completely transformed when colonial British officials incorporated the rustic landscape of the area to create ‘Little England’ – a quaint hamlet that resembled the English countryside.

❂ Don’t Miss

• Ceylon Tea Experience
• Ravana Trail
• Hiking & Trekking

Useful Tips

• The weather in Nuwara Eliya is cool all year round.
• The town gets rather crowded during April each year.
• Take time to enjoy a Ceylon Tea experience right in the heart of British Ceylon.

Learn More About What You Can Do in Nuwara Eliya

• Attractions in Nuwara Eliya

Plan Your Holiday in Nuwara Eliya

• Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Tales Of Nuwara Eliya

The mountain town of Nuwara Eliya came into being when it was discovered by the British in the 19 th century. The British turned it into a quaint town, which mimicked life back in England. Much of the city’s history is therefore linked with events from the colonial era. However, like much of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya too has a mythical past that is rather intriguing. Find out more by exploring the tales of Nuwara Eliya below.

Sri Lanka’s Own ‘Little England’

Let the Ramayana Trail Take You on a Mythical Journey

Key attractions and things to do.

Nuwara Eliya has a variety of attractions, mainly associated with its colonial past. However, there are also some wonderful places in and around the city that showcase the natural beauty of the island.

Holy Trinity Church

St. Andrew’s Hotel

The Grand Hotel

The Hill Club

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

The Royal Turf Club

Victoria Park

Lake Gregory

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Strawberry Farms

Seetha Amman Temple

Horton Plains National Park

Moon Plains

Galway’s Land National Park

Pedro Tea Estate and Lover’s Leap Waterfall

The city of Nuwara Eliya has a great many things to do that will be of interest to kids and adults alike.

A family vacation in the mountains

A couple’s guide to ‘Little England’

Going solo in Nuwara Eliya

Best experiences in nuwara eliya.

The mountain resort city of Nuwara Eliya offers many different and exciting experiences that are bound to interest all types of travellers.

Hiking Experiences in Nuwara Eliya

The Nuwara Eliya Ramayana Trail

Colonial Heritage in Nuwara Eliya – the ‘Little England’ Experience

Ceylon Tea Experience in Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country

Hotels in nuwara eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s own ‘Little England’, has a number of colonial era buildings that have been transformed into charming hotels and inns. There are also some new properties that have been designed to look like quaint English cottages.

Luxury Hotels

Boutique Hotels

Budget Hotels

Nuwara Eliya: The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka

• July 23, 2021
• 8 minute read

Of Ceylon tea, winding roads, lush green valleys, velvety green tea plantations, tiny streams, beautiful misty mountains and dreamy waterfalls, that’s what a perfect getaway in Nuwara Eliya looks like.

Located 180 kilometers from Colombo in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya gives travelers a break from the obsessive heat and humidity that surrounds the rest of the island country. The picturesque landscape, temperate climate, and tea valleys make it a dream destination for photographers and tea connoisseurs alike.

Known as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, ‘City of Lights’ and ‘City on the Plain’, tourists and locals have given this hill too many names.

Down memory lane

The cool, quaint little hill retreat gained popularity during the British rule. Back then, the area was lost in wilderness comprising of only forests and jungles. However, the hill area was discovered by John Davy back in 1819 who decided to build a sanatorium here.

The cool climate made Nuwara Eliya an escape for the British as well as a ‘home away from home’ for them. When the south of Sri Lanka would get warmer, they would often spend their time in Nuwara Eliya. From growing English vegetables and fruits to spending time playing golf, cricket and polo, they thoroughly enjoyed their stay up there. During the 18 th century, they even grew coffee plantations, however, when it suffered a disease, they switched to tea.

Even today, the buildings, surroundings, and architecture ooze colonialism, British-feel attached to them thus keeping with the town’s untouched heritage.

Getting there

If incredible scenic views are on your bucket list, Nuwara Eliya is the place to head. Situated among the most beautiful tea estates, it is fairly easy to reach from Colombo. Typically, there are two main routes to get to there – via Kandy or via Hatton.

To make the most out of your holiday, traveling by car/taxi would be the most preferred option. The roads are narrow and bumpy, but that’s what truly makes the journey exciting and memorable. Via A5 highway, starting from Colombo via Katunayake Expressway will take you roughly 5 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya. However, the plus point of traveling by road is that you have plenty of sightseeing spots to stop at on the way. This is the most expensive option and will cost you $76 for a sedan vehicle.

If you’re a traveler on a budget, take a bus. Buses going to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo leave hourly. To reach Nuwara Eliya, a bus from Colombo can be taken to either Kandy or Hatton. Taking a bus to Hatton would cost $5 while and $3 to Kandy. Once travelers reach Hatton or Kandy, an intercity bus can be taken to Nuwara Eliya, which should cost only $2.

Firstly, Nuwara Eliya has no railway station. If you wish to travel by train, you will have to reach Nanu Oya railway station, and then take a bus or taxi from there to Nuwara Eliya. A second-class ticket from Colombo to Nanu Oya is $1.5. After getting off at the station, taking a bus would cost less than a dollar while a taxi would be a little more than a dollar.

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Best time to visit

Being a hill station, Nuwara Eliya has a consistent climate all year round. December through March is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya. The nights are cold and even frost may occur. It is also the best time to enjoy the cold, intoxicating fresh air blowing from the high cloud-crowned Pidurutalagala range.

The rest of the year sees an average climate with the highest temperature going to 31 degrees. The months of April and May are considered very busy due to Sinhalese and Tamil New Year. Accommodation during this period is pretty hard unless you book months in advance. Though it is crowded, it is extremely colorful and vibrant.

If you don’t mind braving a little rainfall, the monsoon is also a beautiful time to visit Nuwara Eliya.

Language, People & Currency

30% of the population in Nuwara Eliya comprises of Tamils while the rest are all Sinhalese. English, Sinhalese, and Tamil are the languages spoken by most people there. The currencies accepted include Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) and US Dollar ($).

Accommodation

The colonial architectural style of Nuwara Eliya gives travelers plenty of options to stay. Every accommodation option is better than the other. Most hotels offer an old-world charm, panoramic vistas of the rugged mountains, and magnificent views of the lush green tea plantations.

For Honeymooners

Araliya Green Hills Hotel is an upmarket-style hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Warm rooms and suites oozing with old-world charm make it a romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples. Royal Cocoon is another interesting option. They have 7 luxury rooms that offer picturesque views of the hills and landscaped gardens. A stay for two per night at Araliya would cost $85 while Royal Cocoon is a slightly more expensive option costing about $115.

For Tea connoisseurs

Imagine waking up to a cool breeze, grand views, and a hot cuppa tea. Blissful, right? Nuwara Eliya is every tea lover’s paradise. If planning a visit to the tea plantations is on your travel log, staying at Heritance Tea Factory has you sorted. With a total of 54 rooms and two suites, Heritance will spoil you with their tastefully done interiors, old-world décor, dark wood and deep carpets. From executive to premium rooms, they make a holiday in the hills a truly magical experience. Rated among the most expensive options in Nuwara Eliya, a stay for two would cost $258 per night.

For Budget travelers

Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, we have scouted some of the best and affordable accommodation options in Nuwara Eliya. Spending $25 to $40 can give you a comfortable stay with decent views. We would recommend Silver Meir Holiday Bungalow, Royal Hills, Blue Meadows, and Alpine Hotel.

Traveler Tip

Book these hotels on partner websites to get the best deal. Also, don’t forget to clear your cookies before booking.

Also Read:  Galle, Sri Lanka: A Walk Down The Colonial Old Days

Sightseeing/Places of Attraction

Though Nuwara Eliya is known for its tea plantations, there are plenty of other things to do as well. From viewpoints to waterfalls to lakes, you’ll need a good two or three days to see the places of attraction around.

Gregory Lake

This man-made lake was created in 1873 by the British-era governor mainly for the purpose of providing electricity. However, soon after it was built, it started being used for leisure and recreation. When in Nuwara Eliya, visiting Gregory is a must. From swan-shaped boat rides to normal boat rides, pony rides along the shore, and water sports, there is a lot to do in and around.

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Founded in the year 1889, this is one of the oldest clubs in Asia. It is situated on the foot of the tea gardens. Whether you’re looking to have a friendly match with your friends or want to visit for evening tea, checking out this club should be on your list.

Galway’s Land National Park

This is one of the smallest and newest national parks in Nuwara Eliya . The park is situated within city limits and is a must-visit tourist spot. The park operates from 6 AM to 5 PM. The National Park is a habitat for 10 Sri Lankan endemics, Wild boar, Barking deer, and exotic birds. The entry fee is $10.

Victoria Park

The Park is spread across 27 acres and comprises 90% of tree species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a large number of rare bird species. Entry to the park is free.

St. Clair’s Falls

Often referred to as the little Niagara of Sri Lanka, St. Clair’s fall is the wildest waterfall in Nuwara Eliya. Ample tourists visit every year. There are two waterfalls ‘ Maha Ella ’ and ‘ Kuda Ella ’. The former is at a height of 260ft while the latter is at 160ft. The waterfall is located at Tawalantenne – Talawakele Rd, Sri Lanka.

Visit the tea plantations

You cannot possibly miss a tour of the tea gardens. The Bluefield Factory and the Bluefield Tea Gardens are recommended tea plantations. It is a free guided tour that explains the entire tea manufacturing process. The owners even offer you free black and green tea samples. Towards the end of the tour, you will find a shop that sells all their in-house tea varieties. Compared to the tea available in the local shops, the tea sold here is quite pricey. Don’t be obliged to buy the tea here. However, if you feel like it, you may!

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Horton Plains

The Horton Plains National Park offers some great hiking opportunities. It primarily comprises areas covered with grass, rock landscapes, dense forests, waterfalls, and lakes. It is located 1 hour from the main town. The end of the plain, called World’s End — is 880m deep and is an excellent viewpoint overlooking tea plantation villages down below in the valley. The best time to visit is between 6 and 10 in the morning. After 10, it gets extremely misty. Try to avoid the rainy season (April-September). The ticket cost is $14 per person. If you plan to drive, then you can hire a car and driver for an additional $5.

Where to Eat?

Food trips are the best kind of trips, right? Nuwara Eliya’s dining scene caters to local and international taste buds. We have chalked out some of our favorite restaurants that appease all palates and budgets.

Grand Indian

Or Grand Hotel not only has the best High Tea but also the best restaurant. As the name suggests, they serve a rich, creamy, and lip-smacking variety of Northern Indian food. From vegetable curries to meaty dishes, appetizers, and desserts, they spoil you with a choice. Make sure you go hungry. An average meal for two would cost $15.

The cool temperatures in Nuwara Eliya are going to make you really hungry. During your stay, if you crave wood fire pizzas, Salmiya has you sorted. They source their ingredients from Europe so you can expect a thorough Italian fare.

Offering a break from the local cuisine and western choices is Grand Thai, a full-fledged Thai restaurant. The date-like ambiance makes it perfect for honeymooners. The vibe is pretty laid back too. You can expect some authentic Thai dishes at pocket-friendly prices.

Queenswood Restaurant

Finding the place might be a struggle, but when you reach there, you’ll be more than thankful. With an ambiance that boasts of wooden furnishings, muted lights and more, you’re definitely in for a treat. Being an Asian fusion restaurant, they offer scrumptious pizzas, beefy curries, shawarma rolls, and more.

Other restaurants we would recommend include De Silva Food Centre, Heritance Tea Factory Restaurant, and Indian Summer Nuwara Eliya.

If visiting England is not within your budget, you can definitely make a trip to Little England ( Nuwara Eliya ). The charm, beauty, culture, and heritage will definitely engulf you and make you want to stay longer and worthwhile.

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32 Places to Visit In Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya town and the surrounding area are one of the most vibrant locations in Sri Lanka, where you can spend prolonged lush greenery and calm weather. The Area is the ideal roost for families and couples to have an unforgettable experience. Adding to your bucket list and explained the Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free journey on your next visit to a remarkable city. In Addition, Nuwara Eliya is a charming countryside spot for those who adore nature blended with classiness.

1. Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is a beautiful area in Nuwara Eliya with both foreign tourists and locals. Titled after Sir William Gregory in 1873, it is a prominent attraction utilized for water sports and recreational activities. The park near the lake gives you several activities, such as speed boats, swan boats, dinky boats, Pony rides and many more. In addition, there is a bicycle path around the lake. Plenty of fast food stalls are located in separate areas to enjoy a meal or a snack. More Details

Ticket price: LKR.20 (Locals)                         LKR.200 (foreigners)

Charges for Car Park SUV / Van – 250 LKR Car – 125 LKR Bus – 650 LK

Opening Hours – 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (No admission after 03:00 p.m.)

2. Victoria Park -Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya, named after Queen Victoria’s 60th jubilee and built-in 1897, has 27 acres. The place where most prominent travellers, especially holidaymakers, nevermore abandon to visit and enjoy the beautifully set out gardens with the colourful flora and fauna maintained beautifully by the City Council. The blossoms are in full bloom in March, April and May and repeat in August and September. There is a particular area for the kids to play. More Details

Ticket Price: LKR 300 Opening Hours:  9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (weekdays)                               7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (weekends)

3. Galway’s Land National Park

Galway’s Land National Park The alone national park located within Nuwara Eliya city limits, Galway is residence to a montane ecosystem in the cold and windy hill station of Nuwara Eliya, also the most eminent placed city in Sri Lanka. Galway’s is enhanced by its unique birds and colourful floral varieties of native and foreign influence. Simultaneously with the nearby Victoria Park, Galway is considered the most important birding area in Sri Lanka. More Details

4. Single Tree Hill

Single Tree Hill, An outstanding sunrise view, can be viewed from the top of this mountain. Located 6890 ft higher than the sea level and takes about 90 minutes to reach the top. Single Tree Hill is the most excellent vantage point from which to watch the majesty of Nuwara Eliya and the beauty of the Haggada Mountain range. After trekking within tea plantations, one arrives at the top, where there is simply one Singletree. That is the 7th highest mountain in Sri Lanka.

A Buddhist temple is as peaceful as it can get your mind off the trail for a while, a great place to rest and walk around. There were stone stairs from the temple houses to enter the main hall and other structures. Following touring the Temple, The tip with a radio tower is visible nearly all the way. The trees have adjusted to the cold weather, heavy downpours and intense sunshine. Walking in the morning tide is ideal for bird spectators. The endemic whistling thrush, yellow-eared bulbul and several other species occupy this tiny forest patch. Mammals like sambar deer and barking deer can be observed further. Following that trail, you’ll end up in a tree plantation and can go through it down the hill, where you can get panoramic scenes of the town and lake. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go a little more under for more angels. The single Tree Hill trail is well worth visiting, but if you prepare to walk in the rainy year, check for weather warnings in advance, as it limits the appearance. More Details

5. Aberdeen Waterfalls

The Aberdeen Waterfall remains one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya district! Reaching the cascade involves a reasonably challenging hike that will take you down a winding pathway composed of narrow staircases and paths laid in concrete. The walk will take you through lush undergrowth, usually darkened by the thick canopy – the hike is so scenic that many would find it very therapeutic. During the journey, one could listen to the sweet melodies of songbirds and the slow buzzing sound of the insects and witness such creatures. There are unique plants, and you will also walk past several creeks, large boulders, and vines. At the End of the trail lies the waterfall –magnificent, epic, and stunning; all the elaborate words fail to describe its beauty – It is a site that must be visited to understand and appreciate its splendour!

Explorers and adventurers can walk to the bottom of the waterfall where there is a pool, but bear in mind that it is relatively deep, and the water will be cold, so swimming is not recommended. But instead, you could rent a kayak and paddle below the cascade. The mist from the waterfall will undoubtedly soak up your clothes, so make sure you are clad in proper swimwear. The return journey will also be scary since you must climb your way up, which you quickly get down! You can find more information about the site from our reception, and excursions to the site or transportation can also be arranged by contacting our resort’s front desk. More Details

6. Laxapana Waterfalls

Laxapana Falls holds a grand 126 metres in height. Waterfalls would make it the country’s eighth tallest waterfall, only surpassed by behemoths like Dunhinda and Babarakanda Falls. Specifically, it is located in Nuwara Eliya – in the Maskeliya, directly next to a little village named Kiriwan Eliya. The Laxapana Falls was initiated by the Maskeliya Oya, right around the extent that it formed up with the Kehelgamu Oya to form the famous Kelani River. Currently, the waterfall is named the Laxapana Hydro-Electric Stations, which are found close to each other. These are significant sources of power for the whole country. More Details

7. Haggala Botanic Gardens

Haggala Botanic Gardens were established in 1861 to experiment with and improve Cinchona cultivation in Sri Lanka. The fields in the hill country among Sri Lanka’s tea plantations in the Nuwara Eliya district are placed along Badulla Road, 9.5 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya.

The abode at about 1745 m above sea level; Hakgala Botanic Gardens, about 28 hectares in Area, lies under the darkness of the Hakgala Rock. This large rock towers about 2,200m behind the gardens and the neighbouring forest reserve like a lonely giant. The gardens take the shape of several platforms upon the lower slopes of the rock and meet the Uva Valley, across which some majestic views of the Madulsima and the Namunukula range of hills are seen in the different landscapes. The environment of the Gardens is subtropical, cool, fresh, and slightly similar to an alpine climate—the temperature changes from 3°C to 15° C. The lowest reported was 3° C. The gardens receive rainfall from two monsoons. In the South West from May to August and the North East from October to December, the yearly average rainfall is about 2300 mm. More Details

Entry: LKR. 60 for Locals             LKR. 1500 for Foreign Adults             LKR. 750 for Foreign Child Opening Hours: 8 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

8. Seetha Amman Kovil

Seetha Amman Kovil has located just 1 km from the Hakgala Botanical garden. Uniquely Seetha Amman kovil is in the world and is established according to South Indian architecture. According to the Epic Ramayana, legend has it that Seetha was held captive and hidden in this place by king Rama to protect her from the brute king Ravana. The stream that runs close to this place is believed to be where Sita bathed, and the rock by it is thought to be where she lay praying. On the rock face across the water are circular depressions believed to be the footprints of Rawana’s elephant. There is one place in the stream where the water cannot be drunk, and myth has that Sita cursed this place and hence the sour taste. Water is bright, and the Temple is known by many other names such as Sita Amman Kovil, Sita Amman Temple, Hanuman Kovil, Hanuman Temple, and Sri Bhakta Hanuma Kovil belong to the same place. More Details

9. Dunsinane waterfalls

The beautiful Dunsinane Falls, also called Pundalu Oya, falls in Pundalu Oya village, Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka. With a rise of 100 m, the waterfall, in subsequent runs, joins the Pundalu Oya River, a branch of the Kotmale Oya.

Dunsinane falls lies between a couple of tea estates. One is named Dunsinane estate, and the other is called Sheen estate. Consequently, this waterfall was called Dunsinane-sheen falls (or Dunsinanshin falls). After an appropriate time, this waterfall was named ‘Dunsinane Falls.’ The top part of the fall is 30 meters, and it flows through a vast rocky plain. There is a Hindu Kovil on the left side of the upper falls, and a statue has been made in the middle of the stony plain, which adds a unique value to the waterfall. Waterfalls feature you can observe from the bridge. The 70m lower part cascades down the bridge, and there is no proper way to reach the base of the lower segment. More Details

10. Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

Sri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil Temple is one of the essential Hanuman Temples in Sri Lanka, found on the peak of the spectacular panoramic hill in Ramboda, 30 KM northern to Nuwara Eliya. The Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka began this Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil temple is dedicated to the God Hanuman, one of the important sites of the Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka. In addition, visitors can observe the 18 feet Hanuman sculpture, the tallest Hanuman sculpture in Sri Lanka.

Hanuman Temple was built in 1999, and it is considered that Hanuman was seeking Sita Devi. Nonetheless, some Ramayana details are obtainable in this Zone, a town named “Ravana Goda” close to this Bhakta Hanuman kovil Temple. Also, the Tamil word for Ramboda, Rampadai, intends “Rama’s force”; this is why Ramboda is believed to be the Area where Rama raised his troops. Besides, it is thought that this was where Lord Hanuman took a break while seeking Sita during the Ramayana yatra to Sri Lanka. More Details

11. Devon Waterfalls

Devon Waterfalls, identified as the ‘Veil of the Valley, is a waterfall in Sri Lanka, found 6 km west of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District. The falls are after a pioneer English coffee agriculturist, Devon, whose plantation was near the falls. The cascade is 97 m high, the 19th highest on the island. The river of Kothmale Oya, a part of the Mahaweli River, frames the fall. The height of Devon Falls is 1,140 m above sea level. More Details

12. Pidurutalagala Mountain and Forest Reserve

Pidurutalagala, or Mount Pedro, is an ultra-extended peak and the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, at 2,524 m. It is situated North-next-east of the town of Nuwara Eliya and is easily visible from most areas of the Central Province.

During particular times of the year, one may be fortunate enough to travel up to Pidurutalagala Peak after obtaining permission ( no trekking allowed) without stopping the vehicle on the way or getting out of the car from the Entrance Security Point at the mountain base up to the Upper-Security Point at the peak. More Details

13. Strawberry Farm

Strawberries are grown in open areas and polytunnels in the Nuwara Eliya District. Two of the most famous plantations are in Ambewela and Ragala, about 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya.

Although the initial planting season for strawberries begins in September, the nursery preparation method starts fresh with farming mother stock. Served with the utmost care, these mother plants start shooting branches a few weeks after planting, which are then separated and potted in preparation for bed farming.

Greenhouse construction involves carefully laying gradients for proper effluent, mulch for suitable weed/pest cover and dripper methods for fertigation – a few of the multiple features covered meticulously in this period. As we call the formation of the soil and Area, Land and bed preparation is an arduous task requiring much precision and time. More Details

14. Gartmore Waterfalls – Maskeliya

Gartmore Waterfall is generally known as Sri Pada Waterfall or Adam’s Peak Fall due to its closeness to Adam’s Peak. However, because this waterfall occupies the Gartmore estate, it is also recognized by Gartmore Falls.

Gartmore Falls immediately befalls onto the Maskeliya Reservoir and is fed by two rivers that join over the falls. Each of these waters creates a waterfall before joining and lying inside the Gartmore Estate. Hence, these two waterfalls are commonly named Gartmore Estate Waterfalls.

A different waterfall of the same height lies several meters away from Gartmore Falls, feeding the same Maskeliya Reservoir called Moray Falls. However, due to the proximity of these two falls, some confuse the titles of those waterfalls, and the Moray Falls is also recognized as the Sri Pada Falls. More Details

15. World’s End – Horton Plains

World’s End intends that this place has the highest gap in Sri Lanka. It was situated at the border of Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Ratnapura districts and Horton Plains, the immense biodiversity range in Sri Lanka. This place highlights the vibrant bio-diversity of Sri Lanka. With a remarkable variety of terrain, weather, vegetation, etc., this trail climbs through pine plots, grasslands, Montana brush patches, tea fields, and eventually into a cloud forest to arrive at Worlds End. One can observe the city of Balangoda, which is found way under your point of view. Walk alone within the silent plain of Horton Plain to the End of the world. Stand 2000 Metres high at the peak of the cold frosted grassland and drop your sights towards the next landmark – the tea plantations 900 Meters under. Gaze beyond the waves of mountains, the lattice of waterfalls, hazy lakes and paddy fields, the pink salters of Hambantota and the sparkling sea in a horizontal sweep. More Details

16. Baker’s Waterfalls

Baker’s waterfall is located in the Horton Plains national park; this fall is accessible from Pattipola or Ohiya town. From Pattipola, take the well-signed footpath and either follow it to World’s End and loop back to Baker’s Falls or take the right turn at the start of the path. A steep, root-strewn bank can be challenging to negotiate shortly before the fall, especially in wet weather. More Details

17. Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plain, surrounding forests, and the neighbouring Peak Wilderness connect Sri Lanka’s most significant catchment area of almost all the main rivers. The tables are also outstanding in the environments, and endemic plants and animals represent the land’s wet and montane zones.

Horton plains comprise a gently fluctuating highland hill at the southern End of the central mountains massif of Sri Lanka. It is managed to the north by Mount Totupola Kanda (2,357m) and west by Mount Kirigalpotta (2,389m). Two mountains filling the Horton Plain have added immensely to its awe-inspiring physiognomy, “big worlds end” by 884m. The sparking Baker’s fall emphasises the beauty of the foliage of the peaks encircling the plains as intermittently covered by mist. The park’s altitude covers from about 1,800m to 2,389m at the height of Kirigalpotta. The plateau at 2,100m is the most distinguished tableland in Sri Lanka. The yearly rainfall in the region is about 2540mm, but for Horton Plains, it may exceed 5000mm. Rain happens most of the year, although there is a dry season from January to March. Temperatures are moderate, with an annual mean temperature of 15ºC and ground frost is anticipated from December to February.

Horton Plains is sufficiently admitted for its rich biodiversity; its flora has a high endemism level. 5% of varieties are determined to be endemic to Sri Lanka. More Details

 Ticket price   : Locals-  LKR 60 + LKR 300 Group Fee + 15% VAT

                           Foreigners -USD 15 + USD 8 Group Fee + 15% VAT

18. Chariot path- Ramboda 

The Chariot path is where Ravana carried Sita Devi on his chariot from Sita Kotuwa to Ashoka Vatika, also known as Ravana field pathway, located forest on the top of Ramboda Hills on the Kandy – Nuwara Eliya main road. This is one of the iconic Ramayana places in Sri Lanka. To date, no vegetation thrives on this barren land without grass. King Ravana is assumed to have used this way on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the attraction of his kingdom, as stated in the great epic of Ramayana. Therefore, the chariot path and Sita tear pond are critical Ramayana Sites in Sri Lanka.

Barley grass can be seen during the pathway giving evidence to the remarkable story of Ramayana. However, many large trees with gorgeous red blooms in this field add a bright colour to the landscape. These flowers are called Sita flowers by the local villagers. The peculiarity of these flowers is the petal, stamen and pistil shape, which follow a human figure carrying a bow and represent Rama. It is also considered that These flowers are novel only to this region in the entirety of Sri Lanka. More Details

19. Pattipola railway station

Pattipola is the 62nd station on the central railway line and is 224 km from Colombo. That is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, with 1,897.5 m (6,225 ft) high above the base sea level. The station has a single platform with another track as a siding loop. All the trains on the Main Line, including the Podi Menike and Udarata Menike, express trains, and check-in at the station. More Details

20. St. Clair’s Waterfalls

St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is usually known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. The falls are located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) west of Talawakele on the Hatton-Talawakele Highway in Nuwara Eliya District. More Details

21. Kande Ela Educational Forest Reserve

The Kande Ela Educational Forest Reserve is located on the Kande Ela tank, about 12 Km from Nuwara Eliya on the Nuwara Eliya-Pattipola Road.

This forest reserve is settled in a stunning location and environment, containing various forest fauna and flora. It also includes a very high quality of plants and is unique to the upcountry forest reservations.

Descriptive details of the Science of Environmental conservation and various related examples & models have been used to describe and explain the different aspects of Environmental Science and protection.

This natural habitat that has been prepared to understand the upcountry forest setup is full of various plants and living fauna. You can gain vast knowledge about forest conservation and its related aspects through details about the various examples and models in multiple locations of this forest reserve. More Details

22. New Zealand Farm – Ambewela

New Zealand Farm is located at Ambewela, a few km from Nuwara Eliya. The New Zealand Farm is a division of the Ambewela Farm; New Zealand Farm is located only 3-4 Km away from the Ambewela Farm. New Zealand farm raises purebred Friesian cows and maintains a pure line of cattle. The cows are provided with a rich diet and sterilized water to preserve milk quality. Exceptional health care is given on a 24 hr basis. Here, one can see the most extensive grasslands of Sri Lanka and is also a part of the Ambewela farm, which manufactures dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt and can be seen by visitors. More Details

Opening Hours : 09 a.m. – 06:00 p.m.

23. Moon Plains

Moon Plains is an ample plain land with overgrown green grass in the middle of forest reserves and peaks. This area has a fabulous view, and visitors can rest, live in the new atmosphere and sense comfortable. It gets clarity that is misplaced in complex city dynamism.  More Details

Ticket price: Adults: LKR 400 Children: LKR 200

Opening Hours : 07:30 a.m. – 04:00 p.m.

24. Post Office – Nuwara Eliya

The British built a red brick building according to the Tudor technique and a two-storied structure with a clock spire in 1984. This building is in the centre of Nuwara Eliya town and is one of the oldest buildings in Sri Lanka. More Details

Opening Hours: 8 a.m. – 04:30 p.m.

25. Golf Club – Nuwara Eliya

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, established in 1889. It is an establishment rich in tradition and history and holds an atmosphere exceptional in this country.

Established primarily for their rest and recreation by the British agriculturalists who farmed the land for tea in the Nuwara Eliya and neighbourhoods, to this day, it caters to some of the traditions and practices of the country’s colonial history. This quaint admixture of old-world charm and modern trappings invests it with a special aura and is the essence of its beauty. When one enters the gates, one is fascinated by a world left behind by the march of history. 

26. Pedro Tea State

Tea State is Located around 3.5 km east of Nuwara Eliya. Tourists can visit the Tea estate from morning until 12.30 p.m. and after 2.00 p.m. At Pedro Estate, you should be able to observe the steps of tea fabrication, grade, and filling for exports. It is situated on a landscape with green pastures of tea and waterfalls, which is a scenery never to be forgotten.

27. Ramboda Waterfalls

Ramboda Waterfalls is not a single cascade. It has two stairs. It is 109 m (358 ft.) tall and has been proffered as the 11th-highest cascade in Sri Lanka and the 729th tallest in the world. It was formed by Panna Oya, a Kothmale Oya branch, and it visited Ramboda’s main waterfall at the downside of the Ramboda. More Details

28. Bluefield Tea state

Bluefield Tea state is a renowned tea production estate in Nuwara Eliya found in Rambada, about 1200 meters beyond sea level, encircled by a pleasant and picturesque setting of lush greenery and ravines. In addition, It is the most visited tea plantation in the Nuwara Eliya, wrapped by tea estates and misty mountains. Bluefield Tea Factory is best for learning the production steps and purchasing new garden tea mixtures.

29. Lover’s Leaf Waterfalls

Lover’s Leap Waterfall, likewise understood as Lover’s Leap Falls, is a renowned waterfall attraction for visitors. The waterfall creates a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.in addition, there are no appropriate sites to park your vehicle and hiking a short distance via the tea plantation and dirt road to the falls drives you a different experience. More Details  

30. Castlereagh Reservoir

The Castlereagh Reservoir is disguised in a ravine and encircled by soaring, verdant cliffs. It is possibly the most idyllic place in the hill country. 

Visiting the reservoir is a beautiful activity for anyone, whether travelling with your partner, family or a group of friends. There are a whole host of outdoor activities in the area—canoe along the calm waters of the reservoir or Cycle via the surrounding ridges.

31. Grand Hotel – Nuwara Eliya

In the 1990s, The Grand Hotel was offered its title as ‘National Heritage Property’ by The Archeology Department of Sri Lanka. This prestigious title represents the value placed on the decade Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, as both a historic building and a place that holds a deep historical and cultural significance for Sri Lanka, worthy of preservation.

Before its discovery by Dr John Davy in 1819, Nuwara Eliya was already home to an illustrious history that showcased ruins of ancient irrigation systems and stone reminders that dated as far back as 1000 AD. Nuwara Eliya, or the “ City of Light “, has deep roots in a popular Royal Township. The early 19th-century British Planters made plans to make this little valley a home away from home for themselves. Privy to it all, the best hotel in Nuwara Eliya- The Grand Hotel is at the heart of the merry-making, romance and history. 

32. Tea Castle by Mlesana

The Castle Museum displays interesting heirlooms with scholarly pictures depicting the industry’s earlier years. Further, The Castle Restaurant, with its unique atmosphere, adds substantial weight to the occasion by completing a good attitude for entertainment and leisure.

Weather in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is the most remarkable region in Sri Lanka due to its high-altitude level. The moderate temperature is 16°C, typically varies between 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F), rarely it become below ten °C (50°F) and above 23°C (73°F). The average rain is 2050mm. The hottest is May and the most relaxed in January. October reports the highest rainfall, and July is windier, according to the weather forecasting reports. Many locals usually visit from April to May to avoid the brutal sun in Colombo.

Festival season in Nuwara Eliya 

Nuwara Eliya Festival begins on April 1st and runs until April 30th with delightful events like horse races, strawberry fest, golf tournaments, water sports events, Musical events, the Gregory MUD challenge, and more.

How to reach Nuwara Eliya?

Bandaranaike International Airport  has car assistance desks that provide transfers to Nuwara Eliya, which cost roughly USD 115 – 120 unless your hotel or tour operator arranges a transfer. The distance from Colombo BIA Airport to Nuwaraeliya is around 165 km, and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya. Furthermore, you can find taxis or Tuk-tuk as a cheap alternative from any city to get to Nuwara Eliya.

Direct Public transportation to Nuwara Eliya is available from many central cities, and few cities have to use transit buses to reach Nuwara Eliya.   

Cinnamon Air Charters fly to Nuwara Eliya, which takes about less than an hour to reach Nuwara Eliya. Please get in touch with  Cinnamon Air for your next dream visit to Nuwara Eliya.

Suggested Read –  The Most Attractive Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

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Nuwara Eliya: 10 fun things to do & ultimate guide

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, Nuwara Eliya is like a slice of British countryside dropped right into the tropics.

Rolling green hills, misty mornings, and acres upon acres of tea plantations make this a unique but compelling region of Sri Lanka.

It’s a place that feels wonderfully laid-back, yet the landscapes are absolutely jaw-dropping. And, of course, the tea is as fresh as it gets!

Being in Nuwara Eliya feels a bit like you’ve been teleported to the English countryside, but with a distinctly Sri Lankan twist.

It’s all about embracing a slower lifestyle, getting back to nature, and soaking in unforgettable views.

So, grab a cup of tea (to set the mood, of course) and let me convince you to add Nuwara Eliya to your Sri Lanka itinerary.

If you prefer a video over an article, then I’d recommend watching my Nuwara Eliya vlog:

In my ultimate guide, I share the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, as well as how to get there, where to stay, and top tips for visiting.

This post contains affiliate links.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

How to get to Nuwara Eliya

Trust me when I say that getting to Nuwara Eliya is part of the adventure. It took us a lot longer than it should because we kept stopping to take photos and soak in the epic views!

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a few ways to reach Sri Lanka’s tea country.

By train: I’d recommend this option if you’re after those Instagram-worthy views. The train ride to Nuwara Eliya is famously scenic, offering breathtaking vistas of Sri Lanka’s countryside, waterfalls, and tea plantations.

You’ll need to catch a train to Nanu Oya, which is the nearest station to Nuwara Eliya, about 8 kilometres away. From there, a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride will get you into town.

By bus: I’d recommend the bus if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Buses head to Nuwara Eliya from major cities like Colombo and Kandy.

It’s a longer journey, but it’s a good way to travel like a local and see the countryside from a different perspective. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective.

By car: Renting a car or hiring a driver might be a bit pricier, but it offers the most flexibility. This is the option we took, as we had a private driver for our entire trip.

I loved it because you can take breaks whenever you like, explore off-the-beaten-path spots, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Our driver was brilliant at pointing out hidden gems that we never would have discovered without him. If you want his details, feel free to DM me on Instagram !

I personally would not recommend driving in Sri Lanka. It’s utterly chaotic and none of the driving rules we have in the UK seem to be followed (apart from the fact that they drive on the left side of the road).

Browse options for getting to Nuwara Eliya by train, car or minivan .

Weather in Nuwara Eliya

The climate in Nuwara Eliya is a delightful departure from the tropical heat of the rest of Sri Lanka.

Here you’ll find cool, crisp air, misty mornings, and the kind of weather that invites you to cosy up with a warm cup of tea.

It’s a refreshing change, especially if you’re coming from the humid coastal areas.

Nuwara Eliya, fondly known as “Little England” for its temperate, cool climate, sits at an elevation of over 1,800 metres above sea level.

This elevation is the magic behind its cooler temperatures. Here, the weather is mild year-round, with temperatures hovering between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

It’s a stark contrast to the tropical climate elsewhere on the island, making it the perfect escape from the heat.

But don’t be fooled by the daytime’s mild weather. Nights can get quite chilly, especially during the December to February winter season, when temperatures can dip close to freezing.

Where we stayed at Goatfell Hotel , they even popped a small hot water bottle into our beds as part of the turn-down service. Such a nice and much-needed touch!

Rainfall is another characteristic of Nuwara Eliya’s climate, with the monsoon seasons bringing in the most rain.

The main monsoon season runs from October to December, when the town gets a good soaking, transforming the landscape into a lush, verdant paradise.

The intermittent showers during the rest of the year keep the area beautifully green and the waterfalls flowing. Fellow Brits, I’m sure you’ll feel right at home!

So, when you’re packing for Nuwara Eliya, think layers. I’d recommend bringing along some warm clothes for the evenings and a waterproof jacket for those unexpected showers.

Plus, I’d suggest packing a good pair of walking shoes for exploring all the natural beauty this mountain town has to offer.

Best things to do in Nuwara Eliya

There are a number of fun things to do in Nuwara Eliya and I’ve shared my top picks below. 

1. Tea plantations

No visit to Nuwara Eliya is complete without a visit to one of the many tea plantations in the region.

The emerald-green tea plantations that carpet the rolling hills are not only beautiful but also a key part of the region’s heritage.

While there are a few options to choose from, personally I’d recommend a visit to the Pedro Tea Estate or the Labookellie Tea Centre.

Here you can embark on a guided tour to learn about the intricate process of tea making, from plucking the leaves to the final stages of production.

The experience is often rounded off with a tea tasting (the best part if you ask me!), where you can sip on various grades of tea.

It’s a great way to gain some insight into the subtle differences in flavour and aroma that make Ceylon tea a global favourite.

2. Horton Plains National Park and World’s End

This national park is perfect for nature enthusiasts and hikers, comprising a mixture of vast grasslands and beautiful cloud forests.

The park’s most famous feature, World’s End, is an breathtaking cliff with a sheer drop of about 880 metres. 

I’d suggest starting the trek to World’s End early in the morning to avoid the mist that rolls in later, which can obscure the panoramic views that span as far as the southern coastline on clear days.

Along the way, keep an eye out for sambar deer, the occasional leopard, and a variety of endemic bird species.

3. Gregory Lake

Constructed during the British era as a reservoir, Gregory Lake is now a popular recreational spot.

You can rent a swan-shaped pedal boat for a leisurely ride on the water, where you can enjoy the cool climate and picturesque surroundings.

The lakeside park is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply relaxing with a book.

During certain times of the year, the lake area becomes a hub for local festivities and markets, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.

4. Victoria Park

Named in honour of Queen Victoria, this beautifully manicured park is a tranquil escape in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.

It’s an ideal spot for bird watchers, with the chance to spot several species of birds.

The park’s well-kept flower beds, mini train rides, and playgrounds make it a hit with families and anyone looking to simply unwind.

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5. Hakgala Botanical Garden

Just a short drive from Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Garden is located at the foot of the Hakgala Rock.

The garden is known for its collection of orchids and roses, with something in bloom year-round amidst its cool misty climate.

I’d definitely recommend this as one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya for avid gardeners.

6. Strawberry Farms

It’s not just about tea in Nuwara Eliya – its cool climate is also perfect for strawberry cultivation.

Several farms around town offer the delightful experience of picking your own strawberries, which is a wonderfully fun activity for all ages.

Don’t forget to try some of the delicious strawberry-based treats like fresh strawberry ice cream or jam, which are often available to buy too.

7. Lover’s Leap Waterfall

This picturesque waterfall is not only known for its natural beauty but also for the romantic legend associated with it.

According to local folklore, a young couple, unable to be together due to societal pressures, leapt from the top of the waterfall. Hence the waterfall’s unique name.

The hike to Lover’s Leap is relatively easy and rewards you with beautiful views of the waterfall cascading down the rocks.

8. Seetha Amman Temple

Another of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya is to stop by Seetha Amman Temple.

Steeped in legend, this colourful Hindu temple is said to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by Ravana.

The temple is a place of worship and a fascinating cultural site, and is a testament to the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of the area.

9. Moon Plains

This vast expanse of land offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Nuwara Eliya, with sights of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Known locally as ‘Sandatenna,’ Moon Plains is a relatively new attraction that features a mini World’s End of its own.

The drive or walk to the viewing platform is all part of the fun, offering encounters with wildlife such as elk, wild buffalo, and a variety of birds.

10. Post Office

A visit to Nuwara Eliya’s post office offers a glimpse into colonial-era architecture.

This iconic red-brick building, functioning since the 19th century, stands as a testament to the town’s historical charm.

It’s not only a place to send a postcard home but also a photogenic spot. I think it perfectly captures the essence of Nuwara Eliya’s blend of British influence and Sri Lankan culture.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

We stayed in the gorgeous Goatfell , a boutique hotel with only four rooms. It’s part of the excellent Teardrop Hotels group.

Perched high on a hill and surrounded by tea plantations, it offers the most epic views and an incredible setting. I mean just look at that sunrise in the photo above!

I’d whole-heartedly recommend a stay at Goatfell – you can read my full review here .

Looking for more Sri Lanka travel inspiration? You may also like:

• 15 amazing things to do in Colombo
• Ultimate guide to visiting Yala National Park
• Hilton Yala Resort hotel review
• 10 fun things to do in Galle
• 12 breathtaking beaches in Sri Lanka
• 10 incredible hotels in Sri Lanka

For a similar destination in South East Asia, you may want to read my guide to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia .

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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Nuwara Eliya: An English Tale in Sri Lanka

Being a tropical country located near South India, I used to think that when visiting Sri Lanka, all I needed to pack was summer clothes. Wrong.

Especially if you’re planning to stay in Nuwara Eliya, a beautiful English town on top of a hill.

Dubbed Little England, the town is a contrast to other cities in Sri Lanka not only because of the English history, but also the climate and architecture.

Founded by Samuel Baker in 1846, Nuwara Eliya’s cool climate (daily average of 16°C) made the town a favourite place to stay for British civil servants and colonialists.

I’m so happy to include Nuwara Eliya in my Sri Lanka itinerary. After some hot and sweaty days, finally, I can feel the cold breeze on my face!

Some places to visit are The Town Post Office, The Queen’s Cottage, Victoria Park, The Hill Club, The Grand Hotel, Gregory Lake and The Royal Turf Club.

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The Hill Club

You don’t have to be a member to visit the luxury, colonial-charm club. Visitors can pay a one-time pass of LKR100 (around RM2) for a tour inside the club.

The guide will bring you to all the rooms and you can take some photos.

Also read: “9 Fun Facts About Sri Lanka That You Should Know”

The Grand Hotel

I wish I could stay in this four-star hotel, but just taking a walk inside the hotel is enough to make me happy.

Although there’s a newer, five-star hotel nearby, I think The Grand Hotel is better because of the English-style architecture.

The hotel also has a café and a few restaurants connected to the hotel (Indian, Thai, etc), so visitors can dine without entering the hotel.

Besides the beautiful atmosphere, many travellers come here for the famous high tea.

Gregory Lake

The beautiful lake is named after a British Governor during its construction in 873, Sir William Gregory.

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya

If you’re thinking to take the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella, you’re going to miss a lot of things. I know many travellers take this train route, so I ask my guide his opinion.

He says those who take the Kandy-Ella route are mostly backpackers who don’t want to or don’t have enough money to stay in Nuwara Eliya.

By now, some of you may think that staying in Nuwara Eliya is expensive. Don’t worry, there are many nice budget hotels that also serve delicious food!

My hotel is located deep inside an alley and the road isn’t even smooth. However, it turns out to be a nice and comfortable hotel.

Daffodils Hotel is just a 5-10 minutes walk from The Grand Hotel and The Royal Turf Club.

If you feel lazy to come out for dinner, opt for a delicious buffet in the hotel for just LKR1,100 (around RM25).

If you’re thinking to visit Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka and have some questions, just write a comment on this blog/FB post or email me?

Compare & Book Train, Bus, Car from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

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Hello Jasa Forex and Kristal, for me it could take a few hours to write 1 blog post because I insert many photos. I have no programming knowledge either, I’m using a template for the layout design. I feel you need to have the dedication to update your blog regularly and maintain authenticity and content quality. If you’re selling products or services, you can incorporate SEO. Last but not least, create content that’s useful/meaningful to the readers. I hope that helps 🙂

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Thanks for finally writing about > Nuwara Eliya: An English Tale in Sri Lanka – A Girl Named Clara < Loved it!

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Hakgala Botanical Gardens

• Explore Sri Lanka

Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second largest garden among the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, which is the home to a variety of wild life, including bears, monkeys and birds. Situated some 5 kilometers South of Nuwara Eliya, the road to Hakgala along the Badulla road is a pleasant downhill drive, mostly through pine forests. The comfortable cool weather that prevails throughout the year compliments the exotic flora and fauna, creating a true paradise. It boasts thousands of flora species. .

Originally used for the cultivation of cinchona and tea, the present day Hakgala Gardens was established in 1861 under the patronage of Dr. G H W Thawaites. The development of Hakgala Gardens as a botanic garden was initiated by Mr William Nock in 1884 and since then many varieties of flowers and trees, both local and foreign, have been introduced.

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