The name of the only hill-station of Sri Lanka signifies ‘City of Lights’. The architecture, atmosphere of this former British colony often reflects the charm of a British country village. Thus, the town is often called ‘Little England’. The town was first discovered by British explorer Samuel Baker, which had soon become the summer retreat for the British colonialists. Later, they tried to established coffee farming in this city and its surrounding area, which had failed. After that, the intention of tea farming met with a grand success. Today, the world-famous Ceylonese tea comes from this area. The weather is another attraction of this city, for its height, it features a cool climate throughout the year. The British-style Tudor houses are spread all through the city, some of them are General’s House, Queen’s Cottage, St Andrew’s Hotel, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, and Town Post Office. A stay at the colonial hotels is a must while visiting here. Apart from that, there are a lot of places to explore around this area. Check out the famous things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
1. Take a stroll through Victoria Park
The charming park lies in the heart of this hill-town. It is a well-maintained park containing varieties of flowers. The park also attracts lots of bird lovers as they get to see a variety of birds like Sri Lanka White-eye, endemic Yellow-eared BulBuls, Indian Pitta, Scimitar Babbler, along with the migrant Indian Blue Robin, Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher Forest Wagtail, Velvet Nuthatch, etc. It used to be the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden, which was named after Queen Victoria to celebrate her 60th Jubilee Coronation in the year 1897. The beautiful Nanu Oya River flows through the park, creating some picturesque lakes on the way.
Victoria Park
Address: PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
2. Hike till Lover's Leap Waterfall
The enchanting waterfall of Nuwara Eliya is directly linked with a very tragic story. Legend says that a prince of the nearby estate had fallen for a simple girl after getting rescued by her. For the opposition of his affluent family, the couple jumped off the same cliff of the falls. Thus, this waterfall is called Lover’s Leap waterfall. Their immortal tale of love has made the falls and its surrounding ambience more romantic. It is located just outside the main town of Nuwara Eliya, accessible through a very short walk. There is also a scenic hiking trail which ends in Lover’s Leap waterfall.
Lover's Leap Waterfall
Address: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Lover’s Leap Waterfall
3. Plan a day to swing by Galway's Land National Park
Posted by TamiltravelDiary.Com on Friday, 20 September 2019
Galway’s Land National Park is the newest added national park of Sri Lanka, located within the main town of Nuwara Eliya. It was a Wildlife Sanctuary until 2006 when it was declared as a national park. It is famous for bird watching, with 30 species of native and around 20 species of migratory birds. Along with the birds, it also has various kinds of animals and floral species. The park claims the honor of conserving montane ecosystems.
Galway's Land National Park
Address: Department of Wildlife Conservation, Havelock Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Galway’s Land National Park
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1811 LKR (10 USD)
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4. Get an excellent view from Moon Plains
The amazingly beautiful landscape amidst hills is located just outside the main city of Nuwara Eliya. Covered with the carpet of smooth grass, this beautiful mountain-top offer a charming viewpoint called ‘Mini World’s End. It offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Here, the visitors are most likely to catch a glimpse of animals like wild buffaloes, deer, boar, cows, etc. On a sunny day, you are most likely to get a view of nine important peaks of Sri-Lanka from here. The view of sunrise is amazing in this area.
Moon Plains
Address: Ranhawadigama Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Moon Plains
Opening hours: 7am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 400 LKR (3 USD)
Nuwara Eliya Tour Guide
Lahiru Mihiran
Welcome to my tour page, where I extend a heartfelt "Ayubowan" to you, wishing you a long and prosperous life. I am Mihi, a native Sri Lankan from the southern region, passionate about showcasing the beauty of our island nation to travelers worldwide. With over a decade of experience in tourism, I have crafted exceptional tour experiences for international visitors, exceeding expectations ever... Read more
Tours by Lahiru
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5. Explore the tea-making process in Pedro Tea Factory
The world-famous Ceylonese tea is cultivated in Nuwara Eliya and its surrounding area. To know more about the process of farming, you must visit the Pedro Tea Factory. The tea estate is located just 3.5 km (2.17 mi) east of the main town. This estate was built in the year 1885 and till now, they are following 19th-century processing to maintain a similar quality. A 20-minute guided tour is to give you a clear glimpse of this farming process. After the tour, take a sip of their own tea in the teahouse with a glimpse of the entire plantation.
Pedro Tea Factory
Address: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Pedro Tea Factory
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 300 LKR (2 USD)
6. Take a trip to Shanthipura View Point
Located very close to Nuwara Eliya, the small village Shanthipura is the highest of the entire country. This village was established in the year 1963, by the Mayor of Nuwara Eliya, T. William Fernando. The village has a charming pagoda in the heart, but the most attractive part is most definitely Shanthi Pura’s viewpoint. It offers a 360-degree view of the Nuwara Eliya city along with Gregory’s Lake, Pidurutalagala, Kikiliyamana, Hakgala Mountain, Adams peak. This famous viewpoint is locally known as Kalapura.
Shanthipura View Point
Address: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Shanthipura View Point
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 8 am - 5 pm (closed on Wed)
7. Get insight into tea farming at Mackwoods Tea Museum
This unique museum is a part of the Mackwoods Tea estate. The famous tea estate is located amidst a tea plantation. It has gained an international reputation for its excellent quality of Ceylonese tea. The museum gives a detailed view of the tea-making process. It also has a tea-room overlooking the plantation to taste the world-famous tea.
Mackwoods Tea Museum
Address:Queen Elizabeth Dr, NUWARA 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Mackwoods Tea Museum
Price: 200 LKR (2 USD)
8. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
The heritage value of this golf club is unlimited, as it is one of the oldest in Asia. It was founded in the year 1889, by the British tea planters. Based 1,830 meters (6,000 ft) above the sea level, the charming golf course lies among tea plantations and scenic mountains. The golf club nowadays has 2000 plus members with the norms of exclusivity. There is an exclusive bungalow attached to the golf club where the guests can stay enjoying the quiet beauty of the golf club.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Address: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 6885 LKR (38 USD)
9. Organize a picnic at Gregory Park
Lake Gregory is one of the most scenic lakes in the country. The man-made lake was created in the era of British Governor-general Sir William Gregory. Later, the lake was named after him. Gregory Park is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills. Originally this lake was built in order to create electricity. Yet, the lake is mostly used for recreational purpose, also to try water sports. The park is a famous picnic sport of the town, best for the families. In the park, you can try pony rides, along with adventure sports like windsurfing, jet-skiing, etc.
Gregory Park
Address: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Gregory Park
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 200 LKR (2 USD)
10. Feel the serenity of Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya
Set uphill in a serene hillside, Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple made in Burmese style. From the road leading from the racecourse of Nuwara Eliya, the temple is just 2 km (1.24 mi) away. Another famous Single Tree Temple is located a few meters away. Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya projects a much-desired serenity and offers an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. A serene statue of Buddha along with a monkey and a giant elephant is to welcome you inside. The complex consists of a temple and a pagoda.
Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya
Address: Avissawella - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya Hwy, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya
11. Pay Nuwara Eliya a visit with Asy Tours Sri Lanka
Do you want to sit back and enjoy Nuwara Eliya with a pre-arranged customized tour? Then Asy Tours can be your salvation. This Nuwara Eliya travel agency has day trips to this mountain city from capital Colombo. They are to arrange pickup from your hotel in Colombo, offering a visit to the famous Devon and St. Clair’s waterfalls. A trip to the entire city is provided, along with a visit to the Colonial Golf Club. If you are interested in long trips, they can also arrange a visit to Kandy and Negombo city alongside Nuwara Eliya.
Asy Tours Sri Lanka
Website: Asy Tours Sri Lanka
12. Soak in the beauty of Glen Falls
Posted by Yathra on Thursday, 18 July 2019
Falling from the Northern part of the famous Single tree mountain, Glen Falls is the second largest one of Nuwara Eliya. The falls is located just outside the city limit, accessible on foot. This waterfall is seasonal from the era of early 199os. So, the beauty of it can only be enjoyed during or after the heavy rains to this locality.
Glen Falls
Address: Unique View Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Glen Falls
13. Scale the charming Single Tree Hill
The charming mountain is one of the most enchanting one in the city. A mere climb of around four hours is to take you to the top of the hill, which offers an excellent view of the city and its surrounding area. The way is also enchanting, through the tea plantation and natural greenery. The mountaintop offers a clear view of the Piduruthalagala and Haggala mountains. If you want to have a glimpse of the cloud formation around the hills, then you must reach there early morning. On a cloudless day, one can get a detailed view of Lover’s Leap falls, Lake Gregory, and Pedro Mountain from the mountaintop.
Single Tree Hill
Address: Single Tree Road, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Single Tree Hill
14. Eat local at Hela Bojun Hala
The famous restaurant is one of the famous food chains in Sri Lanka. They serve authentic Sri Lankan food to promote local produce as well as women empowerment. The initiative of this establishment was taken by Ministry of Agriculture in the year 2006. The branch of Nuwara Eliya projects its signature theme, where the women are cooking native dishes in an open kitchen. The food is offered at a very economical rate, without compromising the quality. According to its visitors, it is best for breakfast.
Hela Bojun Hala
Address: PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Hela Bojun Hala
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
15. Grab a beer in The Pub - Nuwara Eliya
At THE PUB, Nuwara Eliya. ヌワラエリヤの良い雰囲気のお店です。
Posted by Arai Eichi on Wednesday, 17 January 2018
The place is best for grabbing a pint of beer, especially a local beer. It projects a typical British atmosphere, with a selection of continental foods. The ground floor is a full-fledged pub, whereas the upper floor is a typical restaurant. Moreover, it is a place to drink beer without hurting much of your pocket.
The Pub
Address: Bandaranaike Mawatha, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
16. Go biking via Nuwara Eliya Tea Trails (from USD 160.0)
The main attraction of Nuwara Eliya town is most definitely the tea plantations which are spread over all through the city and beyond. A unique way to explore these tea gardens is bikes. Take a trip through the downhill paths until Kandy to discover more of these tea plantations. You can visit the factory to know more about the tea-making process or taste the authentic tea they have to offer.
Tea Trails by Bicycle from Nuwara Eliya
Duration: 5 hours
17. Do some shopping in Central Market
The best way to know more about the local lifestyle is to take a trip through Central Market. This market has it all, from vegetables to souvenirs, fashion products and local food varieties. It is a center of many commercial activities. The market is located in the heart of the town, at the New Bazaar Street.
Central Market
Address: New Bazaar Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Central Market
18. Visit Horton Plains National Park (from USD 100.0)
The enchanting Horton Plains National Park is around 20 mi (32 km) away from the city of Nuwara Eliya. The national park has very rich biodiversity and amazing landscapes. Take a hike in the World’s End trail which leads to World’s End peak. The cliff of World’s End offers clear view of the surrounding area.
Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari - ASY Tours
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
19. Try a meal at Sri Ambaal's
Dinner tonight. Masala Dosa and milk chai. Cost. Less than £1 each! Also very tasty.
Posted by Alasdair Horner on Friday, 18 January 2019
This vegetarian restaurant offers excellent local dishes, especially Tamil cuisine. Their signature dishes are dosa, samosa, which is also popular in the neighboring country India. The price is very reasonable, you can have a decent meal without burning a hole in your pocket.
Sri Ambaal's
Address: New Bazaar Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Sri Ambaal’s
Opening hours: 7am - 10:45pm (daily)
20. Take a day-trip from Kandy (from USD 50.0)
The city of Kandy is the former capital and a major city central Sri Lanka. It is also the main getaway of the small mountain city of Nuwara Eliya. Now, if you don’t have much time for a detailed trip to the mountain city, you can take a small day trip from Kandy. Through the enchanting tree plantations, reach the ‘city of light’. Visit the picturesque Gregory Lake, Ramboda Falls, and city with British heritage. At the end of the day, come back to the Kandy city with excellent memories.
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Day Tour
Duration: 1 day
21. Learn more about tea farming at Blue Field Tea Factory
This famous tea garden of Nuwara Eliya is still preserving the ancient method of tea farming. The machines they are using are a couple of centuries-old and they are still producing some of the finest tea in the world. Visit Blue Field Tea Factory to know more about this old method of farming and taste their unique tea. They produce various kinds of tea for you to choose from.
Blue Field Tea Factory
Address: Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Website: Blue Field Tea Factory
22. Visit the vintage Nuwara Eliya Racecourse
This exclusive Royal Turf Club hosts horse racing in the vintage Nuwara Eliya Racecourse. This famous racecourse is one of the highest one in the world. The most important events of Royal Turf Club take place during Tamil New Year season and April Sinhala. Horse lover or not, a trip to Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is a must if you are visiting this city.
Nuwara Eliya Racecourse
Address: Ambulance Track, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Website: Nuwara Eliya Racecourse
The Elysium of Sri Lanka
The city of Nuwara Eliya can be reached from the capital city Colombo through the former capital city Kandy. The route through Colombo-Kandy- Nuwara Eliya is the most scenic highland motor road of the entire country. The city is also known as the Elysium of Sri Lanka. Explore the grand heritage of British era along with the beautiful scenery of the mountains in the only hill-station of the small island country, Sri Lanka.
History
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