Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province (Central Highlands)
Comprehensive Overview & History
Why visit Nuwara Eliya? Known as Little England Nuwara Eliya, this highland town offers cool weather and stunning green hills. Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka is the heart of the island's tea country. Top things to do in Nuwara Eliya include tea factory tours at spots like Pedro tea factory Nuwara Eliya. Nature lovers should chase waterfalls like Ramboda falls Nuwara Eliya and Lovers Leap waterfall. Don't miss a stroll or boat ride on Gregory Lake and a walk through Victoria Park. Check the Nuwara Eliya weather to find the best time to visit. Getting there by train is half the fun! Browse our FAQs for more tips on this misty mountain retreat.
Key Highlights & Things to Do
Tour a working tea estate to see how Ceylon tea is made, straight from the leaf to your cup.
Walk through the colonial town center, stopping at the 1894 Post Office and the classic Hill Club.
Take a pedal boat, speed boat, or jet ski out on Lake Gregory.
Play a round of golf at the historic 1889 Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.
Check out the massive Ramboda, Devon, and St. Clair's waterfalls in the nearby valleys.
Stop by a local strawberry farm to pick your own and grab a fresh strawberry milkshake.
Walk through Victoria Park to spot rare birds and colorful flowering shrubs.
Practical Traveler Tips & Advice
How to Get There & Route Guide
Nuwara Eliya is located 160 km east of Colombo and 75 km south of Kandy. The drive from Kandy takes approximately 2.5 hours through winding mountain passes lined with waterfalls and endless tea plantations. Alternatively, take the world-famous blue train to Nanu Oya Station, located just 15 minutes from Nuwara Eliya town, where your private chauffeur will meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nuwara Eliya cold during the year?
Yes, due to its high altitude (1,868m), Nuwara Eliya has a cool sub-tropical highland climate with daytime temperatures around 18°C - 22°C and evening temperatures dropping to 10°C - 14°C.
Which tea factory is best to visit in Nuwara Eliya?
Pedro Tea Estate, Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, and Bluefield Tea Gardens are among the top tea estates offering comprehensive guided factory tours, lush viewpoint terraces, and tea tasting rooms.
How do I take the famous train to Nuwara Eliya?
You board the train at Kandy or Peradeniya and disembark at Nanu Oya station (the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya). Your private tour chauffeur can transfer your luggage ahead and pick you up directly at the station platform.
What should I wear when visiting Nuwara Eliya?
Light layers and comfortable walking shoes during sunny daylight hours, and warm fleece jackets, sweaters, and jeans for cool highland evenings.
Ready to explore Nuwara Eliya?
Tell us your travel dates and group size. Our local Sri Lankan travel designers will build a 100% customized private tour linking Nuwara Eliya with other top attractions, complete with a private vehicle and verified luxury or boutique hotels.