When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, one name you are bound to come across is Nuwara Eliya. Founded in the 19th century, this small town served as a retreat for British colonial officers. The British influence is still evident in this town of 25,000 residents. Due to its location at nearly 1,800 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliya enjoys a mild climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C, making it one of the coolest places in Sri Lanka.
General Information about Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya was one of the few disappointments during our trip through Sri Lanka, but it wasn’t a big deal as it was on the way to our next destination, Adam’s Peak. The journey from Nuwara Eliya to Adam’s Peak is incredibly beautiful, and we’ve written a separate post about it. The town is surrounded by some of the most stunning tea plantations in Sri Lanka, making it one of the country’s key tea production areas. However, what turned us off about Nuwara Eliya was the fact that you have to pay for almost everything. For example, walking around Gregory Lake costs 200 LKR. While this isn’t much, it’s frustrating to pay just to walk around a lake. The same applies to Victoria Park, where the entrance fee is around 700 LKR per person. Additionally, the town feels like a playground for the wealthy, and it seems to be a major holiday destination for local tourists looking to escape the heat. Some of the former colonial buildings now house luxury hotels, such as the Grand Hotel, Queen’s Cottage, General’s House, The Hill Club Hotel, and Jetwing St. Andrew’s. The town also features a Formula 3 race track, a horse racing track, and a golf course.
Top Attractions in Nuwara Eliya
Most blogs and articles about Nuwara Eliya mention Gregory Lake, Victoria Garden, and the old post office building. However, we found the town to be quite chilly (both literally and figuratively) and lacking in real charm. A visit to the Central Market is worthwhile for stocking up on delicious fruits. Afterward, grab a bite at “Hela Bojun Hala,” located at the market’s exit, which I’ll describe in more detail in the “Eating in Nuwara Eliya” section below.
Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya
The town offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. During the high season, it might be wise to book your stay in advance, as you could otherwise end up in one of the expensive luxury hotels. We chose the newly opened “Vibe Way” hostel in 2022 and were very satisfied with the experience and value for money.
Where to Eat in Nuwara Eliya
Our highlight in Nuwara Eliya was actually an Indian restaurant called “Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Hotel” in town. After three weeks of rice and curry, or evening meals of kottu, rice, noodles, and chicken, it was a welcome change. The prices were only slightly higher than those in local eateries. We ordered various curries, rotis, and delicious chai. The restaurant serves only vegetarian dishes.
Another great place to eat is “Hela Bojun Hala,” which is akin to a food court. Here, various small stalls line up offering different Sri Lankan dishes, mainly finger food. You can find a variety of fried snacks, pittu, string hoppers, hoppers, and coconut pancakes. This spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch, and to sample a wide range of Sri Lankan cuisine.
String hoppers with coconut sambal Pittu – steamed flour, coconut flakes, rice, and vegetables Idli – Indian cakes made from fermented batter Samosas, pittu, and idli
How to Get to Nuwara Eliya
Getting to Nuwara Eliya is relatively straightforward. Since the train route from Kandy to Ella is on almost every traveler’s itinerary, a stop halfway is a good idea. For those with their own vehicle, the journey is equally easy. Additionally, there are various buses that travel to this highland town. Nuwara Eliya makes for a great stopover for those planning to climb Adam’s Peak.
Train:
The train does not go directly to Nuwara Eliya but stops at Nanu Oya. From there, it’s only about 10 km to Nuwara Eliya. You can cover this distance by bus (check locally for the next one) or by tuk-tuk, which costs around 500 LKR. The train rides between Kandy and Nanu Oya, as well as between Nanu Oya and Ella, are among the most scenic in the country and should not be missed. We’ve also written a dedicated post about the train journey from Ella to Nanu Oya.
Bus:
There are buses from several locations in Sri Lanka that travel to Nuwara Eliya. For example, a bus from Colombo takes about 4 hours to cover the distance.
Is a Visit to Nuwara Eliya Worth It?
In my opinion, visiting the area is definitely worthwhile, but the town itself doesn’t offer much. The highlights are the scenic train rides from Ella or Kandy and the route between Nuwara Eliya and Adam’s Peak.
