Offering uninterrupted views of lush tea plantations within eyeshot, Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s most distinct cities. As soon as you set foot in this country retreat, you’ll be greeted by mist-shrouded mountains and old British bungalows that give the city its ‘Little England’ title.
Nuwara Eliya rests at an altitude of over 1800 metres, overlooking verdant tea estates that you ought to visit. A good way to begin your day is to set out on a rickshaw ride to the Pedro Tea Estate, where you can grab a morning cuppa from the teahouse and tour the plantation. Situated close by is Lover’s Leap, a picture-perfect spot with views of rugged cliffs and pristine waterfalls. For a slight change of scenery, you can head to Hakgala Botanical Garden, a sprawling garden adorned with a wide variety of roses and orchids. If you’re looking for a good picnic spot, head to Gregory Lake – a local reservoir where you can enjoy a long stroll or a boat ride.
As Nuwara Eliya is nestled in a cosy spot on the hills, it is not directly accessible by air or rail. You can take a flight to Colombo and then a train to the nearest station, Nanu Oya. You can then take a taxi from Nanu Oya to reach this city. Alternatively, you can board an intercity bus from Colombo to Kandy or Hatton, and then make an onward journey to Nuwara Eliya by bus or train.
Tonight
From £80 per night
This weekend
From £323 per night
Next weekend
From £38 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | US$10 = £7.97 |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | £42 per night |
| Average weekday price | £43 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
The scenery was breath taking, the town itself is busy and...
3 December 2024
The scenery was breath taking, the town itself is busy and bustling. Victoria Park was beautiful and well worth a visit. The highlight though was high tea at The Grand Hotel. Served in a lovely vintage room with so much atmosphere, we enjoyed the amazing food, tea and the attentive service.
**Review of Nuwara Eliya**
23 November 2024
**Review of Nuwara Eliya** Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England," is a stunning destination with its lush greenery, cool climate, and picturesque landscapes. One of my favorite spots was **Gregory Lake**, where we enjoyed a peaceful stroll and some thrilling water activities. The **Hakgala Botanical Garden** was another highlight, showcasing an incredible variety of flora and providing a serene escape into nature. For dining, we tried **Grand Indian**, which served delicious Indian cuisine with generous portions and fantastic service. The **Strawberry Farm Café** was another gem, offering fresh strawberries and delightful desserts in a charming countryside setting. Getting around Nuwara Eliya was fairly easy. Tuk-tuks were readily available, and the scenic drives made every journey a pleasure. However, I’d recommend hiring a vehicle or planning ahead for remote spots, as public transport can be limited. For groups of friends, there’s no shortage of fun activities. We enjoyed a tea plantation tour at **Mackwoods Tea Estate**, where we learned about the tea-making process and savored freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Hiking at **Horton Plains National Park** and visiting **World's End** offered breathtaking views and a great group adventure. Overall, Nuwara Eliya is a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for groups looking to create unforgettable memories.
Nuwara Eliya really deserves its title of Little England and...
23 November 2024
Nuwara Eliya really deserves its title of Little England and we very much enjoyed the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club and the Golf Club. I am sure they are unique in Sri Lanka and bring a very interesting insight to a bygone age.
Little England area is lovely,not a great choice in town but...
17 November 2024
Little England area is lovely,not a great choice in town but the walking area around Hill Cottage is stunning,very Green,two golf course to visit and a great seafood restaurant on the corner road of the hotel.The Grand Hotel High Tea is A MUST VISIT.
Beautiful stop off to see tea plantations and "Little...
15 August 2024
Beautiful stop off to see tea plantations and "Little England". However, it is hard to find tours where you can see the local women actually picking the tea in the plantations. Factory tours are a bit perfunctory, so worth finding a guide who can take you on more than just the conveyor belt. Also, because it rains in the afternoons it is worth making sure you have enough time to do a morning visit for any tours in which you are interested.
Nuwara Eliya is unique and definitely not a place you should...
2 August 2024
Nuwara Eliya is unique and definitely not a place you should skip. We went for the high tea at the Grand Hotel and loved it. The gardens were gorgeous with soft music complementing the birds songs. I can get lost there for hours. We enjoyed the pub, Lovers Leap waterfall was worth the hike.
Nuwara Eliya City Centre, Nuwara Eliya
From £325 per night
Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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