6 Reasons why you have to add Nuwara Eliya to your Sri Lanka itinerary!

Nuwara Eliya is one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka! It has incredible nature, friendly people and an amazing climate. Read the article below and make sure you don't miss this spot on your trip in Sri Lanka.

What to expect in this article

1. Nature - beautiful mountains

Nature in Sri Lanka is in general beautiful, but in Nuwara Eliya, you will be even more surprised. It’s so lush, green, and located right in the mountains.

When it comes to experiencing Sri Lanka’s natural wonders, Nuwara Eliya is an absolute must-visit. The natural beauty, including its tea estates, waterfalls, and lakes, creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Don’t forget to visit Horton Plains National Park. Go on a trek to the famous World’s End, where you’ll witness panoramic views. The park is also home to some wildlife.
Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit, which I still regret to this day.

Next to that, do not forget to visit Victoria Park. It is a nice park to stroll around and be amazed at all the different types of flowers, plants, and trees.

2. Cool climate of Nuwara Eliya

When you pack for Sri Lanka, don’t forget to pack at least one jacket. You might feel a little chilly in Nuwara Eliya at night, even during the month of June. I got very happy wearing my hoodie here, after the heat (30 degrees Celsius) in Colombo.

As NE is situated at an elevation of 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level, this hill station experiences mild temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment for exploration. Even in June, it was only 20 degrees.

The cool climate allows you to enjoy outdoor activities and walks without feeling overwhelmed by the heat, making Nuwara Eliya an ideal relaxing destination.

Fun fact: did you know Nuwara Eliya is also called ‘Little England?’ The weather reminded the Brits of England, and nowadays a lot of the architecture is similar to the English one.

3. Famous train ride of Sri Lanka

If you have done your research about Sri Lanka, you probably would have come across the famous train ride from either Kandy or Ella to Nuwara Eliya.

The journey is hailed as one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
As you travel through mist-covered mountains, waterfalls picturesque valleys, and tea plantations, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views.

We did the train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya and booked a seat beforehand. It was not overly crowded, but still, most seats were taken. Make sure to become friends with the train guys, so you can ask them to open a door and you can take the popular train photo.

4. Quietness in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka beckons visitors with its quietness, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility.

As it is nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, this place offers a serene escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Only the town might be a bit buzzing, but it is still not as crowded as Kandy, the place closest by.

The quietness of Nuwara Eliya allows for a deeper connection with nature. The people are also friendly. This is typically a place to hug some cute cows 😉

P.s. I will write more articles about Sri Lanka. Once they have been published, you can find them here.

5. Tea plantations -Blue Field Tea Factory

Visit the Blue Field Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya for an exciting experience.

You will learn how tea is made, from picking the leaves to the final product. While learning that, you can both pluck some of the leaves yourself and see the locals working in the factory.
The tour and explanation around the factory are free and only based on tips. Our guide was a really friendly guy, who was excited to tell the story.

It is a must to explore Sri Lanka’s tea culture and taste the delicious Ceylon tea. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for tea-related souvenirs. Even if the prices here are a bit higher than average, it is still worth it.

The guide takes you everywhere in the factory and explains all the steps that have to be taken. Did you know that this tea is mostly handmade? They only use the machines for the big work, but still, make sure to be there and still use their hands for whatever’s necessary.

Next to that, enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you learn about tea production. Like anywhere in Nuwara Eliya, nature is gorgeous and it is quiet.

We were the only ones having this tour. I feel like this was one of my favorite activities in Sri Lanka (next to ziplining and meeting family). You can even see it in the picture.

6. Nature: Ramboda Falls

Ready for a climb and see one gorgeous waterfall? Then you definitely have to visit Ramboda Falls. It took us around 1.5 hours up and down and had to pay 200 rupees each to enter.
It was quite refreshing to see all the water, you can even swim in it.

Again we were the only ones here. This is a nice thing on one side, but also sad, as on this day the crisis is still not over, which is why there are fewer tourists coming to Sri Lanka.

Do you know that we saw 2 beautiful waterfalls during the famous train ride I was talking about before? Sometimes I wonder if this was the one we saw, but I am guessing not.