Nuwara Eliya - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Nuwara Eliya

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Nuwara Eliya, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Nuwara Eliya and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Nuwara Eliya, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Nuwara Eliya for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a city located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is known for its cooler climate, beautiful scenery, and colonial architecture. It is sometimes referred to as "Little England" due to its British colonial-era buildings and tea plantations. The city is also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to national parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Nuwara Eliya is famous for its production of high-quality Ceylon tea, and visitors can tour tea factories and plantations.

What to visit in Nuwara Eliya

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions of Nuwara Eliya and a bit of information about each of them: 1. Horton Plains National Park: The Horton Plains National Park is a protected area located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya, known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. The park is home to several unique species of flora and fauna, including the Sri Lankan leopard, sambar deer, and purple-faced langur. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and grassland.
2. Gregory Lake: Gregory Lake is a man-made lake located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town. Built in the 19th century by the British, the lake offers a serene atmosphere and magnificent views of the surrounding hills. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, pony rides, and other recreational activities on the lake's tranquil waters.
3. Pedro Tea Estate: Pedro Tea Estate is one of the oldest and largest tea estates in Sri Lanka, located near Nuwara Eliya town. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tea factory and learn about the various processes involved in tea production. The estate also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.
4. Victoria Park: Victoria Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town. It is known for its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the park's walking trails, relax in the picnic areas, and unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
5. St. Clair's Falls: St. Clair's Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, near Nuwara Eliya town. It is one of the country's widest waterfalls, with a height of over 80 meters. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters below.
6. Lovers Leap: Lovers Leap is a popular viewpoint located in Nuwara Eliya town, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. According to legend, the viewpoint is named after two lovers who leaped off the cliff to their death when their families did not approve of their relationship. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views and capture memorable photographs of the picturesque surroundings.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

When to go on holiday to Nuwara Eliya

The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for sightseeing, hiking and enjoying outdoor activities. The temperatures during the day typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and relaxing in the countryside. However, it's important to note that because Nuwara Eliya is a mountainous region, the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so it's always best to pack for various types of weather.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Nuwara Eliya

There are several ways to get to Nuwara Eliya: - By train: Nuwara Eliya has a train station that connects it to the rest of Sri Lanka. Trains depart from Colombo, Kandy, and other major cities. The journey is scenic and takes about 6-7 hours from Colombo.
- By bus: Nuwara Eliya is also accessible by bus from Colombo, Kandy, and other major cities. This is a cheaper option than the train, but the journey might take longer and the buses can be crowded.
- By private car/driver: If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible option, you can hire a private car or driver to take you to Nuwara Eliya. This can be arranged through a travel agency or online booking platforms.
- By taxi: Taxis are widely available in Sri Lanka, and you can hire one for a direct transfer to Nuwara Eliya from your starting point. However, this can be an expensive option compared to the other modes of transportation.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Nuwara Eliya, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Nuwara Eliya

Sure, here are some typical foods of Nuwara Eliya with a short description for each: 1. String hoppers and Kiri hodi - String hoppers are made from rice noodles which are steamed and served with Kiri hodi, a coconut milk gravy.
2. Roti - A type of flatbread that is made from wheat flour and typically filled with vegetables, eggs, or meat.
3. Kottu Roti - A dish made from chopped up roti bread, vegetables, eggs, and/or meat cooked on a hot iron skillet. 4. Samosas - A deep-fried pastry filled with potatoes, peas, spices, and sometimes meat. 5. Watalappan - A traditional Sri Lankan dessert that is made from coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, and spices like cardamom.
6. Sri Lankan Tea - Nuwara Eliya is well known for its tea plantations and therefore has a variety of black teas and herbal teas that are renowned worldwide.
7. Appa - A type of thin pancake made from fermented rice batter.
8. Pol Roti - A type of flatbread made from grated coconut mixed with flour and water, and then pan-fried.
9. Dhal curry - A lentil-based curry that is served with rice and other curries.
10. Fish Ambulthiyal - A spicy and sour fish curry that is cooked with a lot of tamarind and served with rice.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Nuwara Eliya an expensive destination for tourists?

Nuwara Eliya is considered to be one of the more expensive destinations in Sri Lanka for tourists. The town is known for its luxurious hotels, scenic golf courses, and upscale restaurants, which can drive up the overall costs of a trip. However, there are also budget-friendly options available such as guesthouses, cheap eats, and public transportation. With careful planning, it's still possible to enjoy all that Nuwara Eliya has to offer within a reasonable budget.

Where to find accomodation in Nuwara Eliya

In Nuwara Eliya, the best areas to find accommodation would be around Gregory Lake, Lake Round Road, and Hill Club Road. These areas are close to most of the major tourist attractions such as the Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Estate, and Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Additionally, they also have a variety of options ranging from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses.
You can check hotel prices at Nuwara Eliya here:
Booking.com

Is Nuwara Eliya a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Nuwara Eliya is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it is important to take necessary safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings close, and not going out alone at night. It is also advisable to stay updated on current events and any travel warnings in the area. Overall, Nuwara Eliya has a low crime rate and is a popular destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Nuwara Eliya.

What type of travelers will enjoy Nuwara Eliya the most?

Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka is a beautiful hill country destination that offers a variety of experiences for travelers. The town's colonial charm, tea plantations, waterfalls and scenic landscapes make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and young people who are looking for adventure. The cool climate makes it a perfect place to escape from the heat and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy exploring tea factories, hiking to waterfalls, taking a boat ride on Lake Gregory, and visiting the famous Hakgala Botanical Garden. The town also has various restaurants and pubs that cater to different types of travelers. Overall, Nuwara Eliya offers something for everyone, and visitors of all ages can find something enjoyable to do here during their stay.

How to get around Nuwara Eliya

In Nuwara Eliya, you can move around by tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw), private car, or taxi. It is also possible to hire a bicycle or a scooter to explore the town and its surroundings. Many of the tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya are located within walking distance of the town center, so walking is also a great option. However, if you are planning on visiting more distant attractions like Horton Plains National Park or World's End, you will need to arrange transportation beforehand.

What to see around Nuwara Eliya

Here are some options for day trips from Nuwara Eliya: 1. Horton Plains National Park - This park is home to a stunning landscape of hills and grasslands, plus a diverse array of wildlife such as Sambar deer, Leopards, and the endemic purple-faced langur. It's also home to the famous "World's End" viewpoint overlooking a dramatic drop that seems to go on endlessly.
2. Ella - A nearby town with stunning views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations. You can take a scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, which is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
3. Pidurutalagala - Sri Lanka's tallest mountain, with a peak that is accessible by 4x4 vehicle. From the top, you can get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Kithulgala - A scenic riverside town with adventurous outdoor activities like white-water rafting, hiking, and even waterfall jumps.
5. Kandy - Sri Lanka's cultural capital, located about a 2-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya. Here you can visit the Temple of the Tooth, stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake, and enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
For every travel information about Sri Lanka you can click here.

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