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Once ruled by Britishers, Nuwara Eliya is renowned as ‘The Heart of the British Ceylon’. Set in the heart of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya still reflects the influence of British rule. The red telephone boxes, rose gardens, colonial bungalows and the tea plantations adds up to the British city vibe of it. Famed as the City of Light’, Nuwara Eliya should definitely be a must to explore city in every person’s bucket list. A things to do in Nuwara Eliya guide will surely help you in your electrifying trip to the Little England. So, what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to take a look at the list of the best activites that you can opt for in Nuwara Eliya. 

12 Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

Can’t wait anymore to explore the stunning Little England? Here is the list of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Take a quick look and choose what all activities are you going to indulge in on your vacation!

  • Pedro Tea Estate: The Tea Tasting Ritual
  • Victoria Park: Capture The Indian Blue Robin
  • The Gregory Lake: Take A Refreshing Boat Ride
  • Horton Plain National Park: Explore On Foot
  • Kandy To Nuwara Eliya: Travel By Train
  • Bale Bazar: Get Ready For Winter Shopping
  • St. Clairs Fall: Bask In The Scenic Beauty Of Waterfalls
  • Nuwara Eliya Post Office: Stroll Around The City Of Lights
  • The Grand Hotel: Have A Comfortable Stay
  • Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Smell The Fresh Flowers
  • Devon Falls: Gape At The Natural Beauty 
  • Adam’s Peak: Hike Along With Your Friends

1. Pedro Tea Estate: The Tea Tasting Ritual

Pedro Tea Estate

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Tea is the elixir of life. Do you relate to this world-famous quote by Lao Tzu- Undeniably many of us will relate to it as tea lovers are spread all over the world and nothing can be better than relishing the aromas of pure Ceylon tea. There are many tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and visiting the well-known Pedro Tea Estate is one of the topmost in the things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka guide. Pedro Tea Estate offers its guests to roam around the lush green tea plantations and even to learn the intricacies of tea processing. So, make space in your Nuwara Eliya activities list for the tea tasting ritual of the City of Lights.

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: INR 200
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM

Must Read: 22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya: The Mini London Of Sri Lanka


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2. Victoria Park: Capture The Indian Blue Robin

Indian Blue Robin

Confused about what to do in Nuwara Eliya Take out your binoculars and indulge in some bird watching and capture the Indian Blue Robin, the Kashmir Flycatcher and Pied Thrush on your camera at Victoria Park. One can stroll around the park and witness attractive species of birds in the park as well as at the Galways Land Bird Sanctuary located few kilometres ahead Victoria Park.

Location: A5, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: INR 300
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
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Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Sri Lanka: 15 Spectacular Spots To Take A Dive

3. The Gregory Lake: Take A Refreshing Boat Ride

Lake Gregory

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Looking for fun things to do in Nuwara Eliya- Go for fishing at Gregory Lake to add the fun element in your trip. Not only its popular among travelers for fishing but you can also hire a rowing boat, Swan paddle boat or a water scooter to explore the scenic lake.

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Entry Fee: INR 250
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
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Suggested Read: 10 Best Nuwara Eliya Hotels For An Ultimate Luxurious Holiday

4. Horton Plain National Park: Explore On Foot

Wild animal

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Get ready to receive a delightful answer to the question what is there to do in Nuwara Eliya- Nuwara Eliya has a lot to offer to your restless feet. One can go for hiking from the Horton Plain National Park to the bewitching Ela town passing through the marvellous Bambarakanda Waterfall. You can absorb the beauty of Nuwara Eliya through the thick forest, pristine waterfall and fascinating rocky landscape by going on this adventurous trek.

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

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5. Kandy To Nuwara Eliya: Travel By Train

Beautiful Green Place

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Another spectacular experience to add in your best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka guide is going on a train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. One can witness all scenic pleasures like hills and stunning tea plantations at once by going through the tunnels on this thrilling train journey. Do take the best four hours ride of your life to the City of Lights.

Suggested Read: 10 National Parks in Sri Lanka That Bring You Face-To-Face With The Incredible Nature

6. Bale Bazar: Get Ready For Winter Shopping

Bale Bazar Items

Lets talk about the things to buy in Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is famous for its winter market also known as the Bale Bazar which is popular among the locals as it offers a huge variety of winter clothes. Visit the market if you feel like wearing a cosy sweatshirt and exploring the city.

Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: 45 Best Places To Visit In Colombo That Will Spice Up Your Sri Lankan Sojourn!

7. St. Clairs Fall: Bask In The Scenic Beauty Of Waterfalls

St. Clairs Fall

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Whether it is the Lovers Leap waterfall or the St. Clairs Fall, one of thebest things to do in Nuwara Eliya guide will always include enjoying the spluttering waterfalls. Either you can hike up to the waterfalls or stroll through the forests and reach them. Other must visit waterfalls are Devon falls, Bomburu Ella Waterfall and Kolpathana Falls.

Location: Hawa Eliya, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: 6 Best Museums In Sri Lanka That’ll Walk You Through The Country’s Rich Historic Past

8. Nuwara Eliya Post Office: Stroll Around The City Of Lights

Nuwara post office

One of the most amusing things to do in Nuwara Eliya is to take a walk around the cty and visit the colonial style Post Office. Built in 1894, Nuwara Eliya Post Office is one of the antique buildings in the city and is a must visit place for lovers of antiques. You can also see many red telephone boxes around the city which enhances the British city vibe of it. You can also relish delicious strawberries by visiting the farms located in the city.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Dr, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Other Places To Visit: The Golf Club, Adma Agro Farm, Ambewela Farm, Hill Club

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In June: Guide To Experience The Best Of Nature

9. The Grand Hotel: Have A Comfortable Stay

1200px-Grand_Hotel_Nuwara_Eliya_026

At the end of your day, you can visit or stay at The Grand Hotel where you can savour the delectable High tea. Another must in your things do in Nuwara Eliya guide, this place offers opulent rooms and also conducts activities like sunrise safari, bonfire and trekking. Do enjoy the grand hospitality of the stunning hotel and dont forget to sip the Ceylon tea.

Location: No. 05 Grand Hotel Road Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Price: INR 13,750

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10. Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Smell The Fresh Flowers

Hakgala Botanical Garden

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If you are a nature lover then Nuwara Eliya has something special for you. You can smell fresh flowers and admire the natural beauty in the Hakgala Botanical Gardens as it is one of the top activities to opt for in Nuwara Eliya. It is the second biggest botanical garden in the whole of Sri Lanka. While exploring the garden, you will find some rare species of flowers that can be grown here due to the low temperatures in the region. The place receives a heavy footfall due to its beauty so make sure that you include it in your itinerary. 

Location: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:30 am – 5 pm 

Suggested Read: Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka: Exploring The Religious Trail In The Island Nation

11. Devon Falls: Gape At The Natural Beauty

devon falls

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Another amazing place to explore in Nuwara Eliya where you can gape at the natural marvels is Devon Falls. It is one of the best tourist places here where you can get yourself refreshed away from all the hustle-bustle of city life. The place is located 20 minutes away from Nuwara Eliya which you can easily explore on your vacation. You can also visit Mlesna Tea Castle where you can sit in the balcony and relish fresh tea while soaking in the views. 

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

Suggested Read: 25 Best Places To Visit In Kandy – Sri Lanka’s Spiritual Capital

12. Adam’s Peak: Hike Along With Your Friends

adam's peak

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Wondering what to do in Nuwara Eliya? One of the most amazing Nuwara Eliya activities that one can opt for is hiking to Adam’s Peak. You will find several tourists and hikers climbing up the peak early in the morning. So, if you are the kind of person who likes his blood pumping then you must visit this peak with your friends. 

Location: Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka

Further Read: 8 Restaurants In Bentota For Relishing Scrumptious Sri Lankan Delicacies!

Already obsessing about this fascinating city in Nuwara Eliya? Get up and book your next trip to Sri Lanka with TravelTriangle and get a tailor-made package today to enjoy the incredible lush-greenery and nature’s paradise! Make sure that you visit the top tourist places and opt for these things to do in Nuwara Eliya for a fun trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

Is it worth visiting Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya is the less-visited city in Sri Lanka which is why you might not find a touristy crowd there. If you are the kind of person who likes to explore quaint places then Nuwara Eliya is worth visiting.

What is special in Nuwara Eliya?

Natural beauty is the thing that attracts travelers from all around the world. The tea plantations, Gregory Lake, and national parks make Nuwara Eliya a special place to explore.

Which are the best places to buy in Nuwara Eliya?

Some of the best places in Nuwara Eliya for shopping are Laksala Gift Shop, Bale Bazaar, and Jessica Factory Outlet.

How far is Nuwara Eliya from Kandy?

The distance between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya comes around 24 miles or 39 kilometers. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi.

How far is Nuwara Eliya from Ella?

Ella is located 55 kilometers away from Nuwara Eliya which can be covered within a few hours driving or by opting for train services.

How long is the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?

If you want to travel via train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya then it will take around 4 hours to cover the distance and reach the destination.


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