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

Horton Plains-World's End Tour From Nuwaraeliya

Horton Plains-World's End Tour From Nuwaraeliya

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Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella
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Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella

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Ella to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

Ella to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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Train Seat Reservation from Ella to NuwaraEliya (Nanuoya)

Train Seat Reservation from Ella to NuwaraEliya (Nanuoya)

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Yala National Park Safari From Ella

Yala National Park Safari From Ella

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'Discover Ella'- Ella Rock, Little Adam's peak & Nine arch bridge

'Discover Ella'- Ella Rock, Little Adam's peak & Nine arch bridge

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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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Train Seat Reservation from Ella to Kandy

Train Seat Reservation from Ella to Kandy

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Reserved Train Seats from Ella to Colombo

Reserved Train Seats from Ella to Colombo

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Explore the best of Ella. Hiking, waterfalls and cultural tour

Explore the best of Ella. Hiking, waterfalls and cultural tour

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Ella 3 Icons Private Tour

Ella 3 Icons Private Tour

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A Refreshing Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

A Refreshing Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

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Ella Cycling Tour

Ella Cycling Tour

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Ella to Colombo Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

Ella to Colombo Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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From Ella :- All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour...

From Ella :- All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour...

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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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Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella

Udawalawe National Park Safari | From Ella

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Lipton's Seat and Tea Factory,Trail Amidst Tea Plantation Day Tour

Lipton's Seat and Tea Factory,Trail Amidst Tea Plantation Day Tour

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Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

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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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