Travel Guide of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka by Influencers and Travelers

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is at an altitude of 1,868 m and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate – the coolest area in Sri Lanka.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nuwara Eliya

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Horton Plains National Park

   19 km away

Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest.

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2 - Baker's Falls

   20 km away

Baker's Falls is a famous waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Horton Plains National Park, on a tributary of the Belihul Oya. The height of the Baker's waterfalls is 20 metres. The falls were named after British explorer and big game hunter, Sir Samuel Baker. Many Rhododendron and Fern bushes can be seen around the waterfall.

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3 - Trekking | Kitulgala

   22 km away

This exclusive adventure & trekking package offers a blend of adventurous experience in Sri Lanka.

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4 - Avissawella - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya Road

   20 km away

Talawakelle is a town in Nuwara Eliya District in the Central Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is the center of Dimbula tea planting district, the largest tea growing area in Sri Lanka.

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5 - Bambarakanda Falls

   23 km away

Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. With a height of 263 m, it ranks as the 299th highest waterfall in the world. Situated in Kalupahana in the Badulla District, this waterfall is 5 km away from the A4 Highway. The waterfall was formed by Kuda Oya, which is a branch of the Walawe River. The Bambarakanda Falls can be found in a forest of pine trees.

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6 - Hiking | Gampola

   12 km away

To ensure a smooth and memorable experience, the Kandy to Ambuluwawa Day Tour, whether on a Tuk Tuk or in a Mini Car, is designed to be familiar, fun, and enjoyable, leaving you with sweet memories

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7 - Kandy

   26 km away

Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Historically the local Buddhist rulers resisted Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial expansion and occupation.

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8 - Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

   26 km away
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9 - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

   26 km away
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10 - Ohiya

   38 km away

Ohiya is a rural village located in Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. It is much closer to the Horton Plains National Park. The picturesque Colombo -Badulla Railyway runs through Ohiya. Ohiya is in the Welimada Divisional Secretariat Division and the Grama Niladhari Division number is 62A. Ohiya is one of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka. On a clear day the view from the Ohiya Gap/Dondra Watch extends up to the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

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11 - Diyathalawa

   48 km away

Diyatalawa is a former garrison town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Badulla District of Uva Province. It is situated at an altitude of 1,499 m and has become a popular destination for local holiday makers.

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12 - Meemure

   49 km away

Meemure is a village with a population of about 420 people living in it It is located near the border between Kandy District and Matale District in the Knuckles Mountain Range.

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Pictures and Stories of Nuwara Eliya from Influencers

16 pictures of Nuwara Eliya from Tharaka Jayasuriya, Rowan Heuvel, Anton Lecock and other travelers

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Why should you visit Nuwara Eliya ?

Travel to Nuwara Eliya if you like:

  ⛰️ Hill station     ⛰️ Hill     🌲 Nature reserve     🌲 Forest     ⛰️ Highland     🐾 Wildlife  

How to visit Nuwara Eliya ?

Why traveling there?

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England," is a beautiful destination located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Known for its picturesque landscapes, lush tea plantations, and cool climate, it is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The colonial architecture, breathtaking waterfalls, and vibrant gardens add to the charm of this serene town, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

How to get there?

The most convenient way to reach Nuwara Eliya is by car or taxi from Colombo, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Nanu Oya, the nearest train station to Nuwara Eliya (about 8 km away). From Nanu Oya, you can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the town. Another option is to take an air taxi from Colombo to Lake Gregory Waterdrome in Nuwara Eliya, which takes about 30 minutes.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your trip, consider booking a guided tour of the tea plantations or a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in advance. Accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (December to April), so it is essential to reserve your preferred hotel or guesthouse well in advance.

What are the costs?

The costs of visiting Nuwara Eliya can vary depending on your preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around $30-40 per day on accommodations, meals, and local transportation. Mid-range travelers may spend around $60-100 per day, while luxury travelers can expect to spend $150 and above.

Best things to do

Some of the must-visit attractions in Nuwara Eliya include:

1. Exploring the lush tea plantations and visiting a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process. Tea Plantations
2. Visiting the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden, home to various flora and fauna. Hakgala Botanical Garden
3. Hiking or horseback riding at Horton Plains National Park, where you can witness the stunning World's End viewpoint. Horton Plains National Park
4. Strolling around Gregory Lake and enjoying a leisurely boat ride. Gregory Lake
5. Admiring the colonial architecture of the town, including the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Where to eat?

1. The Grand Indian Restaurant: Offering delicious Indian cuisine with an elegant ambiance.
2. Magnolia Restaurant: A cozy spot serving a variety of local and international dishes.
3. Adma Agro Strawberry Farm: A unique cafe where you can enjoy fresh strawberries and desserts.

Where to stay?

1. Jetwing St. Andrew's: A luxurious colonial-style hotel offering a comfortable stay and excellent amenities.
2. The Tea Garden: A cozy guesthouse with beautiful views of the surrounding tea plantations.
3. Serenus Boutique Villa: A charming villa providing a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Nuwara Eliya, visit the Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu temple located in the Seetha Eliya village. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, this is the place where the demon king Ravana held Sita captive. The temple, nestled amidst lush greenery and a serene atmosphere, offers a unique cultural experience and captivating views of the surrounding landscapes. Seetha Amman Temple

Learn More about Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, which means "City of Light" but is mostly known as "Little England", is a city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the district of the same name in the Central Province and was founded by British settlers in the 19th century. The city is located in the mountains, at 1900 meters above sea level and is the most exclusive ski resort in the country. The red brick houses, its architecture and its splendid colonial houses recall this past. The city is surrounded by vegetation and tea fields that can be visited. Because of its cool temperatures, which oscillate between 0°C and 10°C, which contrasts sharply with the rest of the country, the wealthy Sri Lankans come to take refuge here. They attend the races at the racetrack, play golf or go for a walk around Lake Gregory. The city is very busy in April, during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year and during the summer after the Esala Perahera festival. Besides visiting the tea fields, the city offers many other possibilities. The city center itself is worth a visit, called the New Bazaar, and is home to a local market : the Central Market. You can also walk in the beautiful Victoria Park, but beware, the entrance is not free. In the surroundings, don't miss the visit of the Horton Plains National Park which covers more than 3000 hectares. It is home to a great biodiversity, even endemic, which has earned it a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2010. Finally, the city of Nuwara Eliya is the main starting point for the ascent of Adam's peak. This mountain is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims who make pilgrimages there.

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Nuwara Eliya

  ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏞️‍ Waterfall spots     🏰 Historic site spots     🏰 Hindu temple spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🏞️ River spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spots     🌲 Forest spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ⛰️ Hill spots  

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