Do you know there exists a genteel highland in the picturesque country of Sri Lanka? The Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful medieval town in Sri Lanka, which boasts noteworthy colonial architecture and panoramic natural greenery. This ancient town holds immense significance as a cherished highland retreat offering a timeless charm that reflects both Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and its colonial past.
Keep reading to know more in detail!
Your Guide to Nuwara Eliya: Everything You Need to Know!
\Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka is a charming town which is also popularly known as the “Little England”. This picturesque town is famous for its cool climate, unlike the temperatures in the rest of the country, and its iconic colonial architecture. Situated 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the highest located city in Sri Lanka– loved by locals and tourists alike.
Why Nuwara Eliya is a Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Sri Lanka?
The fascinating town of Nuwara Eliya beautifully carries an old-worn charm. This town is also deeply tied to the island’s tea industry, with its rolling plantations producing some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. Here are five compelling reasons that make this town a must-visit tourist spot in Sri Lanka:
#1. Surreal landscapes and cool climate make this town a true nature’s heaven. The refreshing weather sets this place apart from other places on the island. The rolling tea plantations, misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and wonderfully manicured gardens reveal the postcard-perfect scenes.
#2. Beautiful tea plantations that offer a delightful escape into nature. Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and boasts vast emerald-green plantations stretching across the hills. For an immersive experience, tourists can participate in Pedro and Labookellie guided tours, where they can learn about tea production in detail. The best part? Tourists will also have a chance to savor some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea fresh from the source.
#3. The colonial history and stunning architecture are not to be missed! The town of Nuwara Eliya still holds onto its British colonial past, boasting the red-bricked post offices, mock-Tudor mansions, and even iconic establishments like The Grand Hotel and The Hill Club. Wandering through this town will give you real bygone era feels, making it a great place for history buffs!
#4. Nuwara Eliya is a paradise for adventure and nature aficionados. Tourists can visit the nearby places like Horton Plains National Park or Gregory Lake. The experiences include boat riding, nature walks, day picnics, trekking, and other scenic opportunities.
#5. Fresh production of strawberries and delightful escapes. Nuwara Eliya boasts several local markets that offer fresh produce like vegetables, strawberries, and colorful flowers. Visitors can try delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at the restaurants, explore British-style bakeries, and have traditional high tea experiences
Other major reasons include its proximity to central Sri Lanka, which acts as an important hub for exploring nearby wonders like the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens, scenic Ambewela Farm, and more. Tourists can enjoy panoramic train journeys like the famous route from Nanu Oya to Ella— regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
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Major Attractions Near Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Here are the Nuwara Eliya places to visit that offer exciting experiences to travelers.
Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake near Nuwara Eliya is a scenic lake where tourists can indulge in various nature opportunities. Locals enjoy boating in the swan-shaped pedal boat or riding a small horse (pony) for leisure or fun. The best time to visit Gregory Lake is during the weekdays for a serene experience, as Jet skis and speedboats are run during the weekends.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
These are the surreal gardens that are located 10.5 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya. These gardens are believed to be grown on a rock named Hakgala, meaning “jaw-rock”. These highlands boast a fine rose garden, a Japanese garden, a fascinating Orchid collection, giant cypresses, and cedars.
Seetha Amman Temple
It’s a vibrant, mystical Hindu Temple, located 7 km Southeast of Nuwara Eliya. Seetha Amman Temple holds deep spiritual significance as it’s believed to be the place where goddess Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana. At this temple, goddess Sita prayed daily for Lord Rama to come and rescue from the clutches of Ravana, longing for her freedom and reunion with her beloved.
Pedro Tea Estate
This is another most surreal places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. The tea produced in Pedro Tea Estate is very light, and its processing is only conducted at night, in the cooler temperatures.
It’s located approximately 3.5 kilometers east of Nuwara Eliya and offers several immersive experiences. Tourists can indulge in guided tours, learn about the tea factory and its iconic engineering.
Other attractions include Victoria Park, Galway’s Land National Park, the Buddhist Temple, and Lover’s Leap.
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Explore the Tea Gardens
One of the most significant aspects of visiting Nuwara Eliya is its beautiful tea gardens. This place offers an otherworldly experience, directly into nature, tradition, and tranquility. Nuwara Eliya is widely recognized as the “Tea Capital” of Sri Lanka, producing the finest teas in the world. This place also offers perfect conditions for growing high-quality Ceylon tea, which is famous worldwide.
The highly manicured tea gardens in Nuwara Eliya allow several authentic experiences to the tourists, including:
- Serene nature walks
- Visiting traditional tea factories
- Observing skilled tea pluckers at work
- Savoring freshly brewed Ceylon tea right at its source
The best part lies in experiencing all of it amidst endless waves of vibrant green tea bushes stretching across hillsides, covered by chilly mist and shallow sunlight.
How to Reach Nuwara Eliya
By Train
Travelers can board the train from Colombo, Kandy, and Ella and stop at Nanu Oya Railway Station, located about 8–10 km from Nuwara Eliya town. From there, hiring a taxi or hopping into a tuk-tuk for a short, scenic ride is widely recommended.
By Road
Nuwara Eliya is well-connected by road to major cities. You can take a private cab, a public bus, or a tourist taxi.
- From Colombo, the drive takes about 5–6 hours.
- From Kandy, it’s around 2.5–3 hours.
By Air
This is the fastest and most convenient option to visit Nuwara Eliya. Visitors can take a domestic flight with airlines like Cinnamon Air from Colombo to Hatton Airport. From Hatton, Nuwara Eliya is about a 1.5-hour drive by car or taxi.
Travel Tips for Visiting Nuwara Eliya
Follow the tips below to ensure a super enjoyable, memorable, and comfortable journey in Nuwara Eliya:
1. Do not forget to visit the Tea Estates. Visiting here gives tourists a perfect scoop of authentic experiences where they can learn tea production and can even sample some of the freshest Ceylon tea.
2. Do try the local specialties like hot hoppers, kottu roti, and fresh strawberries from nearby farms.
3. Visiting the lively local markets is a must! Enjoy buying fresh produce, local snacks, and souvenirs at very affordable prices.
4. Keep some cash handy, as not all vendors or restaurants will accept card payments.
5. Plan your visit to Nuwara Eliya during the early morning as the climate is relatively cooler with clear skies.
6. Carry a lightweight jacket or scarves as the temperature in Nuwara Eliya can often go around 12–20°C, especially during early mornings and evenings.
7. Wear comfortable footwear as the tour may include a lot of walking while exploring tea plantations.
8. Book guided tours for wildlife safaris for an enhanced wildlife spotting experience.
9. Renting a bicycle or hiring a tuk-tuk is the most convenient, enjoyable, and scenic way to get around Nuwara Eliya.
10. IMPORTANT: Respect nature and try to keep it clean. Make sure your visit to Nuwara Eliya is a responsible one. Be mindful of littering, try to stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the old name of Sri Lanka?
The old name of Sri Lanka is Ceylon, named during the period of British colonial rule (1815–1948). Before this period, Sri Lanka was also known by the names – Taprobana (by the Greeks and Romans) and Serendib (by Arab traders).
What is the history of Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya was founded in 1826 by British colonialists who found a cool-climate escape in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Soon, it became a center for tea cultivation, shaping the region’s economy and landscape.
Can I try local experiences in Nuwara Eliya?
Yes, of course! You can try a range of local experiences in Nuwara Eliya, including tea plucking, factory tours, Horse riding at Gregory Lake, tasting traditional food, visiting local markets, exploring the Hindu Temple, and many more.
What is the famous thing to buy in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is famous for its variety of unique things, including:
- Ceylon Tea
- Spices
- Wood Carvings
- Batik Textiles
- Sarongs
- Handloom Fabrics
- Ayurvedic Products
- Laksala Craft Items
Where to eat in Nuwara Eliya?
There are a lot of eating places in Nuwara Eliya. Some of the best places are:
- The Hill Club
- Themparadu
- Grand Indian
- Lake Inn Floating Restaurant
- King Prawn Restaurant
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