Nuwara Eliya is the island’s hill city located in the central Province of Sri Lanka. It is also known as “Little England” because of its picturesque nature and the chilled weather similar to a European country that is completely different from other sides of Sri Lanka. The city is located in the hill country, where it perched with greenery tea plantations and eye-catching waterfalls. From December to April is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya that allows you to have a superb holiday. It is the perfect place for couple and honeymooners to spend their romantic vacation. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.
Is Nuwara Eliya worth visiting? This write up will give a clear idea for you to plan your journey and discover the top sights in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
How to get to Nuwara Eliya
Since Nuwara Eliya lies in between Kandy and Ella, the popular way of getting there among tourists is one of the most scenic train ride you can experience in Sri Lanka. We would also recommend you to take the train as it would be a memorizing experience for you guys.
Train– Tourists can take the main line from Colombo that connects Colombo to Badulla. As Nuwara Eliya does not have a railway station, tourists have to take the nearest railway station which is Nanu Oya that is located about 10 Km from the place. Once you reach there you can get a tuk- tuk for just LKR 400-500 to reach Nuwara Eliya.
Bus-Another way to get to Nuwara Eliya is the bus route, Nuwara Eliya is located 175 Km from Colombo. Tourists can use the bus routes from Colombo to Hatton and Kandy. It takes around 6 hours from Colombo and 2 and half hours from Ella and Kandy. Tourists can use buses (715) from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya for like LKR 20-25 per person.
Getting around Nuwara Eliya
Here are some choices you can choose to getting around Nuwara Eliya.
Tuk -Tuk- Hiring tuk-tuks are the most efficient way to roam around Nuwara Eliya.
Hint > Try to negotiate the price depending on the places that you are willing to visit.
Taxi- This is another method to getting around Nuwara Eliya. But it is bit expensive than the tuk-tuk ride. However visitors can have a comfortable journey through a comfy ride.
Bicycle- If you love cycling then this is the best way to roam around Nuwara Eliya. Some of the placed are little far from Nuwara Eliya town. However, you can also use a scooty to go to such places.
Best things to do when in Nuwara Eliya
Horton Plains National Park
Horton plains national park is one of the top places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. This is a great place to do hiking while enjoying amazing scenery and nature.
The walk is about 9 km circular track from the park entrance to the world’s end point. You’ll experience the scenery of beautiful nature and herds of Samba deer during the walk. Baker falls in the worlds end is a nice spot to have a rest and continue the rest of hiking.
Tip > You can get a tuk for around LKR 3000 to get from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains. If you are group of 3 or more the most convenient way to go there is the van. It will cost around LKR 3500.
Lovers Leap
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya is the lovers leap which is found 2 km from Nuwara Eliya city. Tuk- tuk is the best way to reach the lovers leap and then you need to have a few minutes walk to the final destination of the waterfall.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
This is the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular place to visit that is just 16 km away from Nuwara Eliya. Garden has a wide variety of plants and trees. During the season of April the garden is full of roses which soothes the eyes. The entrance fee is LKR 1500 (for adults) and LKR 750 (for children) .
Victoria Park
Situated in the middle of the Nuwara Eliya town the park is full of colorful flowers and famous for bird watching. The best period to visit the park is from March-May and August- September as it is the flower season and you will be able to capture some insta-worthy shots. The entrance fee is just LKR 300.
Gregory Lake
Located in the middle of the town the lake is a pleasant place to have a leisurely walk. It is situated around 700m from Nuwara Eliya town. This place is popular even among locals for various water based activities like peddle boating, jet skiing and horse riding. You can also rent a bicycle to have a leisure ride around the lake. The entrance fee is just LKR 200.
Ceylon Tea Plantation/ Tea Production Tour
Ceylon tea is undoubtedly the world’s best tea and you definitely should enjoy a cup of finest tea while you are in Nuwara Eliya. The country side of Nuwara Eliya is covered with greenery filled tea plantations as the city weather is the best climate to grow tea plants.
Many tea factories in Nuwara Eliya offers visitors to visit the tea factories get to know how the tea is produced. During this visiting, you’ll be able to enjoy a free cup of tea and enjoy the views of the plantations.
Strawberry Fields
Another popular place to visit in Nuwara Eliya during the strawberry season. Visitors get the chance to pick strawberries while in the plantation. The entry fee is free for all the visitors.
Ambewela Dairy Farm
Ambewela New Zealand farm is one of the best place to visit in Nuwara Eliya. Grass grounds in Ambewela is a home to cows and cattle. The best and fresh milk produce in this farm attract large number of visitors. Not only that visitors can buy fresh dairy products and taste the dairy products directly from this farm.
Moon Plains
This is one of the best places to have some memorable nature experience in Nuwara Eliya. The most scenic view of the moon Plains is the mini worlds end that gives the 360 degrees view of what you are around. Situated 2.5 km from the Nuwara Eliya town you can also try out the moon plains safari ride.
Seetha Amman Kovil
Seetha Amman Kovil is a Hindu temple that is located just 1 km from the Hakgala botanical garden. This temple was built for lady Sita, who is the wife of lord Rama. The temple is built according to beautiful South Indian architecture style.
Galway’s Land National Park
This is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. Galway’s land national park is an important bird watching spot for both endemic and common birds in Sri Lanka. The park is open from 6.00 am -5.00 pm and the entry fee is LKR 1490.
Mesmerizing Waterfalls
Ramboda,St clairs,Laxapana,Aberdeen,Bomburu Ella are the main eye catching waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya.
Ramboda Ella :-Location-A5 Highway, Ramboda Pass, Pussellawa area Nuwara Eliya Height-109m (308ft)
St clairs:- Location-A7 Tawalantenne-Talawakele Road Height-80 m (260ft)
Laxapana:- Location-Nuwara Eliya,Sri Lanka Height-126m (413ft)
Devon:- Location-Nawalapitiya-Dimbula Road,Dimbula,Sri Lanka Height-97m (318ft)
Aberdeen:- Location-Kehelagamu Oya,near Ginigathhena,Nuwara Eliya Height-98m (322ft)
Bomburu Ella:- Location-Kandapola Site Eliya,Nuwara Eliya Height-About 2000m above sea level.
Colonial Architecture
Nuwara Eliya is remaining beautiful because of old architectural buildings. The most significant colonial architectural building is the post office of Nuwara Eliya. It was constructed in 1894 with orange roofs and red bricked walls.
Queens Cottage which is known as the President house is also another colonial architectural building. This can be recognized as the holiday residence of president of Sri Lanka.
St Xavier’s church is the oldest church in Nuwara Eliya with a colonial architecture. There is no any specific dress code to enter this place.
Enjoy the high tea spread at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
This is one of the old and popular hotels among Nuwara Eliya hotels. You’ll can experience the best authentic high tea with delicious treats in here. This can be highlighted as one of the best of Nuwara Eliya journey because of the ambience, customer service and the food served outside the garden of the grand hotel.
Available from 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Cost- LKR 1800 (net) per person
Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya
You can find numerous accommodation facilities in Nuwara Eliya as it is a tourist hub. Below are few of our suggestions.
Homestays
Fair View Holiday Home – https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/fair-view.en-gb.html
Nuwara Eliya Home Stay – https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/nuwara-eliya-homestay.en-gb.html
Hotels
Travellers Nest Inn – https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/travellers-nest-inn.en-gb.html
Gregory Hills – https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/gregory-hills.en-gb.html
Araliya green hill hotel – https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/araliya-green-hills.en-gb.html