Better known as the Little England of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful destinations on the island with a pleasant climate, old British colonial buildings, and vast lush greenery. The plateau town in the hill country hosts plenty of natural beauties, like the imposing Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, pristine waterfalls, and verdant montane forests, but it’s most famous for rolling hills of tea plantations spreading for miles and miles. Nuwara Eliya is also the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka, where you can visit some tea factories, learn about the process of tea-making, sample a cup of tea or purchase their products.
• Best things to do: Take a boat ride on Gregory Lake, Enjoy a stroll in Victoria Park, Visit the beautifully manicured botanical gardens of Hakgala, Go on a train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Explore some waterfalls (e.g., St. Clair’s Falls, Lovers’ Leap waterfall, Devon Falls)
• Best time to visit: February to May when the weather is mild with low chances of rainfall
• Insider’s tip: As Nuwara Eliya is very busy in April due to the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, you should book all services months in advance
• Recommended duration: 2 – 3 days
