Are you looking for the best hill stations in Sri Lanka to explore with your family and friends? Nuwara Eliya is a popular hill station in Sri Lanka that is best known for its unbeatable beauty and pleasant weather. Whether planning a long family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip to Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya would be best suited.
Nuwara Eliya is a stunning city in the tea country hills of Central Sri Lanka. It is well known as one of the “best places to visit in Sri Lanka.” The picturesque green tea garden adds more charm to its beauty. Also, it is the cooler hilly region in Central Sri Lanka. People who love nature and peace are always in search of off-beat locations, and Nuwara Eliya is still an untouched and unexplored destination in the world.
If you love exploring new places and offbeat locations, Nuwara Eliya should be on your travel bucket list. To plan your perfect trip to Nuwara Eliya, you need detailed information about the place. So here we are with our travel guide to Nuwara Eliya. Let’s explore Nuwara Eliya together.
About Nuwara Eliya History
In current times, Nuwara Eliya is among the best hill stations in Sri Lanka due to its natural beauty, cold weather, and rich flora and fauna. It is often called “Little England” as its history is deeply intertwined with the British Colonial era. The town was founded in the early 19th century by Britishers. Before the British arrived, Nuwara Eliya was an uninhabited region covered by dense forests. The name “Nuwara Eliya” translates to “City of Light” in Sinhalese, referring to its bright, misty climate and scenic beauty. Though not much is known about its pre-colonial history, the area was largely unexplored by the local population due to its harsh, cold climate compared to the tropical lowlands of Sri Lanka.
- Elevation: 1,868 m
- Area Code: 052
- District: Nuwara Eliya District
- Province: Central Province
- Major Attractions: Tea Plantations, Forests, Lakes, Waterfalls, and Parks
Best Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, the most popular hill station in Sri Lanka has become an ideal tourist destination for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers. Among nature admirers, Nuwara Eliya is highly famous for its diverse range of flora and fauna and huge green area cover. When you’re in search of peace and solitude in Sri Lanka, explore these jaw-dropping places of Nuwara Eliya:-
Moon Plains
Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Sri Lanka’s lush highlands and wildlife.
Location: Ranhawadigama Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timing: 7 am to 4 pm
Horton Plains National Park
A UNESCO site with stunning landscapes and is popular for its World’s End viewpoint.
Location: Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka
Timing: 6 am to 4 pm
Lover’s Leap Waterfall
A scenic waterfall near Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by tea plantations and hills.
Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timing: Open 24 hours
Seetha Amman Kovil
A Hindu temple linked to the Ramayana is believed to be where Sita was held captive.
Location: WRM6+76R, Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timing: 8 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6:30 pm
Lake Gregory
A peaceful lake in Nuwara Eliya, perfect for boating and picnics.
Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timing: 8 am to 9 pm
Victoria Park
A charming park in Nuwara Eliya, ideal for walks and birdwatching.
Location: XQ99+J7G, PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm
Bomburu Ella Waterfall
A hidden gem, this large waterfall is perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
Location: Galpalama, Sri Lanka
Timing: Open 24 hours
Hakgala Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden with exotic plants, set against misty mountains.
Location: WRGC+JJJ, Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala, Sri Lanka
Timing: 7:30 am to 5 pm
Pedro Tea Estate
Offers tours of its tea plantations and stunning mountain views.
Location: XQ3F+3FX, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timing: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Kandy Lake
A peaceful lake in the heart of Kandy, great for strolls and relaxation.
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Timing: Open 24 hours
Best time to visit Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is among the top hill stations in Sri Lanka which experiences cold and pleasant weather throughout the year. The favorable weather conditions make Nuwara Eliya an ideal choice for nature lovers and welcome them wholeheartedly. Well, you can visit Nuwara Eliya whenever you want. All season you will get amazing views and vibes. But if you want to see tea plantations in full bloom, March to April is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya. During these months, temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. April is also a festival month in Sri Lanka and you can experience some most amazing local harvesting festivals such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
How to reach Nuwara Eliya
- Bandaranaike International Airport is just 155.5 km which typically takes 5 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya. It is the fastest and easiest way to reach Nuwara Eliya.
- From the airport, you can take a shared or private taxi to Nuwara Eliya. The price of a taxi may vary depending on the season.
- You can also rent a car to enjoy a self-drive from Colombo.
- You can also travel by train from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya. Nanu Oya Station is the closest train station to Nuwara Eliya.
Things to do in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is one of the best hill stations in Sri Lanka. During your stay in Nuwara Eliya, you can do several activities or things such as:
- Golfing at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
- Horse Riding
- Strawberry Picking
- Temple visiting
- Hiking and trekking
- Picnic
- Shopping
- Cafe hopping
- Spa and massage
- Tea tasting
Where to Eat in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is best known for its multi-cuisines including Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian, and local Sri Lankan food. Here are some of the popular restaurants where you can eat delicious food:
- Grand Indian: A popular restaurant offering a variety of delicious Indian dishes.
- The Hill Club: A historic dining experience with a mix of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine.
- Salmiya Pizzeria: Known for its wood-fired pizzas, this is a great spot for a casual meal.
- Strawberry Fields: A cozy café that serves fresh strawberry-based dishes and drinks.
Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya
You will find multiple staying options in Nuwara Elita according to your budget. From luxurious villas to budget-friendly hotels, you will get everything you need. For solo travelers, Nuwara Eliya provides aesthetic and safe hostels as well. Here are the top 10 staying options suggested by ASAPHolidays:–
- Ovi Court City Apartments Nuwara Eliya
- Araliya Red-Nuwara Eliya
- Little England Bungalow
- Gregory House Hostel
- Villa de Roshe
- Top Terrace Cottage
- Heritance Tea Factory
- Rustique House dbl
- Araliya Green Hills Hotel
- Laughing Leopard Hostel
Final Words
Indeed, Nuwara Eliya is among the best hill stations in Sri Lanka with great scenic views and rich biodiversity. Nuwara Eliya offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking relaxation or adventure in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Nuwara Eliya is not just another hill station; it’s a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and rich cultural heritage. From its misty mountains and sprawling tea plantations to the serene lakes and captivating waterfalls, this unexplored side of Sri Lanka invites travelers to experience tranquility like never before.
FAQ
Nuwara Eliya is famous for its tea plantations, cool climate, colonial-era architecture, and picturesque landscapes. It is also known as “Little England” due to its British colonial heritage.
Ideally, you should spend 2 to 3 days in Nuwara Eliya to explore the major attractions, relax at tea plantations, and enjoy the cool, peaceful environment.
Yes, Nuwara Eliya is worth visiting for its stunning landscapes, tea plantations, cool climate, and unique blend of British colonial charm and Sri Lankan culture. It offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
Since Nuwara Eliya has a cool climate, pack warm clothes, especially for the evenings. Comfortable shoes for hiking, an umbrella during the monsoon, and light layers are also recommended.
The most scenic way to reach Nuwara Eliya is by train from Kandy or Colombo to Nanu Oya, the nearest station. You can also take buses or private taxis from major cities like Colombo or Kandy.
