Welcome to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka! Dubbed as ‘Little England’ by the British colonizers who were enchanted by its stunning landscape, Nuwara Eliya is a destination that never fails to charm its visitors. The town boasts of acres of verdant tea plantations, pristine waterfalls, and enchanting misty hills, making it a must-visit place on any traveler’s bucket list. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the best attractions and things to do in Nuwara Eliya so that you can have an unforgettable experience in this scenic mountain town. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this beautiful part of Sri Lanka with us!

The 3 Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya

1. Discover Ella
2. Wide Range of Ella Excursions Tours 02 Nights in Amazing Ella Sri Lanka
3. Multi Day Trip Around Sri Lanka With Chauffeur

The 3 Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya

1. Discover Ella

Discover the three iconic sights in Ella on this full day organized tour. Your guide and driver will take you from point to point explaining the history and significance of each. First stop at Ella Rock and climb to the top. Next visit the Nine Arches Bridge – a viaduct with amazing views that will make for great photos. Finally, visit Little Adam’s peak for an easy hike to the footprint of Lord Buddha and stunning sunset views. The tour includes a local lunch at a restaurant, bottled water, and private transportation. You can either head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and pickup details will be provided upon booking. Don’t miss the chance to see three of Ella’s most famous sites today!

2. Wide Range of Ella Excursions Tours 02 Nights in Amazing Ella Sri Lanka

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella Sri Lanka on a private guided tour that takes you to the town’s most fascinating spots. Admire picturesque viewpoints and natural waterfalls and indulge in some trekking amidst the lush greenery. You will also visit a tea estate and have an insight into tea production. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with included accommodation in 3-star hotels for two nights and complimentary breakfast. Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver along with all fees and taxes included. Lunch and dinner will also be served for two days during the tour. Choose to meet at the assigned spot or request a pickup from your preferred location. The tour runs from 8:00 am and will end at the same starting point. Enjoy flexibility and personal attention from your guide throughout the private tour.

3. Multi Day Trip Around Sri Lanka With Chauffeur

Experience the beautiful country of Sri Lanka on this multi-day trip with a chauffeur. You’ll be able to sit back and relax in a private air-conditioned vehicle while enjoying WiFi on board. The tour includes pickup from select points and drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. Expect confirmation upon booking and note that this is a private tour experience. The tour is operated by a professional taxi service that offers well-priced tours. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and only service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate in the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka. Located in the central highlands, it is known for its tea plantations, scenic waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. Many tourists from all around the world visit this picturesque city each year. If you’re planning a trip to Nuwara Eliya, you’re likely to have some questions in mind. We have compiled a list of the most common questions tourists ask about the city, and provided answers that will help you plan your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya?

The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is from January to March, and from August to December. This is when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The temperature during these months ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it the perfect climate for exploring the city. However, if you’re a fan of flowers, you should plan your visit during April or May when the city’s lush tea plantations and scenic landscapes are blooming with vibrant colors.

2. How do I get to Nuwara Eliya?

The easiest way to get to Nuwara Eliya is by train. The train ride from Colombo takes around 6 hours but the scenic views throughout the journey are worth every minute. If you are not interested in the train ride, you can come via any other vehicle too but the journey through the mountainous roads can be quite adventurous. Also, there are frequent buses from Kandy, which take around 3 hours to reach the city. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi or rent a car if you prefer to have more control over your travel itinerary.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya is a city filled with many exciting sights and sounds. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya:

    a) Horton Plains National Park

One of the most famous and scenic tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya is the Horton Plains National Park. It is located on the Horton Plateau, which is approximately an hour’s drive from the city center. You can hike through the park, explore the cloud forests and the Baker’s Falls, and even witness the world-famous World’s End cliff.

    b) Victoria Park

Victoria Park, located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, is a beautiful park that has been around since colonial times. The park is home to a wide variety of colorful flowers and trees, and it’s an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers.

    c) Tea plantations and factories

Nuwara Eliya is known for its tea plantations and tea factories. You can visit the vast tea fields, learn about the production process, and even taste some of the world’s finest tea varieties. Some well-known tea factories to visit are the Pedro Tea Estate, Bluefield Tea Gardens, and the Mackwood Tea Factory.

    d) Waterfalls

Nuwara Eliya has some of the most beautiful and picturesque waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Some of the must-visit waterfalls include St. Clair’s Falls, Devon Falls, and the Ramboda Falls.

4. What should I pack for my trip to Nuwara Eliya?

Since Nuwara Eliya experiences a cool climate year-round, it’s essential to pack the right clothes. We suggest that you pack warm clothes such as jackets, sweaters, socks, and comfortable walking shoes. However, during the daytime, it can get a bit warm, so pack some t-shirts and shorts too. Don’t forget to pack your camera, sunscreen, and insect repellant, as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.

5. What kind of accommodations are available in Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya offers several types of accommodations for tourists, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Some of the most popular options include hotels, resorts, guesthouses, inns, and homestays. You can choose a place that suits your budget and requirements. It is better to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

6. What’s the food like in Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya has an exciting culinary landscape, with a mix of local and international cuisines to choose from. Some must-try dishes include String Hoppers, Kothu Roti, Egg Hoppers, Kotthu with cheese and Chocolate Biscuit Pudding. Vegetarians have plenty of options too. The city also has numerous cafes and restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines.

7. Is it safe to travel to Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya is a safe city to travel to. However, like any destination, it is always recommended to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your luggage, avoid carrying too much cash, and be cautious while on public transportation.

8. What is the currency used in Nuwara Eliya?

The currency used in Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so it’s not necessary to carry a lot of cash. However, it’s always good to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you need to exchange money.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and mild climate. If you are planning to visit Nuwara Eliya as a tourist, here is a guide to help you make the most of your time.

1. Visit a Tea Plantation

Nuwara Eliya is famous for its tea plantations. You can visit one of the many tea factories in the area and tour the facility to learn about the tea production process. You will also get to taste some of the freshest tea available. Some notable tea factories to visit are Pedro Tea Estate, Glenloch Tea Factory, and Bluefield Tea Gardens.

2. Explore Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a beautiful park located in the center of Nuwara Eliya. The park features a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. You can take a relaxing walk through the park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park also has a small lake where you can take a boat ride.

3. Hike to the Top of Single Tree Hill

Single Tree Hill, also known as One Tree Hill, is a popular hiking destination in Nuwara Eliya. The hill is about 2,131 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The hike to the top is about 3 kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The best time to hike is early in the morning when the weather is clear.

4. Visit The Hill Club

The Hill Club is a historic building located in the center of Nuwara Eliya. It was built in 1876 and was initially used as a place for British planters to socialize. The building has a traditional British colonial style and features a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Even if you are not staying here, you can still visit and enjoy the ambiance.

5. Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is known to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world. However, if you are short on time, you can take a shorter train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. The train ride takes about 2.5 hours and offers stunning views of the countryside. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as seats can sell out quickly.

6. Visit the Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is a man-made lake located in the center of Nuwara Eliya. The lake was created by Governor William Gregory in 1873. You can take a boat ride on the lake or enjoy some of the various activities around the lake, such as horse riding, cycling, or jogging. There are also several restaurants and cafes around the lake where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of tea.

7. Visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. It is located about 10 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and features a variety of plant species, including an impressive collection of orchids. The garden is also a great place for bird watching and is home to several bird species.

8. Learn About Sri Lankan History at the Ambewela Farm

Ambewela Farm is a dairy farm located about 17 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya. You can tour the facility and learn about the dairy production process. The farm also has a mini-park where you can see animals, including cows, goats, and horses. There is also a cheese factory on the farm where you can sample some of the dairy products.

9. Visit the Seetha Amman Kovil

The Seetha Amman Kovil is a Hindu temple located about 5 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the demon king Ravana held Sita captive. The temple is dedicated to Sita and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

10. Experience Nuwara Eliya’s Nightlife

If you are looking for some nightlife in Nuwara Eliya, there are several bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular options are The Pub, The Hill Club Bar, and the Grand Hotel Bar. Be sure to check the dress code before going out, as some places require formal attire.

Final Thoughts

Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. From tea plantations to scenic hikes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to plan your trip in advance to make the most of your time in this breathtaking location.