Why to visit Nuwara Eliya
This little hill station rests in the central highlands and was previously famed for its tea plantations, cool climate, and colonial architecture. Nuwara Eliya, meaning "Little England," offers unending luscious landscapes, waterfalls, and misty-mountain views, thus considered one of the most scenic destinations in Sri Lanka.
What's Special About Nuwara Eliya
- World-Famous Ceylon Tea: The region produces some of the best Ceylon tea rendered into green plantations spread all over the hills.
- Colonial Charm: The air of colonial elegance with British-type buildings, rose gardens, and a golf course still lingers in Nuwara Eliya.
- Cool Climate: The refreshing coolness throughout the year makes it a great contrast to the tropical coastline of Sri Lanka.
- Beautiful Waterfalls: Lover's Leap Falls, St. Claire Falls, and Ramboda Falls are three natural attractions not to miss out on visiting.
Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya
- Visit a Tea Plantation: Tour a tea factory to see how the leaves are processed and enjoy the finest fresh Ceylon tea.
- Explore Horton Plains National Park: Hike up to World's End, or meet with the dramatic cliff, where spectacular views, from a height of about 7000 feet, await you.
- Boat Ride on Gregory Lake: Wrap up the day with a leisurely boat ride or a picnic on this picturesque lake in the heart of the town.
- Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens: One of the largest in Sri Lanka, with keenly observed plants from diverse climates, including wide varieties of flowers.
- Hike to Lover's Leap Waterfall: A charming waterfall with a romantic legend behind its name.
Unknown Facts About Nuwara Eliya
- Nuwara Eliya was developed by the British in the 19th century as a hill retreat.
- The Grand Hotel used to be the residence of the Governor of Ceylon.
- April is the best time to visit because then the town is alive with horse races, flower shows, and festivals.
- The night temperature can fall as low as 5°C (41°F) and this can be one of the coldest regions in Sri Lanka.
Entry Fee
- Free: Most attractions around Nuwara Eliya are open for free.
- Horton Plains National Park: $15-$25/per person approximately.
Timings
- Tea Factories & Gardens: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Horton Plains: 6 AM to 4 PM
- Gregory Lake: Visitor hours are all day
Total Time to Explore
1-2 Days - It is just perfect for leisure stays with excursions to tea plantations, gardens, and waterfalls.
Distance from Nearby Locations
- 170 km from Colombo (5 hours driving)
- 75 km from Kandy (2.5 hours driving)
- 55 km from Ella (2 hours driving)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Ramboda Falls (25 km)
- Horton Plains National Park (30 km)
- Pedro Tea Estate (5 km)
- Moon Plains (10 km)
