Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
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Grab a Mug and Part the Sea of Tea
In the heart of Sri Lanka, the rolling green hills of Nuwara Eliya border Kandy to the north and Ella to the south, and it's one of the most popular stops along the Kandy to Ella Train line.
Even if the train station is a short fifteen-minute ride out of town.
Founded in 1846, the nickname 'Little England' gives clues to its past.
Due to its elevation of 1,868 meters above sea level, the climate is more suited to the United Kingdom. With average year-round temperatures in the mid-teens and half the year seeing rainfall, Nuwara Eliya is the perfect location for growing tea.
Tea plants cover the surrounding hills like a sea of green broken by crashing waterfalls and the occasional grand colonial building.
Most of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka are out of town. Whilst that's not ideal, it makes for long and beautiful scenic drives.
In this Nuwara Eliya travel guide, we'll explore the area and its activities. Similarly, we will look at the best places to stay in Nuwara Eliya, its accommodation, where to eat and what to expect from your trip, including the madness of the Nuwara Eliya weather.
What's Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka Like?
Firstly, no pictures of Nuwara Eliya do the time warp justice.
Humour me, if you will.
Imagine those black-and-white images your grandparents used to show of their parents when they were young. The photos were usually fuzzy and grainy, and it was hard to see exactly what you were looking at. Yet, if you squinted your eyes enough, you could make out a house and two very upright, tidy, well-groomed figures in large clothing.
That is the image someone gave the town's architect. They handed over that photo, tapped it twice with their index finger, and said in a very British voice, "My good man, that is what I want this town to look like".
Someone has then run off to the team and said, let's go, they want this...
Ok, I jest. It's not all bad.
Nuwara Eliya is encased in bright and vivid greenery. Some photos you may have seen might look fake, but they're not. The extensive shades of green flow over the mountains, whilst sporadic, almost awkward-looking trees dot the landscape
Whilst dated, the buildings look very colonial. Similarly, they all have a quirky, unique feature, with erratically shaped roofs as they tier down the mountains into the town centre.
Lakes and parks scatter through Nuwara Eliya and are all flawlessly groomed. The air is clean and the sounds are of the breeze, rain or birds. Whilst on the outskirts, the countryside is awash in that oh-so-beautiful tea.
It's lovely, peaceful and refreshing. The only issue is nothing is here. Even the beautiful waterfalls are out of town.
How to Get to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya's central position within Sri Lanka means it has great links to most of the main tourist towns, including Kandy, Ella, Colombo and the airport.
How to get to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy on the train
Nuwara Eliya is one of the most popular stop-offs whilst onboard the Kandy to Ella train. Well, I say stop-offs, the train station is not in Nuwara Eliya, it's in the nearby town of Nanuoya.
Therefore, you're likely to arrive in Nuwara Eliya on the Kandy to Ella train, or if you're coming from the south, the Ella to Kandy train. From the station, plenty of taxis are ready and willing to dart you up the winding road and into Nuwara Eliya.
How to get to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo/ the Airport
If you're coming from Colombo or Sri Lanka's International Airport and, for some reason, think, oh, I know, I'll go to Nuwara Eliya, then your best bet is to grab a taxi or a lift from, well, anyone. You will find that everyone is willing to drive you anywhere on the island. If they cannot, they have a cousin or a family member who can.
The route, whilst terrifying and full of blind-hairpin-bend-overtakes, is fairly simple.
Head east to the town of Ruwanwella, which means taking the A4 out of Colombo or the B445 from the airport, and then following the A7 all the way to Nuwara Eliya. Overall, the journey should take about four hours and fifteen minutes.
If that sounds like hell, you will not like the idea of public transport, which will mean at least four buses and trains and a journey time of about six to seven hours.
Timing Your Trip
How long should you spend on a trip to Nuwara Eliya?
Despite being well located and one of the stops along the famed Kandy to Ella Train route, Nuwara Eliya is bypassed by most tourists. Instead, they aim for Galle, Yala, Ella or Kandy. And, in all fairness, I cannot blame them.
Whilst that is a harsh indictment on Nuwara Eliya, the other towns, in my opinion, are better.
That said, you may never be back in Sri Lanka, so give it a try. Spend two days/a night exploring the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya.
If you like it, you can always extend your stay.
The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya
As I'm sure you will read many times, the weather in Nuwara Eliya is vastly different from the rest of Sri Lanka.
Having read many reports, I still wasn't expecting the weather to be so different. The Nuwara Eliya weather phenomenon felt like I'd stepped off a plane in Bristol, England, mid-winter. I can see why it was named 'Little England' by the English who retreated here during Sri Lanka's hot summers.
So, if you're a sun worshipper, it's best to stay clear of Nuwara Eliya, as it will likely be cold and often wet.
However, if you want to visit, and avoid the worst of the rain, the best time to plan a trip to Nuwara Eliya is between March and mid-June.
Where to Stay on your Trip to Nuwara Eliya
When you arrive in Nuwara Eliya you will think you've stepped back through a timewarp and ended up in 1800s Britain.
It's cold and wet, and almost every building is dated. Think of your grandparent's house, and then go back further. Things haven't left the 19th century yet.
Therefore, it will not surprise you that the Nuwara Eliya accommodation scene isn't modern.
What made me laugh was even the guy who owned the property looked and dressed like Lurch from the Addams Family films back in 1991.
As for the best area to stay in Nuwara Eliya, I recommend in and around Victoria Park.
You will be close to the bars, shops and the main bus stop. Likewise, you have the park on your doorstep.
In all honesty, I'm only mentioning my first suggestion for the absolute laughs we had (at the accommodation's expense. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I just had to tell you about it.
Both the locations below are on the edge of the park, and they are...
Princess Bungalows
- What: Dated hotel with large rooms.
- Where: On the eastern fringes of Victoria Park. (map)
- Why: I'm trying to think. Give me a few minutes... Oh, it's well-located.
- Why Not: There are many other places to stay in Nuwara Eliya.
This is one of the most peculiar places I stayed in Sri Lanka.
Princess Bungalow is part haunted house and part OAP care home. Sadly, the smell was of a similar elk. Great start, hey?
Ultimately, it was inkeeping with the town, and I cannot fall out with traditional old-styled buildings. Yet, the exterior of the Princess Bungalow was, in places, in a precarious position. Likewise, the interior needed a full renovation job.
However, on a positive note, the beds were comfortable, the showers were decent, and, the rooms were spacious. Unfortunately, they were full of antiques that smelt like an OAP care home.
The owner, aka Lurch, was another strange anomaly.
At breakfast, he would stand over us watching our every mouthful. As we went to chew, he'd ask us a question, and it was all a bit too much for me. It made what was a delicious, well-cooked breakfast uncomfortable in every way.
On the plus side, rates seemed negotiable, as Lurch was plucking numbers from thin air. It was all just a bit strange.
Nevertheless, in August 2018, I paid 4,500 LKR (£25) a night, which is a lot for what it was.
The Grand Hotel
- What: Sublime old colonial five-star paradise hotel.
- Where: Bordering Victoria Park, next to the golf club. (map)
- Why: Every single detail has been thought through and executed to perfection. You won't have to lift a finger.
- Why Not: You're on a budget.
As always, I will never mention anything I haven't done to make a profit. So heads up, I didn't ever stay here.
Why? I had just spent eight months working as a tour guide in Bali on a Balinese wage. Therefore, I couldn't afford it. Otherwise, I'd have moved my bags in, like a rat up a drain pipe.
However, I did visit for a few drinks one evening and managed a sneaky look around.
And, from my findings, I'd say, if you can afford it, I'd recommend The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.
The bar was welcoming, warm and cosy with a large log fire, the restaurant a picture of fine dining and the grounds, a paradise of perfectly pruned greenery. I can only imagine what the rooms and spa area must be like. But the words that spring to mind are tranquillity, heavenly and luxurious
This is a perfect example of a colonial building done well. What a great place! It has everything, style, well-maintained, fantastic staff and an aura of greatness.
In August 2024, prices start at 68,900LKR (£174) a night, for two people.
Further Nuwara Eliya Accommodation
If you don't like the sound of a smelly OAP care homecan, yet cannot afford the Grand Hotel, do not worry. Nuwara Eliya offers much much more.
Not only are there hundreds of places to stay, but there are many types of accommodation in Nuwara Eliya.
As long as you stick to the central area, as mentioned above, you will be in the best area to stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Below are my trusty trio of links for booking accommodation in Nuwara Eliya.
Get booking!
Best things to do when Backpacking Nuwara Eliya
As mentioned, there aren't loads of things to do in Nuwara Eliya, it's more a case of experiencing the area and somewhere very different to the rest of Sri Lanka.
The weather in Nuwara Eliya is a key factor why there aren't many things to do. Likewise, it's why the city has fewer tourists than other, more prominent cities, in Sri Lanka.
Even then, most things are slightly out of the city. Within Nuwara Eliya, there are lovely walks, such as around Lake Gregory or fantastic spots for high tea, such as The Grand Hotel.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, the cold and rain are also key elements of one of Nuwara Eliya's most touristy and exportable products; tea. Again, without the high levels of rainfall, the endless number of waterfalls wouldn't be as impressive.
So, let's look at the number one thing to do in Nuwara Eliya and those impressive falls.
Take a Tour of Blue Fields Tea Factory
- Why: You love tea as much as me.
- Where: An hour north on the A4 (PBC Highway) before Ramboda. (map)
- How long: You'll be out for just over half a day. The drive is nearly an hour each way.
- How much: It's free, but they ask for a donation. Unless you take a picture of someone or buy something in the store or cafe.
Blue Fields Tea Factory produces a staggering 30,000kg of tea a month, all onsite.
While a tourist hotspot, this is a gigantic working tea factory and plantation. Their mission is to bring to you the best Ceylon tea in the world.
The tea factory, plantations and gardens are a wonderful example of how both nature and production can coincide peacefully. The roaming valley full of greenery, trees, nature and waterfalls is sublime. Within the valley, you can see the elderly ladies picking the tea leaves by hand.
A knowledgeable guide will meet you in the car park and show you around the factory. They explain the production of tea in detail, from the plant to the cup. Some of the processes are fascinating as was watching the workers and machinery.
Once you've completed the factory tour, you can walk the plantations at your own pace. Whilst beautiful and very interesting to explore, you cannot relax. Numerous people pester you for money.
It is non-stop.
The Tea Fields
When you leave the factory, the performance begins.
While numerous tea-pickers are picking tea, a group of elderly women hang around the factory and, when they see you, they stop chatting, jump up, and pretend to pick tea. It's a photo opportunity. If you don't stop, you get harassed and they don't quit and however much you give them, they want more.
Once you escape, the next group are on you, local kids want their share of your money, just for chatting.
Then finally, the big boss level strikes. An elderly man starts a conversation and tells you about the area as you walk. He then demands payment. We told him to leave us alone, and he followed us for just over fifteen minutes talking at us.
These people spoil what is a truly interesting tour.
Once we escaped the plantations, we stopped at the cafe where we had a lovely 'cuppa' and a delicious cake.
Overall, a very good tour. Nevertheless, watch out for those pesky hustlers.
Play in the Waterfalls
- Why: They're awesome to see.
- Where: Scattered across the surrounding hillsides. (map)
- How long: Honestly, it depends on how many you see, which ones, and how quick you are at walking.
- How much: Apart from paying a driver, the hikes and waterfalls are free to see.
Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding area is awash with numerous impressive and crashing waterfalls.
Most are extremely powerful, and you cannot climb or swim within them, but don't let that stop you from exploring and getting close to them.
As with most things in Nuwara Eliya, most are a fair distance from the city. That said, the first two are within walking distance.
Glen Falls (map)
If you're lucky, you will get to visit Glen Falls.
Once a free-flowing and powerful waterfall, Glen Falls, nowadays, only flows after a heavy storm and is often seasonal. No rain means no Glen Falls.
If it's flowing I suggest you visit. You can walk along Unique View Road, which should take roughly twenty-five minutes from The Grand Hotel.
From the bottom, the spray rains down on you creating a wonderful rainbow above. You will get wet.
However, if you don't fancy the walk, you can still see it crashing over its many shelves from the town.
Lovers Leap (map)
Lovers Leap, the second within walking distance, and the more impressive of the two.
Why is it called Lovers Leap, I hear you cry.
Legend has it that a young prince fell in love with a local girl and due to their family's disapproval, they hand in hand lept to their deaths thirty meters below.
Whilst shorter, Lovers Leap is a permanent fixture in Nuwara Eliya and is far more scenic and visually powerful. The sheer rock face perfectly cut away by the water proves the impressive power behind the waterfall. It's stunning.
Again, from the Grand Hotel, it's an hour's walk to the base of Lovers Leap. Tuk-tuks to the Lovers Leap carpark will take minutes.
A slippery climb on numerous terrains combines to provide sublime views from the top and is well worth the tricky, uphill hike.
Puna Ella Falls (map)
Combine Puna Ella Falls with Ramboda Falls and Blue Fields Tea Factory, and you will have the perfect day out.
North of the city, and a short jaunt down the hill from Blue Fields, is the fabulous Puna Ella Falls.
At Puna Ella, you can safely swim in some of its rock pools. That alone makes it a worthwhile trip. Just remember your trunks.
Whilst it is easily accessible from the road, you can hike to the top. Where once again stunning views down the valley await. Honestly, standing at its base, relaxing in the cooling pools was more than enough for me.
Other impressive falls out of town include Dunsinnen, Kolapathana, and my next, and final suggestion.
Ramboda Falls (map)
Jumping in at the 11th highest in Sri Lanka, Ramboda Falls has to be one of the most impressive.
It is easy to find, follow the path through the Ramboda Falls Hotel and shimmy down to a stunning viewing area towards the bottom of the falls. Whilst you cannot get in the fall, the viewing platform gets you to within touching distance.
There is something magical about being so close to such power. The noise is deafening and yet you feel so at peace.
Just as impressive, are the views from the Hotel's cafe. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice cup of tea while looking over Ramboda Falls.
I will say, stay away from their buffet. It's overpriced, uninspiring and tasteless. Do not eat here.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Nuwara Eliya
Having experienced Sri Lankan food across the island, it's easy to see why Nuwara Eliya isn't known as a foodie's paradise.
If anything, the food made me realise how relevant the phrase 'Little England' really is. It wasn't just the weather and architecture.
That said, I couldn't fault the tastes of our breakfast at The Princess or an evening meal at, my only suggestion, The Pub.
Whilst there are many places to eat in Nuwara Eliya, nothing jumps out as a top restaurant or somewhere you'd say was a 'must try'.
With that said, here goes my suggestion...
The Pub
- What: Small pub with a big heart
- Where: In the town centre, just off the six-way roundabout. (map)
- How much: A large meal at The Pub will cost under 1,200₨ (£3.24). Boom.
**Exciting news. There have been renovations since I was here, and it looks much more inviting.**
I talk about The Pub a lot in this blog, but there's little else to do in the city. I will also mention it again in the drinking section below.
Upon entering The Pub we found there was life in the old town.
After a few beers, our stomachs called out for attention, so we ordered.
The barman made a couple of suggestions and Sri Lankan curry it was.
We shared a table with a Danish couple from the train, who didn't seem to enjoy their noddles. They were poking it around the plate and not looking overly enthralled by its taste either.
Luckily, when ours arrived, it looked immaculate. Three large curries and all the side dishes filled the table, and the aroma permeated the room. It was beautiful. It pays to eat local dishes. After all, no matter where you are, local people know how to cook local dishes best.
Everything about the curry was delicious, the flavour, the texture and the taste. Similarly, I couldn't moan about the portion size. I'd highly recommend a curry and a couple of beers in The Pub.
Where to Party when Backpacking Nuwara Eliya
Like most towns and cities in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is not a massive party location.
You won't be out on a wild night and wake up in a tea field or at the bottom of a waterfall, unless, you're a one-pint wonder.
Nevertheless, there are a few bars, normally called pubs here in Nuwara Eliya, scattered across the town.
The best area for an alcoholic drink in the town is on the six-way roundabout, northeast of the Golf Club.
Something that shows how few places there are for a decent beer in Nuwara Eliya is this... Everyone who got off the train at the same time as us, ended up in the same place that night. I kid you not, everyone.
And that place was, once again...
The Pub
- What: Old and dark pub in the heart of the 'action'.
- Where: In the town centre, just off the six-way roundabout. (map)
**Exciting news. There have been renovations since I was here, and it looks much more inviting.**
With the least imaginative name going, in a very old-fashioned town, we didn't have high expectations of The Pub. To lower expectations further, it didn't look that great from the outside. We almost didn't bother.
Although we were glad we did.
Inside was clean and tidy, and had a bit of atmosphere. The Pub turned into quite the find. We grabbed a table next to a Danish couple, before noticing everyone from the train was here. Everyone acknowledged each other with that same little wave and eyebrow raise as if to say "I saw you on the train".
The barman made a couple of great suggestions and the beers kept flowing. The beers were not only strong (8.8%) but flavoursome too. Even the atmosphere got going as the beers disappeared, and The Pub was a lovely place to spend an evening. Not to mention cheap.
The food was just as delicious, and again we were thankful for the barman's suggestions on what to order.
In summary, if we hadn't gone in, and had turned around, we would have missed out big time. You couldn't have asked for much more on a freezing evening in Nuwara Eliya.
The Grand Hotel
- What: Large imperial and perfectly pruned hotel.
- Where: Just off Victoria Park and not far from the town centre. (map)
With a name like The Grand Hotel, it had to deliver. And boy did it.
Having acclimatised to the Balinese and Sri Lankan weather the cold winds and rains of Nuwara Eliya took their toll on our drunkenness. So on the way back from The Pub, we piled into The Grand Hotel for a nightcap or two.
We started with whisky and an Arrack around the roaring log fire in the large comfy chairs, drinking ourselves into a dirty hangover.
The Grand Hotel was exquisite. I loved the old-fashioned decor and furniture. Not to mention great service, which these days is a little old-school itself.
Everything about the Grand Hotel was pristine and the staff members were friendly and attentive. Everything screamed money and a lifestyle I wanted.
By the time we left in the early hours, I do not remember getting back to The Princess. Which, isn't necessarily a bad thing.
It also meant that I had forgotten, how much the drinks were, especially in comparison to The Pub.
Price and drunkenness aside, The Grand Hotel is the perfect place to end a great evening in Nuwara Eliya.
Is a Trip to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka Safe
If you had asked me if Nuwara Eliya or Sri Lanka was safe for tourists in the early 2000s, I'd have said no.
The Tamil Tigers were hitting tourist locations across the island, civil war was raging and crime was rife.
However, nowadays, Nuwara Eliya is safe for all tourists and visitors.
During my visit, I didn't witness anything concerning. In fact, everyone was super kind and friendly. Even the strange Lerch-like guy who ran my accommodation was pleasant.
Furthermore, crime is considered low in Nuwara Eliya. So don't let anything like that put you off.
Weirdly, even the driving improved up here. I use the word improved, as it was still shut your eyes and pray, only not followed by the immediate brown stain in the pants. So there's a win.
That said, when taking to the hills, which you will want to explore, be careful of the local wildlife. Some of the wildlife, both small and large could be chilling out in the sun. When startled, they may attack thinking they are being hunted.
Nuwara Eliya is located in the centre of the island, therefore, you will not need to worry about most natural disasters that other Sri Lankan cities and towns do. You will not get hit by a tsunami up here. However, if hiking in the hills or around the waterfalls after heavy rainfall, be mindful of possible landslides.
Leave a Comment
Thanks for reading my Nuwara Eliya travel guide.
Hopefully, I've helped you create a Nuwara Eliya trip plan, including all the amazing places to eat and drink alongside the best places to stay in Nuwara Eliya.
If there is anything further I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments below or drop me a message on Instagram.
Overall, Nuwara Eilya isn't somewhere you'll need to stay long, if at all. After all, there are far better places in Sri Lanka.
Frankly, it's tiny, old-fashioned and has a strange vibe. Nevertheless, it is naturally beautiful and full of stunning scenery. You will want to explore the tea fields, the waterfalls and the surrounding hills.
If you think I've missed something or maybe loved something too much, I'd love to hear from you. Please put any comments you have about my Nuwara Eliya travel guide below.
Cheers.
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I was laughing when I saw The Pub came twice. That is so funny.
Thank you!
Hahahahah, yeah, it was the only place that stood out to me. But I should have guessed it would make a couple of apearences with a name like The Pub though…. 🙂
Was very sure of wanting to go there next week but you description of how risky the drive is made me change my mind. Thank you so much!
It’s worth it when you get there. Just try to avoid public transport and you’l be there a lot quicker.