Things To Do
in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya sits high in Sri Lanka's central highlands, blessed with a cool, misty climate and lush tea estates. Known affectionately as Little England for its colonial architecture and manicured gardens, the town feels a world apart from tropical lowlands. The surrounding hills, waterfalls, and plantations create a picturesque backdrop for strolls, scenic drives, and photography.
Year-round, foggy mornings and crisp evenings invite relaxed exploration of elegant hotels, market streets, and scenic viewpoints.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check into a charming colonial-style hotel. Take a stroll around Lake Gregory, where the crisp mountain air invigorates your senses. Enjoy the lush scenery as you settle into the tranquil atmosphere of the hill country.
After lunch at a local café, visit the picturesque Hakgala Botanical Gardens, home to a vast array of flora. Wander through the vibrant flower beds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills. Capture photos of the exotic plants and serene environment.
As the sun sets, enjoy a cozy dinner at a heritage restaurant, where you can relish traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Stroll through the illuminations of the park nearby, soaking in the cool night air. Reflect on your day amidst the backdrop of Nuwara Eliya's charming architecture.
Start your day with a guided tour of a famous tea estate, such as Pedro Tea Factory. Discover the intricate process of tea production while enjoying breathtaking views of lush tea gardens. Don’t miss the chance to sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
After your tea experience, venture to the nearby town of Hakgala to explore its historic sites. Visit the Hakgala Rock Temple, perched on a scenic hill, offering panoramic vistas of the region. Indulge in a serene picnic with local snacks surrounded by nature.
Return to your hotel for a warm dinner, perhaps opting for a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry set. Take a leisurely walk around the town, appreciating the colonial buildings illuminated under the stars. Conclude your evening by planning your adventures for tomorrow.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $25-40 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $2-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic tea estates
- Colonial architecture and gracious hotels
- Safe, friendly town with easy walking
- Proximity to Horton Plains and other nature spots
- Tea culture and farm-to-cup experiences
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Can be crowded during holidays on weekends
- Rainy season can hamper outdoor activities
- Steep and hilly terrain around the town may be challenging for some travelers
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / Bless you for long life (Sinhala)
- "Istuti" - Thank you (Sinhala)
- "Samawenna" - Excuse me / Sorry (Sinhala)
- "Vanakkam" - Hello (Tamil)
- "Nandri" - Thank you (Tamil)
Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya
Visit one of these nice places.
A green oasis in the town with color and flowering displays, ideal for capitalizing on seasonal blooms and a calm backdrop for portraits.
A scenic lakefront with boats and reflections; best during golden hour for serene water photos.
A popular overlook above Nuwara Eliya offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding tea estates.
Open grasslands near the plains that provide dramatic sunsets, expansive tea-field vistas, and wide-angle landscape shots.
Food in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A platter of several vegetable, lentil, and meat curries served with rice; widely available at hotels and many local eateries.
Must-Try!
Bowl-shaped pancakes that pair beautifully with sambol and curry; great for breakfast or a light meal.
Chopped roti with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat; a popular street or casual-restaurant option.
Rice with curries and accompaniments wrapped in banana leaf; a flavorful, homestyle dish often found in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively place to sample fresh produce, tropical fruits, kadala curry snacks, and local street bites in the morning.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove hats, and ask before taking photos inside or of people at religious sites.
Greet with a smile and appropriate politeness; use English where possible if Sinhala/Tamil proficiency is limited.
Be patient in queues; use licensed taxis or tuk-tuks with agreed pricing; cash is often preferred in local transactions.
Safety
Tipping in Nuwara Eliya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 5-10% in smaller cafes; 10-15% in hotels or higher-end restaurants if service is good.
Cash in Sri Lankan rupees is widely used; many places accept major credit/debit cards in hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool but mild days with misty mornings; light layers work well. Expect clear skies after early fog, with comfortable hiking weather.
Frequent showers and damp conditions; trails can be muddy and slippery. Pack waterproofs and footwear with good grip; lush scenery abounds.
Coldest period with cool to chilly nights; temperatures can dip significantly, especially at higher elevations. Bring warm layers.
Nuwara Eliya at Night
Hiking in Nuwara Eliya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famous highland trek featuring World's End lookout and Baker’s Falls, best done early morning.
Cool forested walks with panoramic viewpoints over the plains and town.
Wide-open plains near Nuwara Eliya ideal for sunrise or sunset photography and light hiking.
Waterfall routes and forested paths suited to moderate day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Nuwara Eliya by plane.
Colombo's main international gateway; about 180-210 km from Nuwara Eliya depending on route; commonly reached by train or private transfer.
A farther southern option; typically used less for highland travelers due to longer overland drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant language group in the highlands with a strong presence in markets, hotel staff, and service sectors.
Historically involved in tea plantations; many remain in the region with families and local businesses.
Visitors from around the world drawn to tea country, colonial charm, and nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is among Sri Lanka's oldest courses, set amid tea estates and cool air.
Cricket is widely played and enjoyed; you may encounter local matches in parks or hotel grounds.
Occasional racing and nearby riding opportunities draw interest from visitors and locals alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nuwara Eliya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries can prepare vegetable curries, dhal, or lentil dishes. Choose rice-and-curry or noodle/roti options and request no fish or meat stock where possible.