Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka, Asia

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England', is famous for its stunning tea plantations, cool climate, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, this picturesque town offers breathtaking landscapes, including the lush greenery of the tea estates and lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers. Key attractions include Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the scenic Gregory Lake, and nearby the iconic Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Its charming ambiance and unique British colonial heritage make it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-4 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Colombo Ratmalana

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

11 Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Nuwara Eliya City

Stroll through charming streets and colonial architecture.

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Gregory Lake

Enjoy boating and scenic views at this serene lake.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour a Tea Plantation

Learn about tea production and enjoy tastings.

No booking required
4

Est. 8 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Hike to Adam's Peak

Experience a spiritual journey and stunning sunrise views.

Booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Victoria Park

Relax in lush gardens and enjoy local flora.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Discover exotic plants in beautifully landscaped gardens.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Play golf in a picturesque mountain setting.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

See the Tea Museum

Learn about Sri Lanka's tea history and culture.

No booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Seetha Amman Temple

Explore this colorful temple dedicated to Hindu mythology.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Shop at the local market

Experience local culture through food and crafts.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine

Indulge in traditional Sri Lankan dishes and flavors.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-6 (#109 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Sinhala

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry

VE

Rice served with various curries. (National dish)

Kottu Roti

VE

Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.

Hoppers (Appa)

VE

Fermented rice flour pancakes.

Pol Sambol

VE

Coconut sambol with chili and onion.

Lamprais

Rice and meat wrapped in banana leaves.

Phrases to learn

English

Sinhala

Hello

Ayubowan

(Ah-yoo-boh-wahn)

Yes/No

Ow / Nae

(Ow / Neh)

Thank you

Sthūti

(S-thoo-tee)

Excuse me

Samāvenda

(Sah-mah-ven-dah)

How much?

Keeyada?

(Kee-ya-da)