Author : Shubham
Introduction
A quintessentially ‘British’ hill station, Nuwara Eliya is characterised by cool weather, churches, misty tea gardens, Victorian architecture and even a drinking tavern in town called ‘The Pub’! Located at an altitude of 1868m above sea level in Central Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately called ‘Little England’ with an old fashioned timeless vibe and English names for streets, attractions, hotels and tea estates.
Nuwara Eliya is a town and a district with the same name which is spread out over a sizeable distance. Nanu Oya (located about 8 kms away) is the nearest train station to Nuwara Eliya as the town itself does not have its own train station. It is perfect for leisurely walks since a majority of the attractions are located around the town.
History
Nuwara Eliya’s hillock was discovered in the year 1818 and was originally established as a sanatorium in 1828 by Sir Edward Barnes. The Britishers found refuge in this hill station during Sri Lanka’s hot and humid summer and thereby Nuwara Eliya was expanded into a functioning town by Sir Edward Baker in the year 1847.
In this guide:
- Must visit attractions in Nuwara Eliya
- Offbeat sights in and around the town
- Walking and hiking trails
- Colonial Tudor style architecture
- Best area to stay and recommended places to eat and cafés
- And how to go around
Nuwara Eliya Post Office
This charming red brick building was built in 1894 and is a perfect postcard sight. Built in the Tudor style of architecture, sending postcards to your near and dear ones from here is a good idea.
Victoria Park
Well maintained park built in 1897 set across 27 acres in the centre of Nuwara Eliya town.. Flowers in the spring season roughly from March to May and also recommended for bird watching. Victoria Park was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee in 1897.
Tea Estate Tour
Most tea estates were established in the late 19th Century. Tea is an integral part of the rich culture and history of SL and is also called the champagne of Ceylon. Factory tour with explanation showing the journey of the tea leaf from plant to cup; free tea tasting as well. Tea cultivation, plucking and processing. As you through the tea estate, watch the ladies picking the tea leaves in their cute baskets. Tea buying shops at most estates but no obligation to buy. Most of these are at highly inflated tourist prices so I recommend getting the experience and leave your Ceylon tea buying for another time! Tea connoisseurs swear by the Nuwara Eliya broken orange pekoe tea and the silver tips tea.
Blue Field Tea Center, Pedro, Damro Labookellie, Mackwoods, Moonplains tea estate viewpoint, Edinburgh Tea Estate view point.
Grand Hotel High Tea
High tea (3 to 6 pm) at this iconic Heritage Hotel in Nuwara Eliya includes an interesting tower of sandwiches, savouries, macaroons, pastries, scones, tea cakes and desserts served with unlimited tea. It is a fantastic possibility to sample different local tea flavors served in an impeccable setting along with live music. Priced from USD $15 per person.
Lake Gregory
A ten-minute walk from the centre of Nuwara Eliya town – the 1873 man made lake was established by Sir William Gregory, the town’s governor at the time. Boating is a nice experience here with the stunning setting of the lake surrounded by green mountains. Nice to while away a relaxed afternoon while sipping a cup of tea at one of many lakeside cafés and a walk thereafter.
Seetha Amman Kovil Temple
Located 7km southeast of Nuwara Eliya is the colourful Seetha Amman Kovil temple. It is said to exist on the spot where Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana. Interesting trivia : On the rock face across the stream near the temple are said to be the footprints of Ravana’s elephant.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club established in 1889 is the oldest golf course in SL. It is an 18 hole golf course and is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia if not the entire world! The rolling green hills among tea gardens are truly a sight to behold. It is located on the opposite side of The Grand Hotel. Visitors are allowed after paying a fee (book in advance) and the vintage clubhouse is a must see.
Chasing the waterfalls in and around Nuwara Eliya
Lovers Leap waterfall
An hour’s walk from the centre of town, then a 30 minutes pleasurable hike passing through the Pedro Tea estate.
Nanu Oya waterfall
Nanu Oya waterfall is a unique waterfall that has a railway bridge running on top of it; a 5 minute walk from Nanu Oya train station. Watching the train crossing through the bridge while the water gushes down the hill is truly a sight to behold. Be careful : The path here is quite slippery, especially when it rains.
Among other interesting sights are Glen Waterfalls, Ramboda Falls, Kolapathana, Puna Ella Falls, Bomburu Ella waterfalls, Glassaugh Waterfall.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
The Hakgala Botanical Garden was established in 1861 and is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. There is a wide variety of flora amid picturesque landscapes and a wooden bridge. Steep entry fee at USD $12.
Galway’s Land National Park
Located within walking distance of Nuwara Eliya town, the Galway’’ Land National Park boasts of a wide variety of birds. Entry fee : USD $12.
Recommended Eateries in Nuwara Eliya
Ayurveda Coffee Shop, Themparadu, Mount Frost, Mariner’s Restaurant, Ambaal’s veg, homestyle food at Tasta Food Court and Dushan’s Home Kitchen.
- Regal Cinema – Located in the town center, Regal Cinema is a nice theatre if you fancy watching a movie with english subtitles.
- Hikes : Single Tree Hill, for a Buddhist temple and stunning views; even more so at sunset time.
- Horton Plains National Park : An hour’s drive away from Nuwara Eliya. Number of hiking trails and the super popular hike to the World’s End – a sheer drop of over 800 metres off a cliff. Recommended to start very early for the clear views can get obscured by clouds as the day goes by. Entrance fee of the park is a steep USD $40 per person. Hiking and wildlife watching. Air is scented with the aroma of eucalyptus and wild mint.
FAQs
A combination of public transport (buses), tuktuks and walks.
Stay around Victoria Park area conveniently located close to the bus stand, for a more relaxed feel stay in one of the hotels/guesthouses near Gregory Lake. Or splurge in an Old Colonial Hotel near the Grand Hotel.
The distance between Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is 170 kms.
Train : Between Colombo Fort / Kandy to Ella or the other way round.
By Taxi : Five hours from Colombo.
By Bus : By bus from Colombo (takes about 6-7 hours)
Pleasantly cold weather, almost perfect during the hot and humid Sri Lankan summer.
Packing tip : Irrespective of the season, it is best to carry a light rain jacket and an extra layer for the sudden cold and for when there’s a cool breeze after a downpour. ’
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
