Home to the famous Sri Lankan tea, Nuwara Eliya is the capital of the tea-producing district in central Sri Lanka. The weather is relatively cool compared to the hot, humid conditions in the rest of the country. Nuwara Eliya is not only beautiful but also offers a lot for travelers, especially young families.
Here is all you need to know about visiting Nuwara Eliya:
When to Visit
Nuwara Eliya is beautiful year-round, but it's best to avoid the rainy months from April to September to fully enjoy the outdoor activities the region has to offer.
Things to do :
Gregory lake -
At the center of Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful, small lake. Extremely popular with the locals, Lake Gregory is the perfect place for an evening stroll, lake boating, pony rides, or exploring local street food at one of the many small food stalls along the lake. You might also get to witness seaplanes landing and taking off on the lake.
The entry fee is LKR 200 per adult.
Horton's planes and World's end-
Makes for a half day trip. It is a beautiful, relatively easy trek of 10 km, with some of the stunning views and a chance to observe the flora and fauna of the place.
It is important to reach here early in the morning, which means starting before sunrise. Arriving early will provide the best views on a clear day and the chance to beat the crowds. This trek is easily doable with kids, making it a great family adventure.
We recommend packing some snacks to enjoy at the viewpoint. Also, remember to carry an umbrella, a light jacket, sunscreen, and enough water. Note that this trek is not suitable for strollers.
Ambewala farms -
Located outside the city limits, Ambewala Farms can be visited on the way back from Horton's Plains National Park. The farm has a shed dedicated to calves, which children find pure fun. There is also a small cafeteria that provides snacks, making it a pleasant stop for families.
Ramboda falls -
Gorgeous water fall, you can trek right to the base.
Tea gardens -
Nuwara Eliya has a lot of tea gardens, and if it's your first time visiting one, it's a must-visit during your trip. You can sample different types of teas and buy some to take home! Since we've visited many tea gardens in India, we decided to skip the usual tour and instead explored a small café surrounded by tea gardens. There, we enjoyed fresh strawberry ice cream, soaking in the serene ambiance.
Local market-
We explored the local market to buy some fresh fruits! It can be a fun evening outing where you get to sample a variety of local fruits. The vibrant market atmosphere and the opportunity to taste fresh, regional produce make it a delightful experience for the whole family.
How to Get to Nuwara Eliya
We rented a private taxi for exploring Sri Lanka for five days, and it was very comfortable to reach Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by taxi. The roads can be winding, so consider taking medicine for motion sickness beforehand.
Important Tips for Visiting Nuwara Eliya
Cash: There are few ATMs in Nuwara Eliya, and you might face difficulties using some of them. It's better to have some cash on hand.
Rain Gear: It rains very often here, so carry umbrellas or rain jackets.
Warm Clothing: It can get cold in the evenings, so carrying light sweaters or jackets for the evening is a good idea.
Where to Eat in Nuwara Eliya
Hotel Calamander: Sells great pizzas. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at their lakeside restaurant!
Indian Summer: Sells desi food! Your go-to place when you crave a hot Indian meal.
Grand Hotel: Famous for its evening tea.
Tea Train: A small café surrounded by tea gardens, perfect for a quick stop and snack. There is also a small playground next to it!
Where to stay -
We stayed at Hotel Calamander. It offers great views and is conveniently located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.
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