Nuwara Eliya

Overview

Perched at 1,868 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya (pronounced “nurelia”) is Sri Lanka’s highest town and its coolest retreat. Founded as a health resort by the British in the 19th century, it earned the nickname “Little England” for its colonial bungalows, landscaped gardens, golf course, and temperate climate.

The town is the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, surrounded by some of the finest tea estates in the world. The combination of cool misty mornings, colonial charm, and endless green tea plantations creates a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the island.

What to See

Gregory Lake

The centrepiece of Nuwara Eliya, this picturesque artificial lake offers boating, cycling around its shores, and a pleasant lakeside promenade. The surrounding park area comes alive during the April festival season.

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

One of the finest botanical gardens in Asia, located about 10 km from town at 1,745 metres elevation. The gardens are particularly beautiful during the orchid season (April-May) and feature a fascinating collection of temperate and tropical plants.

Pedro Tea Estate

One of the highest tea factories in the world, Pedro offers guided tours of the tea production process from fresh leaf to finished cup. You can walk through the tea fields and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Victoria Park

A well-maintained park in the heart of town, originally designed as a Victorian garden. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll and features native and exotic plants, as well as good birdwatching opportunities.

Horton Plains National Park

Located about 30 km from Nuwara Eliya, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning cloud forest plateau at 2,100 metres elevation. The highlight is World’s End — a sheer cliff with a 870-metre drop offering breathtaking views. Start early (arrive by 6:00 AM) before the mist rolls in.

Tea Country

The rolling hills surrounding Nuwara Eliya produce some of the world’s finest high-grown Ceylon tea. The estates are a visual spectacle — rows of bright green tea bushes covering every hillside as far as the eye can see, dotted with colourful figures of tea pluckers.

Several estates welcome visitors for tours, including Pedro, Labookellie, and Blue Field.

Tips for Visitors

• Bring warm clothes: Temperatures can drop to 5°C at night and rarely exceed 20°C during the day. A warm jacket is essential.
• Visit Horton Plains early: The views at World’s End are best before 10 AM, after which cloud cover rolls in.
• April festival: If visiting during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid-April), book accommodation well in advance as the town fills up.
• Try the strawberries: Nuwara Eliya is famous for its locally grown strawberries. Fresh strawberry juice and strawberry jam are local specialities.
• Golf enthusiasts: The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, established in 1889, is one of the oldest courses in Asia and welcomes visitors.