Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka Tourism (2019) Travel Guide

Nuwara Eliya Tourism

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is the epitome of scenic beauty. Add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and the cold climate— and you'll feel like you have entered a world unlike Sri Lanka's iconic landscape; no wonder it is also called Little England!

Nuwara Eliya besides being the most important site for tea production also happens to be overlooked by the Pidurutalagala. This is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. This city enjoys an extremely temperate climate. Indeed this place happens to be the coolest part of Sri Lanka.

The most notable among Nuwara Eliya's sights is Lake Gregory, a stunning reservoir constructed in 1873; boat rides, jet skis and pony rides are relatively common at this typically tranquil lake.

The waterfalls in and around Nuwara Eliya include Lover's Leap Falls, Bomburu Ella Falls, St. Clair's Falls and Devon Falls. Victoria Park is a beautiful recreational area with several floral species, is a popular spot for birdwatching in the city. Another location for birdwatching and rare wildlife sightings is Galway's Land National Park. The numerous verdant tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya deserve a special mention; they are certainly one of the main draws of the city's tourism.

Nuwara Eliya is a start point for visiting the Horton Plains National Park. The city is near the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of flora, and the Seetha Amman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Seetha.

Without a doubt, a visit to Nuwara Eliya will ensure a distinct experience of being nestled amongst nature.

Nightlife in Nuwara Eliya

Although this city does not have a vibrant nightlife the Lion's Pub and the Grand Hotel are some good places to hang out after sundown.

Shopping in Nuwara Eliya

Apart from the several tea factories, one can also shop for myriad varieties of tea at Mackwoods Tea Centre. The Winter Market, locally known as Bale Bazaar, is the place to be for purchasing a wide range of affordable winter apparel and other trinkets. Visit Laksala Gifts for buying all kinds of souvenirs to take home.

Currency in Nuwara Eliya

The LKR is the local currency in Sri Lanka which replaced the British pound in the country.There are portraits of previous Sri Lankan prime ministers as well as ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa in the fronts of the bank notes.The backs have Sri Lankan flora and fauna, landscapes, industries as well as pictures showing local culture and history.

Nuwara Eliya—Sri Lanka's Tea Capital

Explore the various facets of the tea industry at Nuwara Eliya, beginning with a visit to a tea plantation and factory, such as the Bluefield Tea Gardens or Pedro Tea Estate. The factories offer tours of the premises, with guides explaining the various steps involved in the production. Complete your trip with a tea sampling session and purchase the different teas on sale.

Exchanging Money in Nuwara Eliya

1 LKR = 0.46 INR.

Daily Budget for Nuwara Eliya

The average daily budget of a tourist would depend on whether the travel is luxurious or budget travels. So a budget trip would cost 2500 - 3000 LKR each day.

Religion of Nuwara Eliya

Theravada Buddhism is the major religion of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya Customs

Nuwara Eliya has no special customs that need to be observed.

Language of Nuwara Eliya

Sinhala and Tamil are spoken mostly. However English is also a language of communication in Nuwara Eliya.

History of Nuwara Eliya

Samuel Baker who happened to be the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the river Nile in the year 1846 founded this city. This was called little England and the conducive climate led it to become the primary abode of the colonial Britishers. Most of the architecture of this city reflects the colonial era gone by.

Restaurants and Local Food in Nuwara Eliya

Due to the city's colonial history, the restaurants at Nuwara Eliya serve an eclectic blend of English and Sri Lankan fare. Visit the Hill Club for classic English dishes, and have high tea at The Grand Hotel. Overlooking Victoria Park, Themparadu is known for its delicious kottu and other Sri Lankan delicacies. Grand India, serving lip-smacking Indian dishes, is another immensely popular restaurant in Nuwara Eliya.
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