Sights

Explore Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” is a charming hill station in Sri Lanka, known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush landscapes. Situated in the central highlands, it is famous for tea plantations, vibrant gardens, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Popular for its charming atmosphere, Nuwara Eliya attracts visitors with its picturesque beauty, including Gregory Lake and Hakgala Botanical Garden.

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Nuwara Eliya

5 Days 6 Nights
Nuwara Eliya: Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, Seetha Amman Temple

Days Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Nuwara Eliya

  • Arrival and Check-in: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel or guesthouse. There are many options ranging from luxury resorts to cozy boutique hotels.
  • Afternoon Exploration:
    • Victoria Park: Take a relaxing walk in the park and enjoy the fresh air.
    • Lake Gregory: Head to Lake Gregory for a serene boat ride. You can also enjoy activities like cycling or horseback riding around the lake.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2: Tea Gardens and Scenic Views

  • Morning:
    • Tea Plantation Tour: Start your day with a visit to a local tea plantation like Pedro Tea Estate or Labookellie Tea Estate. Take a guided tour to see how Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea is processed and enjoy some fresh tea tasting.
    • Horton Plains National Park: Afterward, head to Horton Plains National Park for a hike to World's End, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valleys below. The park also offers trails with diverse flora and fauna.
  • Evening: Return to Nuwara Eliya and explore the local markets or visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a colonial-era building.
  • Dinner: Have dinner at your hotel or enjoy local delicacies.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Sites

  • Morning:
    • Seetha Amman Temple: Visit this Hindu temple, which is believed to be the location where Sita was held captive in the Ramayana.
    • Gregory Lake: Spend more time enjoying activities at Gregory Lake or take a relaxed walk along its banks.
  • Afternoon:
    • Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, famous for its unique collection of plants and its stunning landscape.
  • Evening: Explore the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, known for its picturesque setting and colonial history. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Nuwara Eliya Town, browsing through local shops.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of the colonial-style restaurants, such as The Grand Hotel.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ella

  • Morning:
    • Early morning, head to Ella, which is about a 2-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya. In Ella, you can explore:
      • Ella Rock: A short hike that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
      • Nine Arches Bridge: One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, set in lush green surroundings.
    • Enjoy lunch in Ella with a view of the tea plantations.
  • Afternoon:
    • Ravana Falls: A beautiful waterfall located close to Ella. It's perfect for a refreshing dip or a photo stop.
  • Evening: Return to Nuwara Eliya in the evening for some relaxation.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the town.

 

Day 5: Adventure and Relaxation

  • Morning:
    • Cecil Hotel or the Golf Course: Have a relaxing morning at either the Cecil Hotel, a colonial masterpiece, or spend some time at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, where you can play a round of golf or simply take a leisurely walk.
    • Sita Amman Temple (Optional): If you didn’t have time earlier, you can explore this temple on your way back from Ella.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Lover’s Leap Waterfall, a hidden gem with stunning views.
    • Take a leisurely walk in Victoria Park or visit some other scenic spots in the area.
  • Evening: Final evening in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy some last-minute shopping for tea and souvenirs.
  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at one of the top hotels or restaurants in town.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Nuwara Eliya

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

"Our trip to Nuwara Eliya with Salt and Sea Adventure was absolutely amazing! From the moment we booked our package, everything was so well-organized. The itinerary was perfect, covering all the scenic spots like Gregory Lake, Horton Plains, and the tea plantations. The team took care of every detail, from transportation to accommodations, and even provided insightful guides who made the experience more memorable. We truly felt like we were on an adventure, but without any of the stress. Highly recommend Salt and Sea Adventure for anyone looking to explore Nuwara Eliya!"

— Ravi & Priya, India

"Salt and Sea Adventure made our Nuwara Eliya vacation unforgettable! The package they arranged was beyond our expectations. The driver was punctual, the hotels were comfortable, and the sights were stunning. Our family especially enjoyed the visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the hike to World's End. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and we’ll definitely use Salt and Sea for future trips!"

—Samantha and Family, India

"I recently booked a Nuwara Eliya travel package with Salt and Sea Adventure, and I’m so glad I did! The personalized service they provided was incredible. They really took the time to understand what we wanted from our trip, ensuring we had the best experience possible. From stunning tea estates to breathtaking views at Ella Rock, every moment was a highlight. The team's knowledge of the area and local culture made it feel like we were getting an insider’s view. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to explore Sri Lanka’s hill country!"

— Michael, India

Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The peak tourist season is around April, when the town hosts the famous Nuwara Eliya Flower Festival.

     

How to Reach:

  • By Car (Private/Taxi):

    • From Colombo (about 170 km away), it takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by car. The drive is scenic, especially as you get closer to the hill country.
  • By Train:

    • The train journey from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is not direct, but you can take a train to Nanu Oya station (near Nuwara Eliya) via Kandy. The train ride, especially on the Kandy to Nanu Oya section, offers stunning views. From Nanu Oya, you’ll need a short taxi ride to Nuwara Eliya (about 10-15 minutes).
  • By Bus:

    • Buses from Colombo or Kandy to Nuwara Eliya are available and typically take around 5-6 hours.
  • By Air (Private Flight):

    • For a more luxurious experience, you can take a domestic flight from Colombo to Koggala Airport or Hatton. From there, a car ride will take you around 2-3 hours to Nuwara Eliya.
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Importance of Nuwara Eliya:

Nuwara Eliya is important for several reasons:

  1. Tourism and Natural Beauty: Known as “Little England” due to its colonial-era charm and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a popular hill station, attracting tourists for its lush landscapes, tea plantations, and scenic views.

  2. Tea Industry: It’s at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The surrounding plantations produce some of the finest Ceylon tea, making it a significant agricultural region.

  3. Cultural and Historical Significance: Nuwara Eliya has a rich colonial history, with buildings and landmarks reflecting British architecture. It was a favored retreat for British planters and officials during colonial rule.

  4. Hiking and Nature: The area is home to places like Horton Plains National Park and World’s End, known for hiking and biodiversity, making it crucial for nature enthusiasts and conservation.

  5. Climate: Its cool, temperate climate is unique in Sri Lanka, offering a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat in other parts of the island.