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Often called the mini London, Nuwara Eliya is a perfect place to relax in Sri Lanka. There are a lot of places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and the whole of Nuwara Eliya is completely different from the whole of Sri Lanka. It is a quiet place with great scenic beautyand for planning perfect family trips. Located in central Sri Lanka, this city is perched on the tea hills and is surrounded by spellbinding greenery. The waterfalls dotting the region further accentuate its beauty and offer eye-pleasing views. You will also find several temples in Nuwara Eliya that have now come to be popular tourist attractions. If not anything else, you can always go and shop your heart out and take the sweet souvenirs from Nuwara Eliya as memories back home.

22 Best Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya Town

Nuwara Eliya is one of the most exuberant places in Sri Lanka where you can spend some time amidst verdant greenery. It is the perfect nest for couples and honeymooners to have a romantic vacation. Get to know about places to visit at Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free trip. Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful countryside place, especially for people who love nature mixed with elegance:

  • Victoria Park – Best Maintained Park In South Asia
  • Pedro Tea Estate – For The Love Of Tea
  • Gregory Lake – Family Picnic Spot
  • Bale Bazaar – Winter Market
  • Strawberry Fields – Pick Your Own Strawberries
  • Ambewela Farm – Little New Zealand
  • Moon Plains – Get A Dose Of Fresh Air
  • Seetha Amman Kovil – Mythologically important
  • Hakgala Botanical Garden – Place for nature savvys
  • Nuwara Eliya Restaurants – Relish Sri Lankan Food
  • Glaway’s Land National Park – Exotic flora-fauna
  • Town Walk – Soak in the good vibes
  • Ramboda Falls – Scenic landscapes
  • St. Clair’s Falls – Get close to nature
  • Laxapana Falls – 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka
  • Kudahagala – 4th Tallest Mountain
  • Thotupola Kanda – 3rd Highest Mountain
  • Pidurutalagala – The Tallest Mountain
  • Aberdeen Falls – Nature’s Wonder
  • Bomburu Ella Falls – Widest Fall In Sri Lanka
  • Devon Falls – Veil Of The Valley
  • Horton Plains National Park – A UNESCO Heritage Site

1. Victoria Park

Photo of Victoria Park

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As it has already been established that Nuwara Eliya is a place to relax. Victoria Park is no different. If you are in Nuwara Eliya visiting places, make sure you check out this place. It is a huge, well-maintained park and one of the best places to visit in Nuwara with kids. This is also named the best-maintained park in all of South Asia. This park has huge flowers and ferries and swings to add a mood to the place.

Entry Fees: INR 300/- person
Highlights: Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden.
Location: PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:00 AM- 6:00 PM

Must Read: 12 Alluring Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya, The Heart Of Sri Lanka!

2. Pedro Tea Estate

A Photo of pedro tea estate

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Sri Lanka has a huge number of tea estates in Nuwara Eliya. The lush greenery and aromatic air make these plantations one of the best places to see in Nuwara Eliya. It is very enjoyable to see the process that goes in to create this simple drink every day. This will also very educational for the kids. They also let visitors go around the plantation sites and enjoy the aroma and beauty. It can be reached by local buses or rickshaw.

Entry Fees: NA
Highlights: You can take a 20-minute guided tour of the plantation factories, originally built in 1885 and still packed with 19th-century engineering marvels.
Location: About 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola
Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM


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3. Gregory Lake

A Photo of Gregory Lake

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Positioned a few kilometres away from the center of the town, Gregory Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya. While visiting here, one can enjoy rowing or simply soak in the natural beauty. There are also a few games for children. People come here to relax, have a small picnic and just enjoy the happy vibe. Gregory lake also happens to be one of the best places to go in Nuwara Eliya.

Entry Fees: INR 200 for Foreigners, INR 20 for Locals
Highlights: This lake is famous for tourists who enjoy taking out a swan-shaped pedal boat for a ride.
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM

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4. Bale Bazaar

Bale Bazar

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If you are a true shopaholic, then stop by this unique market for shopping in Nuwara Eliya. Bale Bazaar is popularly known as the winter market and one of the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya town. Although the weather in Sri Lanka is never very cold Nuwara Eliya is cold and travelers may like to buy something as a memory. It is a cheap market and has a huge variety of winter wear which is fun to buy or to just roam around. It is one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka.

Entry Fee: N/A
Highlights: The market houses a majority of products that are winter-related, in case you’re interested.
Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: N/A

5. Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields

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To get mesmerised, visit the enchanting fields of the strawberry on your trip to Nuwara Eliya. These fields are a great backdrop for photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Make sure to visit here during the strawberry season. The visitors can go around the plantation and pick up their own strawberries. Strawberry Fields should be on your list of visiting place in Nuwara Eliya.

Entry Fees: Free
Highlights: These fields are a great backdrop for photographers!
Location: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

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6. Ambewela Farm

Ambewela Farms

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Ambewela Farm is generally referred to as Little New Zealand due to its lush greenery. Spread over a large area, it is one of the famous places in Nuwara Eliya. Travellers will enjoy the soft grass when they walk bare feet on this farm. While touring this farm visitors can see cows and other cattle. If they are lucky enough they can also witness the milking of a cow. Visitors can buy fresh dairy products from here and get a taste for directly from dairy.

Entry Fees: N/A
Highlights: The animal husbandry has-Ayrshire cattle!
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

7. Moon Plains

Moon Plains

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Moon Plains is basically a vast stretch of plain land with lush green grass in the center of tea estates, forest reserves, and mountains. This place has an amazing view and is a good buffer day after all the traveling and one of the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. Traveler can relax, breathe in the fresh air and feel happy once they come to this place. It brings back the simplicity that is lost in the complicated city lives. It is one of the most popular Nuwara Eliya attractions.

Entry Fees: Free
Highlights: Moon plains were a 400-meter long and 30-40 meter deep valley till the late 1990s and was part of a catchment area!
Location: Ranhawadigama Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Suggested Read: 6 Adventure Places In Sri Lanka To Quench The Thirst Of Your Inner Daredevil!

8. Seetha Amman Kovil

Seetha Amman Kovil

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Seetha Amman Kovil a Temple near the Hakgala Botanical Garden is a must-visit among the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It is must must-visit as it has a lot of Mythological importance. It is believed that after Ravana captured Sita, she used to come here to pray to Rama regularly. Rama was her husband and was also supposed to be one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. Anyone who loves mythology will love this place.

Entry Fees: NA
Highlights: The Seetha Amman Kovil temple is the only place of worship dedicated to Lady Sita, the virtuous wife of Lord Rama!
Location: Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

9. Hakgala Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

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This is that place for nature savvys. It is 28 acres of nature, having all its colours and shades. The garden has a huge variety of flowers and exotic plants. These plants are divided into various sub-gardens like Upper Flower Garden, Fernery, Rock Garden, Arboretum, Rose Garden Glass House etc. and are a must-visit among the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Entry Fees: INR 400 approximately
Highlights: It is the second-largest garden in Sri Lanka!
Location: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:300 AM - 5:00 PM

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10. Nuwara Eliya Restaurants

Restaurant at Nuwara Eliya

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While visiting a new destination, you must sample some of its traditional delicacies. There are numerous restaurants in Nuwara Eliya where you can savour some authentic Sri Lankan food.

1. De Silva Food Centre This restaurant serves Western, Chinese and Sri Lankan food. Although Western and Chinese items were not very authentic they were tasty. Vegetable Chopsy is a must-try.

2. Milano Restaurant This restaurant is a few steps away from the earlier mentioned restaurant. It has a simple menu but the food is really good. Travellers must try the baked food and Sri Lankan rice and curry.

11. Galway’s Land National Park

Galway's National Park is one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

There are numerous national parks in Sri Lanka. The Galway’s Land National Park is one of the few well-known national parks in the city, and one of the smallest as well. It comprises many exotic birds and animals, coexisting to form biodiversity. It is one of the best places to see in Nuwara Eliya if you like to spend time amidst nature. The park is spread across an area of 27 acres and houses about 20 rare migrant bird species and 30 native species.

Entry Fee: INR 400 approximately
Highlights: If you wish to stay overnight amidst nature, then you could book a stay at Galway Forest Lodge.
Location: Department of Wildlife Conservation, Havelock Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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12. Lover’s Leap

Enjoy a stroll in the heart of the emerald green forest, one of the popular places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Known for its romantic folklore, Lover’s Leap makes as one of the top places to visit in Nuwara Eliya for couples. You will have to hike through a tea estate and follow the path down the dirt road to arrive at the enchanting fall. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya, the cascading waterfall drops from a height of 30 km. This is where lovers take a leap to death in the name of love but you should go there to enjoy views. 

Entry Fee: NA
Highlight: The water from the fall is collected in a tank for drinking.
Location: Hawa Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

13. Ramboda Falls

Immerse in the scenic beauty of Ramboda Falls, one of the most explored places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

If you are visiting top places in Nuwara Eliya, make sure you visit the beautiful Ramboda Falls. Located in the Pussellawa district, in the city of Kandy, it is known for scenic landscapes comprising of highlands, ridges, plains, streams and hilly mountains. The best attractions include the Ramboda Falls. It is located on the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. 

Entry Fee: NA
Highlights: The beauty of the falls is accentuated in the monsoon season.
Location: A5, Ramboda, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

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14. St. Clair’s Falls

Witness the beauty of St. Clair Falls, one of the popular places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

This is probably Sri Lanka’s most scenic waterfall and one of the most beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya. Get close to nature and its wonders as you truly witness the beauty of this fall, referred to as the Niagara of Sri Lanka, it is perched at an altitude of 1198 m. It is located in the Talawakele town of Nuwara Eliya. You will have to take a small hike to get to the falls. Make sure to return before sunset.

Entry Fee: NA
Highlights:  It is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Location: A7 Tawalantenne – Talawakele Rd, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

15. Laxapana Falls

Take a dip in Laxapana Falls, one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Situated in the town of Hatton in Nuwara Eliya, Laxapana Falls is the eighth highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It cascades amidst lush greenery that streams into a natural pool at the bottom. No wonder it is one of the most famous tourist places in Nuwara Eliya. Whether you are visiting here with family, friends, or alone, you are surely going to enjoy a wonderful time. 

Entry Fee: NA
Highlight: The falls might tempt you to take a bath but down go under the waterfall as the force is strong.
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

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16. Kudahagala – 4th Tallest Mountain

Best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya is Kudahagala, Sri Lanka

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Kudahagala is one of the most breathtaking places for sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya. It is also known as Agrabopat Hills. Flaunting a height of 2320 meters, this is the 4th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Dominating the landscape, this massive mountain stands surrounded by lush green mountain ranges. Climb Kudahagala to get a breathtaking view of the valley below.

Entry Fee: NA
Highlight: It is the 4th tallest mountain in the country
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

17. Thotupola Peak – 3rd Highest Mountain

Trek to Thotupola Peak, Sri Lanka, one of the best hidden places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

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Situated within the Horton Plains National Park, Thotupola Peak is the third-highest peak in Sri Lanka and it will make your trip plan to Nuwara Eliya a wonderful experience. This 2,357-meter-high mountain in the Nuwara Eliya region is also known as Thotupola Kanda in the local language. This is one of the most popular tourist places near Nuwara Eliya.

Apart from the natural beauty of this place, the mythological belief associated with it also attracts tourists. In the context of the ancient Indian epic – Ramayana, it is believed that this was this peak was the landing site of Ravana when he had kidnapped Goddess Sita. 

Entry Fee: None
Highlight: It is the 3rd highest mountain in the country
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

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18. Pidurutalagala – The Tallest Mountain

Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka

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There are several mountains in Sri Lanka but this one is the most special. Donning a height of 2,524 meters above sea level, Pidurutalagala is Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain peak and one of the most beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya. Also known as Mount Pedro, this peak is so high that it is one of the major highlights of Central Province landscapes of Sri Lanka. The public is not allowed to climb this mountain because it serves as a base for the army of Sri Lanka. 

Entry Fee: None
Highlight: The tallest mountain peak in Sri Lanka
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

19. Aberdeen Falls – Nature’s Wonder

Aberdeen Falls, Sri Lanka

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Aberdeen Falls is one of the most spectacular Nuwara Eliya attractions. This is a 89-meter high waterfall on the Kehelgamu Oya, a prominent tributary of River Kelani. The cascade has been named after the 3rd largest city in Scotland. The waterfall is rocky and drops to create a plunge pool. It is surrounded by dense greenery and looks absolutely stunning. 

Entry Fee: None
Highlight: The tranquil breathtaking beauty amidst lush greenery
Location: Kehelgamu Oya, near Ginigathena, Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

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20. Bomburu Ella Falls – Widest Fall In Sri Lanka

Bomburu Ella Falls, Sri Lanka

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Bomburu Ella Falls is also known as Perawella Falls. It is one of the best day outing places in Nuwara Eliya. Though there are numerous waterfalls in Sri Lanka, this one is the widest waterfall in the country. Bomburu Ella is situated about 2,000 meters above the sea level. Located within the Sita Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve, the cascade is surrounded by immense greenery. This waterfall is created by a collection of 10 different small waterfalls.

Entry Fee: None
Highlight: Widest waterfall in the country
Location: Kandapola Sita Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: Opens throughout the day

21. Devon Falls – Veil Of The Valley

Devon Falls In Nuwara Eliya

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If you are looking for places to visit in Nuwara Eliya town for couples then consider Devon Falls and you won’t regret it! A bewitchingly beautiful waterfall located in the Dimbula Village of Nuwara Eliya, Devon Falls is one of the popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is also known as the ‘Veil of the Valley’.  Falling from a height of 318 feet, Devon Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world.

Entry Fee: NA
Nuwara Eliya tourist placesHighlight: Also called the ‘Veil Of The Valley’ because of its beauty.

Location: Nawalapitiya – Dimbula Road, Dimbula, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours

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22. Horton Plains National Park – A UNESCO Heritage Site

Horton Plains National Park

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One of the spectacular and happening Nuwara Eliya tourist places is the Horton Plains National Park and if you wish to interact with wildlife in Sri Lanka then this place is a must-visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Horton Plains National Park stretches across two of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka which are Kirigalpotta and Totapola.

Entry Fee: NA
Highlight: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location: Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Further Read: Be A Part Of These 16 Festivals In Sri Lanka That Showcase Its Culturally Vibrant Side

Are you excited to visit the mini London? These places to visit in Nuwara Eliya town will surely take away all the work and general stress of life away from you. Don’t wait any further, plan your trip to Sri Lanka and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya

What is famous in Nuwara Eliya?

The town of Nuwara Eliya is mostly famous for the tea production in Sri Lanka. Apart from the tea plantations; Horton Plains National Park, Gregory Lake, and Sita Temple are some of the places to go in Nuwara Eliya.

Which month is best for Nuwara Eliya?

The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is typically during the dry season, which occurs from December to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, and you're less likely to encounter heavy rainfall.

What are the popular things to see and do in Nuwara Eliya?

Some of the popular things to do in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka are:
1. Visit the Pedro Tea Estate
2. Capture the Indian Blue Robin at Victoria Park
3. Explore Horton Plain National Park
4. Buy woolens at Bale Bazar

How to get to Ramboda Falls?

The best way to get to Ramoboda falls is to drive. It is a perfect stop when you are driving from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. The other thing you can do is take a train to Nuwara Eliya and hire a taxi to take you there.

Which are the famous restaurants you must visit when in Nuwara Eliya?

De Silva Food Centre (serving Western, Chinese and Sri Lankan food) and Milano Restaurant (serving simple food) are a must-try when in Nuwara Eliya.

What are the major highlights of the Hakgala Botanical Garden?

Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka having a huge variety of flowers and exotic plants. Fernery, Rock Garden, Upper Flower Garden, Arboretum, Rose Garden are the various sub gardens.

How long does it take to reach Colombo to Nuwara Eliya by train?

The distance from Colombo to NuwRamboda Fallsara Eliya is 103 kilometers by train.

Which is better, Ella or Nuwara Eliya?

Ella is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It offers breathtaking views and a more laid-back atmosphere. Nuwara Eliya, on the other hand, is often referred to as Little England due to its colonial-era architecture and well-manicured gardens. It's located at a higher elevation and is famous for its cooler climate and scenic beauty, including tea gardens and a picturesque lake. Depending on your interest, you can visit any of these places.


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