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Nuwara Eliya Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 days

Best Time: February - April Read More

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"Little England of Sri Lanka"

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!

The town's colonial legacy is evident in its well-preserved architecture, with charming buildings, manicured gardens, and a golf course that transports visitors back in time. Nuwara Eliya's Victorian-style homes, quaint churches, and the iconic red post office evoke a sense of nostalgia, contributing to its unique and tranquil ambiance.

The cool climate of Nuwara Eliya makes it an ideal location for cultivating tea, and the surrounding hills are dotted with expansive tea estates. Visitors can explore the tea-making process through guided tours of tea factories, where they can witness the journey from plucking the leaves to savoring a freshly brewed cup. 

In addition to its colonial charm and tea-related activities, Nuwara Eliya offers natural attractions such as Gregory Lake, a man-made reservoir that provides opportunities for boating and picnics. Hakgala Botanical Gardens, nestled beneath the shadow of Hakgala Rock, showcases a diverse collection of flora, including orchids, roses, and ferns, making it a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts.

The town is also a gateway to Sri Lanka's highest peak, Pidurutalagala, and Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and unique ecosystems. With its blend of colonial heritage, scenic beauty, and proximity to nature reserves, Nuwara Eliya offers a distinctive experience for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country.

Must Know Before You Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Getting Around:
  • Tuk Tuks are the best way of going around. Negotiate the price and never settle for the price first quoted to you
  • Bikes and motorbikes are available for rent but not recommended unless you have some experience of driving on steep roads
  • The main town can be explored on foot. Car parking is available near the main city square
Tea Purchase: Most tea factories have stores set up selling their tea. However, tea available in the market is much cheaper

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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Nuwara Eliya Photos

Nuwara Eliya, Sri-Lanka
The numerous verdant tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya are one of the main draws of the city's tourism
The Viceroy Through Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya
Gregory Lake which is a famous picnic and boating spot in Nuwara Eliya

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FAQs on Nuwara Eliya

What are the things to do in Nuwara eliya?

The top things to do in Nuwara eliya are Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Estate, Gregory Lake, Lovers leap, Seeta Amman Temple, Galway's Land National Park. You can see all the places to visit in Nuwara eliya here

What are the places near Nuwara eliya?

The top places near to Nuwara eliya are Kandy which is 41 km from Nuwara eliya, Galle which is located 117 km from Nuwara eliya, Colombo which is located 102 km from Nuwara eliya, Anuradhapura which is located 157 km from Nuwara eliya, Sigiriya which is located 112 km from Nuwara eliya

What are the top hotels in Nuwara eliya?

There are 552 in Nuwara eliya which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Nuwara eliya are GrandCot, Eco Villa, The Lofty Inn, Konicalvilla, OYO 511 Delphin Hotel, OYO 454 Jayamal Rest. You can see all the hotels in Nuwara eliya here

What is the best way to reach Nuwara eliya?

One can enter Nuwara Eliya by bus or car
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What is the 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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What is the best time to visit Nuwara eliya?

February to May is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya; although the temperatures are quite low at this time, The city witnesses little rainfall, making it the perfect time for exploring the picturesque sights without worrying about the weather. April is quite a busy month in Nuwara Eliya, as this is the time of the Sinhalese New Year, with flower shows, horse races and car races happening across the city; inevitably, the prices at hotels often hit the roof in this month. The weather at Nuwara Eliya is relatively cold all through the year, with an average annual temperature of 15.9 °C. So, if you are planning your visit to Nuwara Eliya, don’t think much about the weather conditions. It is advisable to avoid the months of June to November, as the rainfall is generally high during this time, hindering sightseeing.
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