nuwara eliya essay grade 9

Nuwara Eliya – A Slice of ‘Little England’ in the Heart of Sri Lanka

• Last Updated March 17, 2024
• Sri Lanka , Asia

Heading into Sri Lanka’s hill country, the island’s stuffy, humid interior is quickly replaced by a chill. The roads wind precariously up the swollen green hills into the cool wisps of cloud and mist that hang between them.

Specs of colour move slowly along the red dirt paths crisscrossing the patchwork of green as tea pluckers diligently pick the newest sprouting leaves from each bush. As they nip the leaves, they fling them over their shoulders into the heavy sacks that rest on their backs, secured with a single strap around their foreheads. Some wear colourful saris while others resort to long overshirts in the hope that it will protect them from the sun during long days in the fields.

Moving south-east into the epicentre of this tea-producing region, the smog and pollution of Kandy is replaced by fresh, dew-filled air; palms and wetlands soon become forests of towering, delicate eucalyptus; and gradually the concrete buildings begin to thin out, first replaced by wooden hovels with corrugated roofs that are in turn supplanted by stone walls, cottages and rustic churches surrounded by manicured gardens filled with shrubs and colourful bouquets. A few of the estates have familiar names: for every Sinhalese-named building, there is a multitude of sprawling estates with titles like Lavander house or Warwick Gardens, Stafford Bungalow or Somerset. This is England, but not as we know it.

Before the British came to Ceylon, there was nothing where Nuwara Eliya now stands. The high plain was first spotted by a group of English officers who were out in the hills on an Elephant hunting expedition. Sir Edward Barnes, the island’s governor wasn’t instantly drawn to the region, enraptured by the bleakness, drizzle and mist-covered landscape that reminded him so much of home. He decided to transform the hills into a sanitary retreat where troops could recover from the tropical diseases they had picked up in the muggy lowlands. In doing so, he created his own little England.

While much of my travels are spent searching for something different, searching for a place to break the mundanity of home, Nuwara Eliya feels incredibly English. Disconcertingly so. Mock-Tudor buildings dominate the town, half-stone and half-timber piles enclosed by wrought iron fences with neatly mown lawns and pristine flower beds. Wander the streets and you will find rose gardens, clock towers, tea shops, a quaint little post office and a Holy Trinity church. There is even a boating lake, golf club, and racecourse at Nuwara Eliya’s northern edge. If you didn’t know any better, you could be in Windermere or Keswick.

Yet, there is something a little off. Spend any amount of time in Nuwara Eliya and you will see beyond the surface, that the Englishness is mostly a superficial façade, an uncanny valley depiction of ol’ Blighty. At heart, this is still very much a Sri Lankan Town. The bus station is dusty and noisy, tuk-tuks whizz around the streets honking their horns, and monks in orange robes gather outside the town’s temple with its enormous, colourful statue of Lord Buddha.

Yet it does feel English. It could be the flower-covered roundabouts and WWII memorials or is it the white-washed cottages and semidetached homes? The town’s market is a prime example of this dichotomy. The moustachioed men chain-smoking and listening to Sinhalese music are as Sri Lankan as they come, but they are wrapped in woolly hats and padded, off-brand Barbour coats to protect against the cold and wouldn’t look out of place as barrow boys in Covent Garden as they gather at a kiosk, sipping a concoction for which both our nations are famous: Tea.

Although the region is synonymous with tea, coffee was once the main product of Sri Lanka’s hills. It was brought here by the Arabs, long before Europeans set foot on the island, with the Sinhalese using the leaves to flavour their curries rather than brewing the beans. When the British arrived on the island, after failed attempts at growing both sugar and indigo, they decided to give coffee a try, inspired by its success in the other colonies of Jamaica, Guyana and Dominica

Ceylon saw a coffee rush as military men, civil servants and even civilians invested in plantations, lured by the promise of wealth and exoticism. Unfortunately, after months at sea followed by long treks through the hills on foot, most found that the ‘estates’ that they had purchased were nothing more than patches of virgin forest that had been stolen from the Kandyans.

Despite this, the British managed to oversee successful coffee production until the 1880s when the crop was devastated by ‘coffee rust’, a fungus of the leaf that was laying waste to plantations all over the world. By the end of the 19t century, many planters had uprooted their coffee plants and replaced them with tea bushes imported from china. The plants thrived and the rest, they say, is history.

The forests that these early coffee and tea pioneers were cleared by planters almost two centuries ago and now, almost every possible hillside is covered in a leafy carpet of squat, green tea bushes, rippling across the landscape as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to see where one estate ends and another begins, with each looking identical to the others and only narrow dirt paths and handwritten signs separating the Damros from the Pedros.

Turning through the gates of the Damro Labookellie tea factory, I find myself stood before a large, 4-story factory, concrete with a faded green tile roof. It looks as though it hasn’t changed in the 2 centuries since its construction if it wasn’t for the shiny new visitor centre and café that has been attached to the building’s side. The tour of the factory is interesting and the tea tasting afterwards is welcome, but the real reason to venture into the hills is for the scenery. All around the factory, the land drops off into the valley below where tea pluckers stand on the terraces with scarves draped across their heads to protect from the rain, full bags of leaves ready to be weighed and valued.

Behind the main building, narrow roads lined with eucalyptus connect a series of villas that wouldn’t look out of place in surrey, villas that were built by the pioneers on ridges high above the plantations so that they could survey their estates and their growing wealth.

For a century, Nuwara Eliya was the hub of country life for wealthy colonists and in a way, still is. Some parts of the town have remained willfully unchanged in the intervening years to appeal to a certain type of person that rues the passing of the ‘good old days’. Nowhere exemplifies this quite like the Hill Club. Built in 1867, this building was upper-class Victorian England in microcosm: A gentleman’s club for coffee and tea planters; blazing fireplaces in every wood-panelled room, billiard tables, elephant foot umbrella stands and hunting trophies adorning the walls. It only designed to allow women entry in 1967, a – full century after its construction, but at least one of the gentlemen only bars has been amended to a mixed-sex venue. It is like stepping into a Harris Tweed sponsored time warp.

For me, both the Hill Club and the town’s equally plush Grand Hotel are a little too extravagant and instead I find myself at the aptly named Blackpool. While it isn’t quite as kitsch as the northern seaside town of the same name, it may be just as dated. It stands high above the town with sweeping views of the nearby landscape, set against the hazy backdrop of the surrounding hills. From here, with the drizzle pounding against the hotel’s windows, it is easy to see why the region reminded Sir Edward Barnes so much of home. I settled in for my single night in Nuwara Eliya at the hotel’s bar, cradling a local Lion Lager. I get the impression that the room is designed to resemble the sort of gentleman’s bar you would find at the Hill Club but the sticky carpets, pool tables and mobile DJ in the corner banging out cheesy pop hits while 3 drunken Sri Lankan’s throw themselves around the otherwise empty room gives more ‘mid-week Weatherspoon’s’ vibes. This certainly does feel like England after all.

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Laughing leopard hostel.

There aren’t many backpacking hostels in Nuwara Eliya but of the few that exist, Laughing Leopard is the best. Located just 10 minutes from the central bus station, this hostel has a focus on sustainability, furnished with colourful upcycled materials in an early 20th-century bungalow.

The Blackpool

The Blackpool stands at an altitude of 1876m, surrounded by vast tea estates, carefully tended vegetable plantations and beautiful mountainous terrain. The décor is a little dated but certainly gives off colonial vibes, particularly the wood-panelled bar area complete with billiard tables. There is even a heated, outdoor pool to help you warm up from the chilly hill country weather.

Heritance Tea Factory

Set on a hilltop away from the town, the 5-star Heritance was built within the wonderfully preserved shell of the Hethersett Estate Tea Factory. Despite the exterior, the inside of the hotel is cosy and modern, with many of the old plantation’s machinery being incorporated into the stylish design.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

The real draw of Nuwara Eliya is its oddly British air: the sprawling faux-Tudor landmarks, misplaced architecture and strange, English country village kitsch. The unpredictable weather does have the tendency to put a dampener on your ability to explore the town and its adjacent lake but the charming town and its stunning heritage hotels make a fantastic base for exploring the stunning southern hill country landscapes and tea estates.

Sample Ceylon Tea at a Historic Tea Estate

Sri Lanka is so synonymous with tea, it’s hard to believe that before the mid-1800s, it was mostly a coffee-growing nation. It wasn’t until James Taylor planted his first tiny tea plantation in 1867 and further developed the production process with Thomas Lipton (yes, of Lipton Tea fame) that Ceylon tea made a name itself.

Sri Lanka’s tea production has definitively come a long way since those initial 19 acres that Taylor planted, but not much has changed in the way that it is harvested: In the numerous plantations that surround Nuwara Eliya, women weave their way across the verdant green hills each day, using their well-trained and nimble fingers to pick the new leaves and buds from the top of the tea bush.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Nuwara Eliya without a visit to one of the factories churning out the nation’s most famous export and the Damro Labookelie Tea Estate, around 20km north of the town is the best of the bunch. Set high in the gorgeous rolling countryside at an elevation of around 2000m, the factory offers free tours in which you will be guided step-by-step through the production process, finishing with a tea tasting session at their on-site café. However, the best reason to visit is the opportunity to wander the Labookelie tea gardens amongst the Tamil women as they fill their sacks with leaves.

Take a Ride on the World's Most Beautiful Train Journey

First constructed by the British in the mid-19th century as a way to transport the produce of the regions bountiful tea plantations, the line that weaves its way from Nuwara Eliya through the lush hill country to Ella, Haputale, and Bandarawela in the east or to the nations cultural capital of Kandy in the west is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

The trip from Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya, to Ella takes a couple of hours, stopping off at all manner of delightful hill country towns and railway stations along the way. At each destination, locals scurry out onto the platform only to be replaced by a new influx of passengers, joined by men that squeeze their way down the packed carriages with baskets of fruit, freshly cooked rotis and urns of steaming Sri Lankan tea that they sell for just a few rupees.

A few intrepid passengers sit in the open doorways, their dangling legs swaying with the carriage’s motion and their heels beating against the train’s metal body, only pulling them inside to avoid battered railway signs or approaching tunnels. As you look from the windows at the countryside unfurling before you like lush green blanket tumbling across hills and valleys, speckled with plantation houses, tea fields and lanky, lurching palms, it’s easy to see why people hold this route in such high regard. Occasionally the scenery gives way to villages and hamlets where local life is in full swing: children running and laughing on the side of the rails, farmers tending to their fields and women preparing their washing. Eventually, they fade into view, once again being replaced with waterfalls and mountains.

This is quintessential Sri Lankan experience and, in a world where hyperbole seems so commonplace, one that actually lives up to the hype. I’m in no doubt that this may be the most beautiful train journey in the world.

Shop at the Central Market on New Bazaar Street

While the mock-Tudor mansions and sprawling green spaces that surround Nuwara Eliya are beautiful, the town’s main thoroughfare, New Bazaar Street has little of interest other than rows of local shops and food spots. However, the small Central Market is definitely worth a look. Set up during the colonial era, the stalls are very much as they were in those Victorian times; rows upon rows of fruit and vegetable stalls sold by men bundled up in woolly hats and labourers jackets, with only the sari-clad Tamil women shopping for onions and potatoes breaking the illusion of an old English market.

Pidurutalagala

Pidurutalagala towers high over the town with its peak rarely seen through the cloud cover and mist that often hovers over the hill country. At 2555m it is Sri Lanka’s highest mountain. Although the summit was once closed due to the military base that sits atop it, a section is now open to the public. However, hiking is still off-limits due to the array of military communication masts that are still used by the army so you will have to catch a tuk-tuk or taxi there (45 mins; Rs. 3000 return). Make sure to bring your passport to ensure you are allowed past the security gates.

Have High Tea at the Grand Hotel

Nowhere in Nuwara Eliya is more evocative of Britain than the brash, half-timbered Grand Hotel. This sprawling, luxurious, century-old pile gives of serious country club vibes and with its splendid wooden décor, historic bars, and billiards room, there is no better place in town to immerse yourself in colonial-era Nuwara Eliya. For the full experience, come for high tea. At 3.30pm sharp every day, High tea – complete with dainty cakes and triangular sandwiches – is served either out on the lawn or in the tea room by stoic waiters in waistcoats and white gloves.

Lake Gregory

Stretching from Nuwara Eliya’s southern end all the way to the foot of the surrounding hills, Lake Gregory was created by the governor, Sir William Gregory, in 1873. While not wildly impressive or exciting, the footpaths and lawns that line the western shore are a pleasant place to walk, particularly in an evening when locals and Sri Lankan holidaymakers flock here to picnic, ride horses, or float along in swan-shaped pedalos.

Victoria Park

Named for the former ruler of British Ceylon, Victoria Park is a little slice of Britain, with pristine lawns and a number of beautiful ornamental gardens. Located just off the main road and next to the noisy, bustling bus depot, the gardens are a surprisingly peaceful place to wander amongst the enormous eucalyptus trees and rose bushes. Its even prime bird-watching territory with a number of rare species such as the Kashmiri flycatcher and Indian blue robin stopping by on their migration routes.

Where to Eat & Drink in Nuwara Eliya

The majority of Nuwara Eliya’s best restaurants are confined to the town’s larger, upmarket hotels which offer a range of fine dining and international options as well as having fantastic colonial-era bars, particularly the Hill Club’s atmospheric ‘Mixed Bar’.

There are plenty of local, Sri Lankan cafes dotted along the town’s main drag and while many of them serve up the same mix of curry, rice and short eats, they can provide a cheap but tasty meal. Make sure to check out the small kiosks lining New Bazaar Road where you can find wonderful rotis, samosa and prawn dumplings for as little as Rs. 10 (4p) each.

The Hill Club

If you want to throw yourself headfirst into the past and re-live the colonial era, then the Hill Club is the atmospheric throwback that you need. Formal dress – meaning a jacket and tie for men – is required in the main dining room where waist-coated waiters in pristine white gloves serve classic, British cuisine. While the food may not be of a standard befitting the surroundings, it is worth stopping by for the atmosphere, even just to sip a whisky in the old-fashioned ‘Casual Bar’. Visitors are required to pay a temporary club membership fee of Rs. 100 to use the facilities.

Where : 9 Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 12pm – 10.30pm

De Silva Food Centre

Of the numerous Sri Lankan Cafés that occupy New Bazaar Street, De Silva Food Centre is probably the best. They serve a few western and Chinese dishes but the cheap vegetarian rotti and range of curries make this the best place in town to stop for a budget lunch or dinner. Try their ulundu vade because it is apparently the best you will find in this region of Sri Lanka.

Where : A/2 Building New Bazaar Street, When : Daily 7am – 10pm

Grand Indian

A small, casual, Indian restaurant at the foot of the Grand Hotel’s sprawling driveway. This is probably the best option in the city for Indian cuisine and despite being part of the exclusive Grand, all the dishes are reasonably priced. It does get busy so make sure that you arrive early to guarantee a table.

Where : Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 12pm – 3.30pm and 6.30pm – 10pm

Another in the Grand Hotel’s fairly large selection of restaurants, the Grand Thai offers a good range of South-East Asian cuisine such as curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes for around Rs. 600 – 800 per main.

Indian Summer

Although a little overpriced, the north Indian curries served at this ‘fusion restaurant’ are as good and as authentic as anything found at the Grand Indian, with the added bonus of being lakeside with beautiful views over Lake Gregory.

Where : 96 Gemunupura, Mahagastota When : Daily 10am – 10pm

Another mainstay of New Bazaar Street, Sri Ambaal is a cheap, south Indian spot with a menu of delicious vegetarian curries, short eats and string hoppers. The dosas are particularly popular.

Where : New Bazaar Street When : Daily 7am – 10.45pm

Sharing a building with the Grand Indian, this modern café situated on the driveway of the Grand Hotel is one of the few places in town where you can find a decent cup of coffee, along with decent cakes and a few underwhelming sandwiches.

Where : 5 Grand Hotel Rd When : Daily 7am – 9pm

When is the Best Time to Visit Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya gets consistent rainfall throughout the year due to its high altitude, although February is usually the least rainy month. Just be warned, winter can be a little chilly here, especially at night. It is best to avoid the Sinhalese-Tamil new year in April when people flock here from Colombo to enjoy the onset of spring when the city is beginning to bloom. During this time accommodation can be hard to come by and prices tend to skyrocket.

Getting to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is easiest to reach by train. Although it doesn’t have its own station, Nanu Oya is just 5km away and has regular services to Ella, Haputale and Badulla to the east and Kandy or Colombo in the west. Although local buses arrive to meet each train and ferry passengers onwards to Nuwara Eliya, a tuk-tuk will be quicker and cost around Rs. 500 – 600 (between £2 and £2.50).

Nuwara Eliya’s bus station is right in the centre of town and as well as running services to the destinations mentioned above, there are also buses to Bandarawela or Galle (1 daily; 8 hours) and Matara (1 daily; 9 hours) on the southern coast.

I visited Nuwara Eliya as a guest of Sri Lanka Tourism. However, all views are my own.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide To Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Natalia

Located high in Sri Lanka’s hill country, the city of Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by beautiful nature and countless   tea plantations. The city, fondly referred to as Little England, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years. This is partly thanks to the numerous waterfalls found in the area, as well as the proximity to the impressive Horton Plains National Park . Having visited as part of our trip to Sri Lanka, the Nuwara Eliya district was one our favourite spots in the country. There are some beautiful hotels in this area of Sri Lanka, so   click here to read our article on the best places to stay in Nuwara Eliya .  Otherwise, find out everything you need to know before you visit with this complete travel guide to Nuwara Eliya and these   tips for travelling Sri Lanka .

Make sure you’ve got everything you need for your trip to Nuwara Eliya with this guide of what to pack for Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents

How to get to Nuwara Eliya

Train – As part of our travel guide to Nuwara Eliya we recommend taking the train above all transport options as this town lies on the route between Kandy and Ella. This route is considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

You’ll have breath-taking views of Sri Lanka’s hill country and the tickets are extremely cheap – with prices starting at 60 rupees from Ella and 80 rupees from Kandy.

The closest station to Nuwara Eliya is Nanu Oya. Once you arrive here you’ll be able to get a tuk tuk or taxi to your accommodation. When we arrived we were offered a lift for just 100 rupees each from someone who was on their way back to Nuwara Eliya in a minivan.

From Kandy the journey to Nanu Oya takes around 4 hours, whereas it’s just 2 and a half hours from Ella. Find out more about train journeys and other ways of getting around with our guide to public transport in Sri Lanka .

Travelling across train to Nuwara Eliya does book up quickly so we recommend booking in advance with 12Go Asia by clicking here!

Bus – Although we’d fully recommend the train ride, it’s also possible to get there by bus. Buses run from Colombo, Ella and Kandy to Nuwara Eliya multiple times a day. Travel times will vary depending on the weather and traffic but generally it takes around 6 hours from Colombo and 2 and a half hours from Ella and Kandy.

Getting around Nuwara Eliya

A travel guide to Nuwara Eliya wouldn’t be complete without explaining how to get around! Mopeds and motorbikes are available to rent for the day to explore the area and are cheapest way to get around. However we wouldn’t recommend it unless you already have experience of driving these as the roads can be a little steep.

Tuk tuks are the best way to get around Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding area. Once you find a driver you’ll be able to negotiate a price depending on what you want to visit.

We rented a tuk tuk for the day to take us to Ramboda falls, lovers leap and Labookellie tea plantation/factory, which cost 3500 rupees in total. Prices will vary but be prepared to negotiate and never settle for the first price quoted to you!

Best time to visit Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya has consistent rainfall throughout the year. While this makes it a great area for tea plantations, it unfortunately means you’re likely to experience rain whenever you visit.

The best months to visit Nuwara Eliya are February and March as this is the time of year with the least rainy weather. If possible, avoid visiting from October-December, as these are the rainiest months.

One month to avoid is April, as it can get very busy. Sri Lankans celebrate New Year during April, so prices increase in the area at this time.

Best things to do in Nuwara Eliya

Horton Plains National Park – One of the top places to visit when in Nuwara Eliya is the Horton Plains National Park. The main attraction of the park is the World’s End viewpoint –a cliff with a sheer drop of 880 metres overlooking villages and tea plantations all the way to Sri Lanka’s coast. You’ll want to arrive at the cliff early though, as from around 9am mist obscures the view.

The walk to the viewpoint from the park entrance takes around an hour and is part of a 9 kilometre circular track. Throughout the walk you’ll pass beautiful scenery and nature, with Sambar deer commonly spotted in the park.

Continuing on from World’s End you’ll also pass the pleasant Baker falls, which makes for a nice spot to give your feet a rest.

Entrance to the park costs around 3000 rupees (depending on your group size), but you’ll also need to pay for transport both ways. Unfortunately no public transport runs to Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya, so your main option is to pay a driver to take you.

A tuk tuk should cost around 3500 rupees, whereas a car will be around 4000 rupees. Your accommodation will be able to assist you in booking this if necessary.

Lovers leap – Our travel guide recommends this beautiful waterfall to visit from Nuwara Eliya city, and sits high in the hills overlooking the surrounding area. The easiest way to reach Lovers leap is to hire a tuk tuk and to walk the final section.

A tuk tuk one way from the city should cost around 200 rupees. Alternatively you can walk from the city, however this can take around 1 and a half hours.

Gregory Lake – A pleasant place to relax outside of the city. It’s possible to take part in various activities around the lake such as paddle boating, jet skiing and horse riding. Although entrance costs just 200 rupees, we’d recommend prioritising other spots unless you have spare time.

Victoria Park – A private park with an abundance of colourful flowers. In particular the park is nice to visit from March-May and August-September as the flowers are in bloom. Entrance does cost 300 rupees, but it’s not much to pay for an enjoyable stroll around the bright gardens.

Ramboda falls – Although it’s further from the city than Lovers leap, Ramboda falls is still well worth a visit and our favourite place on this travel guide to Nuwara Eliya. It’s a 20-minute steep walk to the waterfall, but this means it’s a lovely, secluded spot. Entrance is 50 rupees per person.

On the way to Ramboda falls, there’s another waterfall that can be seen from the road. Although this isn’t possible to visit up close, you’re able to stop and take in the view!

Tea plantations – Nuwara Eliya has a number of tea plantations; meaning large areas of countryside are covered with vast stretches of lush green tea plants. This alone is a beautiful thing to see and well worth getting out of the city to enjoy!

For those wishing to see more, many tea factories offer tours so you can see how the tea is produced. Our tuk tuk driver recommended Mackwoods Labookellie as the best tea factory to visit. The tour was free and you also get a free cup of tea to enjoy at the end which is a nice bonus! If you do visit, we recommend sitting in the café’s outside section to enjoy views of the nearby plantations.

Where to eat in Nuwara Eliya

De Silva Food Centre – If you’re looking for food on a budget then head to the De Silva Food Centre. You’ll find a range of Sri Lankan and Chinese food available at very reasonable prices.

Milano Restaurant – Another budget option is Milano restaurant, which serves a mix of Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western meals. The service was quite slow during our visit but the food was good value for the price.

Grand Indian – Although this Indian restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in Nuwara Eliya town, the prices are higher than most alternatives. Despite the cost, the food is of a high standard – so if you’re willing to splash out for a good meal then this is the place for you!

Grand Thai – Another of Nuwara Eliya’s most popular restaurants, serving a variety of tasty Thai dishes. It’s worth arriving early if you don’t want to wait for a seat at meal times!

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The 19 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya 2024

Looking for the best places to visit in nuwara eliya, sri lanka.

It isn’t hard to find beautiful places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. Also known as ‘little England’, Nuwara Eliya oozes charm and character, and is a must-visit on any trip to Sri Lanka.

It’s not just the cool, temperate weather that makes this place a little different from the rest of Sri Lanka.

Almost everyone we spoke to while backpacking in Sri Lanka said that Nuwara Eliya had been their favourite stop. Its relaxed vibe, accompanied by some truly incredible things to do, makes Nuwara Eliya a place to write home about.

If you’re planning a trip here then we’ve got some of the most beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya for you to check out – you’ll have trouble tearing yourself away to explore more of this incredible country!

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Quick Guide To The Most Beautiful Places In Nuwara Eliya

• The history of Nuwara Eliya
• Relax in Victoria Park
• Drink tea at Pedro Tea Estate
• Ride a swan boat at Gregory Lake
• Sip cocktails at The Grand Hotel
• Take in the views at Lovers Leap Waterfall
• Send a postcard from the historic post office
• Ride a bicycle
• Ogle at St Francis Xavier’s Church
• Play a round of gold
• Visit Horton Plains National Park
• Enjoy Ramboda Falls
• Hakgala Botanical gardens
• Enjoy a day at Devon Falls
• Visit Seetha Amman Kovil
• Take a walk at the Moon Plains
• Visit St Claire’s Falls
• Eat strawberries at Adma Agra farm
• Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya
• How to get to Nuwara Eliya
• Getting around
• Where to next
• Further reading

The History Of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya was a hill country retreat for British civil servants and tea planters, and they bought with them many English past times such as fox and deer hunting, polo, golf and cricket.

Even the houses reflect the history of British colonialists, making the town feel as though it has been taken right out of an English countryside village!

As well as its interesting architecture, Nuwara Eliya has a whole host of interesting and fun things to do, as well as being a firm favourite for those who want to relax. We have listed them for you below so that you can get the most from your visit.

The Most Beautiful Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

You don’t have to search far for beauty in Nuwara Eliya. Just head out into the countryside and take in the surroundings. But if you want some inspiration then we’ve got it for you, by the bucket load!

Read on to find out our suggestions for the best things to do in and around Nuwara Eliya.

1. Relax In Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya

If you’re anything like us, you’ll arrive in Nuwara Eliya a little hot and sweaty after a day of travel. The perfect remedy to relieve the stresses of the day is to take a visit to Victoria Park.

Right in the middle of Nuwara Eliya, it’s surprising how quiet and tranquil this park is. And how big! We grabbed a little picnic and spent the afternoon wandering the extensive grounds and lounging around on the perfectly manicured grounds.

Don’t miss the lovely fountains and awesome trees. Around every corner there’s another little unexpected gem, so make sure you give it a little time. Around sunset, it’s where the locals come to hang out, so it gets a little busier then!

There is a small museum here too with old photos of Nuwara Eliya. It shows what life was like when it was under British influence

Entrance fee: 300 Rupees

Location:  PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

2. Drink Tea At Pedro Tea Estate

Nuwara Eliya is known to be the most important area for tea production in the whole of Sri Lanka. Its temperate weather makes it perfect for growing light, delicate tea and the area has many different tea plantations.

Pedro Tea Estate is a fascinating place for a visit, and the bonus cup of locally grown tea at the end of the tour makes it all the more special.

Entry Fees: 200(Rs)

Location:  About 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya, on the way to Kandapola

✅ Book your trip to Pedro Tea Factory here

3. Ride A Swan Boat At Nuwara Eliya’s Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake was created by Governor William Gregory between 1872 and 1877. It was used for watersports during the British colonial period and is still going strong today. It is the perfect place to take a picnic and relax with the locals.

It would also be a great place to take kids, as it is perfectly set up for families with boats for hire (including swan boats and jet skis!) and horse riding available.

You may want to check the conditions the horses are kept in, it seemed to us they are free to roam in a field opposite the lake but you could double-check with the staff before paying for a ride.

There is a small snack shop next to the lake, but it would be best to bring your own drinks and snacks from a supermarket in town. If you are here later in the evening, there is a pizza takeaway shop just opposite the lake that serves delicious pizzas! You won’t regret ruining that diet-trust us!

Entry Fees: Free (differing charges for boat hire)

Location:  A short walk from the main centre of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

4. Drink Afternoon Tea At The Luxurious Grand Hotel

Built in 1891 for the governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes, The Grand Hotel is the perfect place to indulge and is a must on your list of places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Set in magnificent grounds, you can dine like royalty on the garden terrace or sip cocktails in the piano lounge. The interior of the hotel could easily be taken straight from a high-end London hotel. You can even stay the night here if you fancy something a little special!

We treated ourselves to a cocktail here in the afternoon. We drank on the garden terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured lawns and felt like we were in a film.

Then the rains started and we ran for cover inside the lounge area, where we were treated to a performance from a very talented pianist. A trip here really is a must-have, and it isn’t all that expensive either!

Location: No. 05 Grand Hotel Road Nuwara Eliya, Nuwaraeliya 22200, Sri Lanka

5. Take In The Views At Lovers Leap Waterfall

Just opposite Pedro Tea Estate is the start of a walk to Lovers Leap Waterfall. It’s a relaxing stroll through tea plantations and a small village, and the waterfall itself is extremely pretty. You can walk (scramble) to the top of the waterfall to experience the incredible views over Nuwara Eliya and beyond.

This waterfall comes with a romantic and tragic tale. Read all about it, and a more in-depth guide about how to get there and what to expect when you do, in this ultimate guide to Lovers Leap Waterfall .

Entry fees: None

Location: Sandasewana’,holbrook, Agrapatana 22200, Sri Lanka

✅ Book a trip to Lovers Leap waterfall here

6. Pay A Visit To Nuwara Eliya’s Post Office

Nuwara Eliya Post Office is housed in an antique Tudor Manor house built in 1894. It’s one of the oldest post offices in the country, and one of the most ‘English’ buildings in Sri Lanka!

It was even featured on a stamp in 1990. It’s situated in the centre of town, so is definitely worth a little walk past. Or you could even hire a bicycle and include a visit here in a cycle tour of the town (see below!)

Location: Queen Elizabeth Dr, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

7. Rent A Bicycle For The Day

One of our favourite things to do when visiting somewhere new, hire a bike and explore. Nuwara Eliya is the perfect place to do this in, with so many lovely views and such a peaceful feel out in the countryside.

You could easily pack a picnic and spend the day pottering around, exploring the quaint English-style houses and the lovely tea plantation countryside. You will find bike rental shops in town or some hostels offer them also.

If you do end up hiring a bike then try and take a little time to explore the surrounding countryside as well as the town itself. The tea fields are just beautiful here, and the cooler climates make cycling a really enjoyable activity.

8. Play A Round Of Golf In Nuwara Eliya

The  Nuwara Eliya Golf Club  is situated right in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. If you enjoy golf then you can play and rent out everything you need for around 8400 rupees in total. That even includes a caddy to go around with you.

If you’ve never played before then this may be the perfect place to give it a go, as the course dates all the way back to 1889 and is one of the oldest golf courses anywhere in Asia.

Entry Fees : 8400(Rs) for a round of golf

Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

9. Ogle at St Francis Xavier’s Church

Built in 1838, St. Francis Xavier’s Church is the first Christian church to have ever been built in Nuwara Eliya.

It can be found in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town and although you won’t want to spend hours here, it is certainly worth a visit for its religious and historic importance.

10. Enjoy A Private Tour Of Nuwara Eliya

Explore Nuwara Eliya’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide and driver, who will take you to the best spots in this beautiful town.

We love taking tours in new places, as you learn about the hot spots so much more quickly than if you were trying to navigate alone.

This tour is one of the best, and it takes you to some of Nuwara Eliya’s most famous waterfalls along with other key sights in a private day tour.

✅ Book your private tour here

11. Visit Sita Temple

This Hindu temple is fascinating and worth a visit if you have some spare time in Nuwara Eliya. There are some highly decorative and intricate statues of the gods in a colourful display, and you’ll even find monkeys roaming the temple.

Sita temple is just a short drive from Nuwara Eliya, but not far enough for a day trip. You could combine it with a day trip to the botanical gardens listed below.

Day Outings From Nuwara Eliya

12. trek to worlds end at horton plains national park.

Horton Plains National Park is a must-see spot not too far from Nuwara Eliya. This huge area of natural habitats is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating wildlife, and the trek to Worlds End will leave you awestruck.

Nuwara Eliya is the jumping-off point for visiting this popular destination. One of the cheapest ways to get there is by booking a tour. You might have to leave pretty early in the morning so make sure you don’t stay up all night partying before you go!

✅ Book your trip to Horton Plains here

There are some incredible things to do just a day trip away from Nuwara Eliya, so why not base yourself here for a little longer and explore some of the beautiful places close by?

13. Enjoy Ramboda Falls

These are some of Nuwara Eliyas most famous waterfalls, and they are pretty impressive. The falls are actually three waterfalls (so you get three for the price of one!) Upper Ramboda Oya Fall, Middle Ramboda Oya Fall, and Lower Ramboda Oya Fall.

The three sections of waterfall make an impressive 109 meters of gushing water. You won’t be disappointed!

If you fancy taking a dip then head to the middle waterfall, but just check with locals that it’s safe to swim when you visit as the water levels can get too high with frequent rain.

14. Hakgala Botanical Gardens: One of the most popular places to visit in Nuwara Eliya

Just 1km away from the Seetha Amman temple, you will find the  Hakgala Botanical Gardens . The Hakgala Botanical Gardens are believed to be the highest altitude botanical gardens in the world, and they are the second largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.

Because of the low annual temperatures in Nuwara Eliya (compared with the rest of Sri Lanka), you will find some incredibly rare species of plants here that you will struggle to find elsewhere in the country.

In 28 acres of land there are over 10,000 species of flora and fauna, of all different shades and sizes. The Hakgala Botanical gardens are one of the top places to visit in Nuwara Eliya, drawing up to 100,000 guests per year!

Entry Fees:  2000(Rs)

Opening Hours : 7.30 AM – 5.00 PM. Open 365 days a year

Location:  Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala, Sri Lanka

15. Admire The Stunning Devon Falls

There are numerous spots where it’s nice to stop and see Devon Falls, you’re driver will be able to advise you. One quite cool option is to visit the  Mlesna Tea Castle . It’s a tea room, in the shape of a castle! You won’t find that again easily!

You can sit upstairs on the balcony and gaze out over the farm whilst enjoying a nice warm cup of tea. And while you’re there it would be rude not to try the cake!

Entry Fees : Free

Location: Nawalapitiya – Dimbula Road, Dimbula, Sri Lanka

16. Seetha Amman Kovil

Seetha Amman Kovil is a Temple near the Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the top places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It is a pretty sacred spot, as it’s the only Sita temple in Sri Lanka.

It is believed that after Ravana captured Sita, she used to come here to pray to Rama. Rama was her husband, and was also believed to be one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.

If you’re interested in discovering more about the history of the area in which the temple is built, check out  this article here.

Entry Fees:  Free

Location:  Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka

17. Take A Walk Through Moon Plains

The Moon Plains attract thousands of visitors every year, and they would all be astonished to know that this area was once the site of a vast garbage heap.

Waste from Nuwara Eliya was deposited here for years, before being finally cleared in 2010. You would never guess now though, and it shows how quickly nature can recover when given the chance. Make sure this is on your list of places to visit in Nuwara Eliya!

You can hike, cycle or drive through the park. Make sure you climb Mini World’s End where you will be greeted by panoramic views of the area, as long as it’s not a foggy day!

You also have the chance to spot a wild array of wildlife. The area is home to everything through from wild elk to leopards (although sightings of these are extremely rare!)

Location:  Ranhawadigama Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

18. Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya: St. Clair’s Falls

Another of Nuwara Eliya’s stunning waterfalls. St Clair’s Fall is known as the Niagara of Sri Lanka and is one of the widest waterfalls found in the country. You can find it a short tuk-tuk ride away in the town of Talawakele, at an altitude if 1198m.

We recommend enjoying St Clair’s Falls from  St Clair’s Villas . This hotel has an excellent restaurant situated in the perfect spot, with huge glass windows that allow you to enjoy lunch with a view. While you’re in this area, check out Devon Falls too (below).

Entry Fees: Free

Location: a7 Tawalantenne – Talawakele Rd, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka

19. Eat Strawberries At Adma Agro Farm

Visit the Adma Agro Farm and stuff yourself with yummy strawberries. Strawberries love colder weather and Nuwara Eliya is perfect for them. Eat them straight off the plants or in the cafe with cream, condensed milk, or drink in a juice!

Entry Fees:  Free (strawberries are extra!)

Location:  Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

Where To Stay In Nuwara Eliya

There are hundreds of different options for accommodation in this colonial town, ranging from cheap as chips to pure luxury. We have listed some possible options below.

Pure Luxury

A stay at The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya is something you won’t forget in a hurry. Prepare for real old-fashioned luxury at this incredible colonial hotel. The afternoon tea is to die for!

✅ Find out more and check prices here.

Cheap as chips!

For around £6 a night, this hostel is a steal. The rooms are said to be clean and comfortable, but you will be a little out of Nuwara Eliya.

Find out more and check prices here.

Stay in this little cottage-style house with a friendly family and a load of character! You can also rent a bike from here and explore the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya in style!

How To Get To Nuwara Eliya

Getting to Nuwara Eliya is quite easy as it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. You have a number of different options.

Private Driver

One of the most popular and certainly easiest ways to get around Sri Lanka is by hiring a private driver. You can set the itinerary, but you don’t have to worry about navigating Sri Lanka’s roads or bothering with public transport.

Book your driver in advance to pick you up from the airport, and go where ever you choose!

✅ Book a highly-rated private driver here

Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself. Some of the best scenery we saw in the country was on the train journeys around Nuwara Eliya, so you really can’t go wrong!

Coming from Kandy or Ella is very straightforward, check out our comprehensive guide on train travel in Sri Lanka here to find out how to book seats and information about times and routes. Once you arrive at Nuwara Eliya station it is a short tuk-tuk ride to the centre of town.

The buses in Sri Lanka weren’t the most reliable when we were there, but they were certainly among the cheapest way to travel. Expect journeys to take a long time, as there are often disruptions on the roads due to bad weather. You can find out information about the buses here . They leave from most major towns.

Tuk-tuk/taxi

The tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka are used to travelling long distances, you’ll just have to be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride! We travelled several 3-5 hour journeys by tuk-tuk and enjoyed every minute of it.

It’s cheaper than a taxi, and you get a nice breeze and great views as you go. Opt for a taxi if you’re happy to spend the money for a bit more luxury!

Take a tour

If you’re short on time then it may be worth taking a tour of Nuwara Eliya. There are all sorts for you to choose from, we’ve listed some of the best for you below.

✅ Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train , including a private tour of a tea plantation and a visit to Ramboda Falls.

✅ Kandy to Nuwara Eliya , including a visit to Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Ramboda falls and a trip to a village viewpoint for sunset.

✅ Two-day tour of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya from Columbo, taking in many of the major sights.

Getting Around Nuwara Eliya

If you’re staying in the centre of Nuwara Eliya then there are lots of things within walking distance. For some of the things to do in Nuwara Eliya, you will need to hire some form of transport, but it’s usually pretty cheap and easy to find.

Hire a tuk tuk  

They are everywhere and very reasonably priced. The tuk-tuk drivers are also used to tourists in Nuwara Eliya and will be able to help you out when it comes to finding good photography spots or hidden entrances.

Just take what they say with a pinch of salt when it comes to visiting places-our tuk tuk driver told us Lover’s Leap waterfall would be dry because he wanted to take us further and get more for his trip.

In fact, when we got there, there was more than enough water to make an impressive waterfall!

Rent a moped  

If you are confident on two wheels then mopeds may be a good idea. Make sure you have a good helmet though, and be careful when the roads are wet!

Get yourself a driver for the day  – Hire a taxi for the day and visit where ever you want outside of town. Between a group of people this may turn out to be your cheapest option!

Use a bicycle  

This is one of the most fun options if you like a little exercise and fresh air!

Cycling up and down the mountains might be a little exhausting! However, you can definitely use a bike to get to all of the things closest to the centre of town.

Where To Next

There are several places you could head to after you’ve seen the most beautiful places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. Kandy and Ella are both an easy train ride away and are both full of things to do.

Further Reading

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka then make sure you check out our 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary or our 5 days in Sri Lanka itinerary to help you plan your trip. From Nuwara Eliya make sure you head to some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful tea plantations at  Lipton’s Seat , and on from there you can head to the coast and do a  spot of whale watching .

Conclusion: Beautiful Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya

As you can see, Nuwara Eliya is simply brimming with awesome things to do. Book a trip there today and make sure you tick off a couple of items from this list while you’re there!

Make sure to follow us on social media for more Sri Lanka travel content.

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Thank you. loved your article. It was really helpful for my business. Wish to see more in the coming days.

This Nuwara guide is an absolute gem. Just a friendly heads-up for upcoming Sri Lanka travelers: prices for essentials like food and train tickets have surged in recent months.

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Hakgala Botanical Garden

Located about 10 to 16km from Nuwara Eliya is the Hakgala Botanical Garden, one of five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and the second largest garden in the country over all. It once spanned over 500 acres, but currently encompasses about 88 acres. It’s adjacent to the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, making it a hotspot for various flora and fauna.

Establishment of the Landscaping Marvel

Established in 1862 by George Henry Kendrick Thwaites, the Hakgala Botanical Garden was once an experimental cultivation of the medicinal plant Cinchona. Once tea took precedence in Sri Lanka, this was replaced with tea cultivation. But it didn’t seem to work out, and in the end, in 1884, it was transformed into a garden instead. Interestingly, the oldest tea bush in Sri Lanka is said to reside within the garden’s premises.

What You Can Expect

Today, the garden is home to temperate and subtropical plant species of all kinds, consisting of over 10,000 unique species⁠—many of which are vibrant blooms. Due to its altitude being about 5,400 ft above sea level, the temperatures tend to get a bit chilly all year round, with it dropping to about 16°C during its coldest period (December to February), with the warmest period being April to August, when the temperature reaches about 30°C.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden is open to visitors from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day. Whether you’re visiting with the family, looking for a romantic hangout with your partner, or just out to rest your mind on your own, the garden is sure to welcome all with its pleasant and inviting setting that is akin to the traditional English garden meets the wilderness.

Useful Tips

• Open throughout the year from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
• The best time to visit is between March and April- when all the flowers are in bloom.

Other Attractions to Visit

Seetha Amman Kovil

Gregory Lake

Lovers Leap

How to spend 2 days in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka – the best things to see and do

• July 24, 2023
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use these links, with no extra cost to you.

Nuwara Eliya sits in the hill country of southern central Sri Lanka, close to the popular backpacker town of Ella , and is surrounded by tea plantations, which flourish here due to the mild, rainy weather. The weather and landscape, as well as the colonial style buildings, are the reason that Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’.

So what is there to do in Nuwara Eliya and is it worth visiting? Well that depends on what you like doing. If you enjoy hiking, being outdoors and experiencing a more ‘local’ town then Nuwara Eliya is worth adding to your Sri Lanka itinerary. However, if you prefer more of a tourist town and sandy beaches, then head to the South Coast and to Mirissa instead.

Itinerary overview:

Day 1 – Wander around Nuwara Eliya town and visit St Clair’s Falls 1. Relax in Victoria Park 2. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Post office 3. Enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel 4. Visit St Clair’s falls

Day 2 – Visit Horton Plains National Park and a Tea Estate 1. Hike to the World’s End at Horton Plains National Park 2. Visit a Tea Estate 3. Walk to the Lover’s Leap Waterfall

How to get to Nuwara Eliya How long do you need in Nuwara Eliya? What should I pack for Nuwara Eliya?

Day 1 – Wander around Nuwara Eliya town and visit St Clair’s Falls

On your first day, spend a couple of hours wandering around the main town of Nuwara Eliya. You don’t need a lot of time to explore the main town, as it isn’t that big, so combine it with a trip to St Clair’s falls.

1. Relax in Victoria Park

The park is named in honour of Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee coronation in 1897 and covers 27 acres of land in the centre of town. The park has several gardens, full of foreign flowers and birds and is nice for a little stroll away from the hustle of the main town. At the town entrance of the park, the Victoria Restaurant serves great local and western food for breakfast and lunch.

2. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Post office

The Post office building in the main town is one of the oldest in the country. Built in 1894, the Tudor Manor is open for visitors – it is very small and there’s not lots to see, but it’s right at the end of the main street, so you can pop in as you pass by.

3. Enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel

After some research, one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya is to have afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel . We didn’t actually do this as we were on a budget. But if you love tea and cake and have a little extra money to spend, this would be a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

4. Visit St Clair’s falls

After you’ve spent some time wandering around the town of Nuwara Eliya, jump in a taxi and head to St. Clair’s falls. St Clair’s falls are known as the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. They are located about 50 minutes driver outside of Nuwara Eliya and can be seen from the viewpoint off the main road. Depending on how you arrive, you might pass St Clair’s Falls on the way in. We hired a driver to take us from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, so he stopped at St Clair’s falls on the way.

Day 2 – Visit Horton Plains National Park and a Tea Estate

Get ready for a busy day! If you are spending longer than 2 days in Nuwara Eliya, then I would suggest separating these activities out into two days. But as you need to get up early to visit Horton Plains then you can easily combine both activities into one day if you’re short on time.

1. Hike to the World’s End at Horton Plains National Park

Hiking at Horton Plains National Park is one of the best things to do whilst you’re in Nuwara Eliya. Plus, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this easy route!

We arranged to be picked up at 6am by our driver and headed to Horton Plains National Park. The park is a 1 hour 10 minute drive from Nuwara Eliya. There are several hiking routes, but the most popular trail is ‘World’s end’. This hiking route was given it’s name due to the huge drop off from an impressive cliff edge at the end of Horton Plains plateau.

Due to the height above sea level, the climate, and the diverse ecosystem in the national park, the view from World’s end becomes shrouded in thick cloud after about 9am (hence the early morning start!). We spent quite a bit of time at the World’s end viewpoint. However, once the clouds come in, you really can’t see the view across the valley at all. So, it really is worth getting up early and heading straight to the drop off point as soon as you arrive at the park. As you can see, the view is stunning!

When you’re at the World’s end viewpoint, please be careful. There are no barriers at all and it is so easy to simply step or stumble off the edge. Numerous people advised us to be careful and maintain distance after several tourists had accidentally fallen whilst trying to get a photo.

After we had spent some time at World’s end, we then explored some of the other hiking routes in the park. The hiking here is relatively easy and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to walk here. All routes are also well sign-posted so you shouldn’t get lost!

Once we had finished our walk at Horton Plains, we grabbed some lunch back in the main town, before meeting up with our driver for an afternoon of exploring the surrounding countryside and visiting a tea estate.

2. Visit a Tea Estate

You can’t visit Nuwara Eliya without visiting a Tea Estate! Tea is what this area of Sri Lanka is known for and there are so many tea estates and plantations in the area for you to choose from.

The Pedro tea estate is only a short drive or tuk tuk ride from town and is one of the quieter tea plantations. As you drive up to the estate, you can see the tea pickers at work in the fields, placing the leaves into huge bags strapped onto their backs. Once you arrive at the estate, you can have a guided tour around the factory, learning about the full process of making tea and the differences between the variations of tea. I found the tour really quite interesting, made even better by the complimentary cup of Pedro estate Ceylon tea, enjoyed in the cafe at the end of the tour.

3. Walk to the Lover’s Leap Waterfall

Opposite the Pedro tea estate is Lover’s Leap waterfall. To start the walk, take the only road opposite the tea estate and follow a small sign post. The walk will take you through more tea plantations and rural countryside. The walk took us about 40 minutes and wasn’t too strenuous. Unfortunately for us, it had started to rain before we set off, but in true British style, we put on our raincoats and carried on anyway. However by the time we reached the base of the falls, we were soaked! It is a pretty waterfall and the walk to it was nice with great views. This combined with the proximity to the main town makes it one of the top things to do in Nuwara Eliya.

That was my 2 day itinerary for what we got up to in Nuwara Eliya. As I mentioned previously, I wasn’t thrilled with the town itself, but I would really recommend getting out into the countryside surrounding the town. There are so many waterfalls nestled in the tea plantations and rolling hills, the landscape is really beautiful.

If you are a keen hiker, many people use Nuwara Eliya as a base for hiking Adams Peak (or Sri Padra) – a mountain over 7000 feet above sea level with a pilgrimage site at the top. Adam’s Peak is a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Nuwara Eliya and it is advised to start the hike early, so just bare that in mind if you are taking on this strenuous challenge. If you are looking for more of an easy – moderate hike, then I would really recommend Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock in the beautiful town of Ella .

How to get to Nuwara Eliya

Depending on where you are travelling from, there are several options for getting to Nuwara Eliya. Chances are you will arrive in Nuwara Eliya from either Kandy or Colombo, which are both well connected for public transport.

By bus – If you’re on a tight budget, this will be your lowest cost option, however we spoke to another couple in our guest house who opted for the bus and hated it! They were stood up on a cramped bus for over 7 hours with almost no toilet stops and said they wished they had spent a little more for the train or taxi.

By train – The Kandy to Ella or Colombo to Ella train route is known as the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka and this route will stop at Nuwara Eliya. There is not a train station in Nuwara Eliya, but you can catch it from the nearby town of Nanu Oya, just 20 minutes drive away. I’ve written a separate post about my experience on Sri Lanka’s ‘best train journey’ here .

By taxi – I’ve mentioned in a couple of my other Sri Lanka blogs that taxis are a really common way of getting around Sri Lanka. Many companies offer private drivers which you can hire for the whole of your trip, for a pre-agreed fee. This is a great way of getting from place to place, and they can also take you to and from local attractions. We hired a taxi driver to drive us from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya and then we arranged with him to drive us to Horton Plains, Pedro tea estate and the Lover’s Leap waterfall on our second day here.

How long do you need in Nuwara Eliya?

I spent two days in Nuwara Eliya, which in my opinion, is plenty. It is often known as ‘Little England’, which in my opinion, can be a little misleading. I had pictured a quiet, scenic town, like some of the cute towns I’m used to in the UK , however in reality the main town area is dusty and industrial and the places to eat or grab a coffee did not feel particularly inviting.

If I’m honest, I didn’t really like the main town and was quite disappointed (maybe that’s due to my preconceptions), BUT once you journey out into the countryside around Nuwara Eliya, you realise the charm that this area has.

If you enjoy hiking and are planning to use Nuwara Eliya as a base to explore the hill country, then 2-4 days will be plenty of time.

What should I pack for Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya does have a much cooler (and wetter!) climate that other parts of Sri Lanka, which is why this area is so great for growing tea! Make sure that you pack a lightweight rain jacket and some thin layers to keep you warm, particularly if you are hiking early in the morning as it is cool.

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Short Essays - Village Srilanka

Short stories we can hear from village in srilanka

Horton plains

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Hakgala Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens at Hakgala were established in 1861 for the purpose of experimentation and promotion of Cinchona cultivation in Sri Lanka. The gardens lying in the hill country among Sri Lanka’s tea plantations in the Nuwara Eliya district are located along the Badulla Road, 9.5 km South-east of Nuwara Eliya, the popular holiday resort.

Placement of the garden

Situated at an elevation of about 1745 m above mean sea level, Hakgala Botanic Gardens, about 28 hectares in extent, lie under the shadow of the Hakgala Rock (meaning “Elephant’s jaw rock”). This massive rock towers to a height of about 2,200m behind the gardens and the surrounding forest reserve like a solitary giant. The gardens take the shape of several terraces upon the lower slopes of the rock and face the Uva Valley, across which some magnificent views of the Madulsima and the Namunukula range of mountains are seen in the distant landscape.

The climate of the Gardens is subtropical, cool, fresh and some what similar to an alpine atmosphere. The temperature ranges from 3°C to 15° C. While the lowest recorded was 3° C. The gardens receive rainfall from two monsoons. The South West from May to August and the North East from October to December, the annual average rainfall being about 2300 mm. During the South west monsoon gusts of strong winds blow across the Gardens towards the Uva Valley, making weird sounds. During October to December. When thick mist envelope the gardens, heavy downpours of rain falls more frequent in the afternoon and evenings. The best time to see the gardens is probably from about mid March to the end of April, popularly known as the Nuwara Eliya seasons. The gardens put up their best display of temperate annual flowers, Roses and Orchids during this period. The flora of the gardens is distinctly sub tropical and consists of representatives of the indigenous, montane flora intermingled with those introduced from other subtropical countries, systematically planted in various sections of the gardens.

Location MAP

How to see the garden.

A map showing the most important places is enclosed in this folder.

What you can see

visitors are advised to walk round the gardens if they wish to explore the many beautiful places in this very compact garden.

4.5 VISITORS RATING

Trusted by 1000+ visitors, 7.30 am - 6.00 pm.

Opening Hours

7.30 AM - 5.00 PM

Ticketing Hours

For Overseas Tourist

Entrance fee.

Come and explore the spectacular plant life of Sri Lanka

Foreign Adult

(Elder than 12)

LKR 3,000/= / Ticket

• Great explorer of the truth, the master-builder.

Foreign Student

(Must have proof)

LKR 2,000/= / Ticket

Foreign child.

(5 to 12 years)

LKR 1,500/= / Ticket

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Hakgala Botanical Gardens

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Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second largest garden among the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, which is the home to a variety of wild life, including bears, monkeys and birds. Situated some 5 kilometers South of Nuwara Eliya, the road to Hakgala along the Badulla road is a pleasant downhill drive, mostly through pine forests. The comfortable cool weather that prevails throughout the year compliments the exotic flora and fauna, creating a true paradise. It boasts thousands of flora species. .

Originally used for the cultivation of cinchona and tea, the present day Hakgala Gardens was established in 1861 under the patronage of Dr. G H W Thawaites. The development of Hakgala Gardens as a botanic garden was initiated by Mr William Nock in 1884 and since then many varieties of flowers and trees, both local and foreign, have been introduced.

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How I spent my holiday Our holidays started on December 15, 2015. I was very happy. On the 16th, we decided to go to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is situated in the Central Province. We started our journey at 6 o’clock in the morning. As we were going we saw lots of waterfalls and tea [...]

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• Sunday, June 26, 2016

Kids Essays

How I spent my holiday Our holidays started on December 15, 2015. I was very happy. On the 16th, we decided to go to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is situated in the Central Province. We started our journey at 6 o’clock in the morning. As we were going we saw lots of waterfalls and tea estates. We went ahead and saw a fun park in Nuwara Eliya. My brother and I were very surprised. We played for one hour. After playing we went to the hotel which was booked earlier. We had kottu and fried rice for dinner. We had a bath with hot water and went to bed. I woke up early in the morning and I remembered that it was my father’s birthday. In the morning we went to see Kotmale Dam. We decided to go to Kandy but as we were tired we came home. We saw many beautiful places on our way. As we were coming we washed our car at a car wash. It was the greatest holiday I have ever had in my life.

Haroon Kavishka (Grade 5) Edmonton Int. School, Kandana

Parrot Parrot is green. Parrot likes fruits. Parrot can fly. Parrot is beautiful. Parrot has a red necklace. I love my parrot.

Samadhi Dasanayake (Grade 3) Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy

Myself I am Sanula Jayasena. I am six years old. I live in Wadduwa. I go to Lyceum International School, Panadura. I am in Grade 1. I like to eat chocolate. I like to drink orange juice. I like to listen to stories. My father is a lecturer. My mother is a teacher.

Sanula Jayasena (Grade 1) Lyceum Int. School, Panadura

Our food Our main food is rice. We can’t live without food. Trees and animals give us food. Trees give us vegetables and fruits and animals give us eggs, meat and milk. We eat three meals for a day. That is breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have to protect trees because if we cut trees, we don’t have food to eat. In our foods there are vitamins, minerals, proteins and fat. We have to eat healthy food like jak, red rice, leaves and fruits. If we eat healthy food we can have a healthy life.

Methushi Vihanga (Grade 7) Swarnamali Girls’ College, Kandy

My flower garden I have a little flower garden. There are many kinds of flowers in my garden. They are many colours. There are roses, lilies, daisies, jasmine and many kinds of ferns. Many butterflies and bees come to my garden. I like to water my garden. It is a very beautiful flower garden. I like to walk in it. There are some herbs in my garden. I love my flower garden very much.

Vinudhi Fernando (Std. 2) Jennings Int. School, Nainamadama

A pet cat A bright Sunday morning I was watching the cat which is a pet of my family. When it sleeps, nobody disturbs it. It wakes up on its own. When we are served with food it also gets its share. After meals it goes out on a call of nature. Returning, it sits in a corner and waits for the hunt of rats. At a slight movement it lifts its head. Nobody disturbs it. When the long wait is of no use, it goes back to its noon sleep. When I think of its freedom I feel why not become a cat for a day.

R.M. Rahiff (7 years) Wesswood College, Katugastota

Village life and city life

I prefer city life to village life. However, there are many advantages and disadvantages in both. City life has more advantages, as many facilities are available in a city which is the centre of life. So, everything such as good schools, higher education facilities, hospitals, supermarkets, good transport facilities and postal services are within one’s area with the availability of electricity and good water services. The chances of employment are greater in the city because there are many factories and industries, which generate jobs. There are many disadvantages too in city life. In fact, life is one mad rush from dawn to dusk. There is a great deal of pollution caused by vehicular emissions and by gases and waste material from factories and industries.

Therefore, city people are likely to contract more diseases. Housing is expensive in the city and dwelling places are hard to come by. Village life has its advantages too. There is a clear, fresh environment. There is no pollution to cause a wide range of diseases. Housing is availables at reasonable rates. Fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs and most other foods are available in plenty. However, there are disadvantages too. Employment, transport, medical facilities and postal services are limited. The sources of education are also scarce. Considering these facts, I would like to live in the city and visit the village during the weekends and holidays.

J.H.M. Mushaf (O/L) Maruthamuni

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Sunday, 10 Sep 2023

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A family trip to Nuwara Eliya

First, we went to the Haggala Botanical Garden and there were many varieties of beautiful flowers. Then, we went to Lake Gregory and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

We had our lunch near Lake Gregory and I rode a pony. I loved the cold climate in Nuwara Eliya and my family enjoyed the trip very much.

Yuwakshi Rashmika Wanigasekara

Grade 4 - Nelum

Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya

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