A train goes through tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya district

Things to do in  Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka’s tea capital

Sri Lanka has become synonymous with tea, and throughout history much of the tea bought commercially originates in Sri Lanka (known as Ceylon in colonial times). One of the main sites in the tea region, Nuwara Eliya, attracted large numbers of British planters. It was founded by an English explorer, Samuel Baker, in the 1800s, which explains why Nuwara Eliya’s architecture is reminiscent of Victorian England. Things to do in the city today include exploring the city’s historic buildings, touring a tea factory, and doing a tea tasting.

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Top 1 attractions in Nuwara Eliya

#1

Gregory Lake

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Nestled in the town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s hill and tea country, Gregory Lake was built as a reservoir in 1873 by the island’s British Governor, Sir William Gregory. Framed by mist-swathed hills, the lake and its park offers visitors plenty of activities, from watersports to footpaths and cycling trails.More
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Top activities in Nuwara Eliya

Train Tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella or Badulla

Train Tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella or Badulla

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Nanu Oya to Kandy train ride on (Train No: 1016 "Udarata Menike")

Nanu Oya to Kandy train ride on (Train No: 1016 "Udarata Menike")

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Ella to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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Yala National Park Safari From Ella

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Ella to Mirissa,Weligama,Galle,Hikkaduwa ( Private Transfer )

Ella to Mirissa,Weligama,Galle,Hikkaduwa ( Private Transfer )

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Horton Plains-World's End Tour From Nuwaraeliya

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Ella sight seeing & Sri Lanka Tours

Ella sight seeing & Sri Lanka Tours

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Train Seat Reservation from Ella to Kandy
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Train Seat Reservation from Ella to Kandy

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Udawalawe National Park Safari from Ella

Udawalawe National Park Safari from Ella

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Sri Lankan yoga for your Body and Mind with Our Sri Lankan yoga trainers.

Sri Lankan yoga for your Body and Mind with Our Sri Lankan yoga trainers.

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Nuwara Eilya Sightseeings Day tours with Krishna

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Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory Tour in Ella Sri Lanka

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory Tour in Ella Sri Lanka

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Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

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Horton Plains-World's End Tour and Tea Factory Tour From Nuwaraeliya

Horton Plains-World's End Tour and Tea Factory Tour From Nuwaraeliya

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All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour
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All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour

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Horton Plains Tour | World's End Nuwara Eliya Tour

Horton Plains Tour | World's End Nuwara Eliya Tour

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Ella Rock Hiking Tours ( sunrise-tour ,good morning tour,sunny afternoon tour )

Ella Rock Hiking Tours ( sunrise-tour ,good morning tour,sunny afternoon tour )

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Overnight Hiking and Trekking Tour to Adams peak via Peak Wilderness sanctuary

Overnight Hiking and Trekking Tour to Adams peak via Peak Wilderness sanctuary

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Ella to Colombo Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

Ella to Colombo Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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Discover Ella
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Discover Ella

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All about Nuwara Eliya

When to visit

The monsoon hits Nuwara Eliya in summer, and rain is particularly heavy in July–October, so it’s best to avoid this season. Visit Nuwara Eliya at any other time of year, and you'll find the average daily temperature a comfortable 61° F (17°C). It gets particularly busy over Christmas and for Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (starting annually on April 1). Book accommodation well in advance if coming within these timeframes.

Getting around

The best way to arrive in Nuwara Eliya is on the iconic train that traverses the tea region between Kandy and Ella. The city itself isn’t large, and it’s possible to explore by foot, but be aware that much of Nuwara Eliya’s accommodation is in former planters’ bungalows outside the city center. To get to and from your accommodation, it’s useful to enlist a driver.

Traveler tips

When going to restaurants in Nuwara Eliya and elsewhere in Sri Lanka, be aware of poya days. Coinciding with the full moon, these days are considered sacred, and the sale of alcohol is either limited or forbidden entirely. Pack for all weather when visiting Nuwara Eliya and bring sunscreen, waterproof clothing, and warm layers. Experiencing all four seasons in one day is likely.

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People Also Ask

When should I visit Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya doesn’t experience extremely hot temperatures like the rest of the country, which perhaps explains why so many British colonists set up camp here. Evenings can be chilly. A warm sweater is recommended, and the rain is frequent here. It’s best to avoid the monsoon season (July–October) when the plantations become a hotbed of leeches.

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What is Nuwara Eliya famous for?

One word: tea. Nuwara Eliya was almost entirely built on the tea industry, and most of the old tea plantations and factories are still in use. It’s also known for its British colonial history, and is home to hill clubs, golf clubs, and distinctly Victorian architecture.

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What is there to do between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy?

The 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch is a scenic mass of tea, spice and rubber plantations. There are reservoirs, waterfalls, mountains, and lots of walks. If catching the train between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, stop halfway at Hatton, arguably the most picturesque part of the tea region with vast man-made reservoirs.

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How many days do you need in Nuwara Eliya?

Spend at least two days exploring the city’s historic buildings and tour a tea factory with a tasting. The many hiking trails can keep walkers busy for longer. Make time to curl up with a steaming mug of Nuwara Eliya’s famous export and enjoy the view.

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Why is Nuwara Eliya beautiful?

It’s the surroundings that make Nuwara Eliya particularly beautiful. The verdant tea plantations pop with color, and many scenic walking trails wind right through the middle of them. Some visitors feel it also evokes a sense of nostalgia, with Victorian English architecture and carefully manicured garden lawns.

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Why is Nuwara Eliya sometimes called Little England?

Nuwara Eliya was founded by an Englishman in the 19th century, and thus much of the architecture is similar to the buildings you’d find in the UK. During the colonial period, many English and Scottish planters set up tea estates in the area. Colonial-era golf courses and racecourses still exist.

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