Nestled amidst the sprawling tea plantations of central Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is a former British colonial hill town nicknamed “Little England”. Its temperate climate offers a welcome relief from the heat of the plains below, with the peak of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala, serving as a beautiful backdrop.
Things to do in Nuwara Eliya
In the heart of Nuwara Eliya is Lake Gregory, which was created in the 1870s as a setting for water sports. Enjoy a boat ride along its picturesque waters or soak up the views on horseback, then stretch your legs during a stroll in Victoria Park. In addition to its leafy walking trails and landscaped garden beds, Victoria Park is also home to a children’s playground and a miniature train that kids will love.
Green thumbs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, which is planted with more than 10,000 different floral species in spring. Admire the impressive collections of roses and orchids and stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden, then observe monkeys in the adjacent Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve.
For insight into Nuwara Eliya’s tea cultivation, visit the Pedro Tea Estate and experience the full process from picking to packing. Soak up the emerald green views as you stroll through its tea plantations and test your skills at plucking the leaves. Tours end with a tasting on the estate’s sun-drenched balcony overlooking the plantations.
Getting around Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is around 15 minutes’ drive from the Nanu Oya railway station, which has regular trains to both Colombo and Kandy. Buses connect Nuwara Eliya to towns and villages across Sri Lanka while rickshaws are available for shorter journeys. The centre of Nuwara Eliya is compact enough to explore on foot.