High in the central mountains, Nuwara Eliya earned the nickname 'Little England' for its cool climate, colonial bungalows and manicured gardens. It is the heart of Ceylon tea country and a refreshing change of pace from the tropical lowlands.
Tea country
Rolling emerald tea estates surround the town, and several working factories welcome visitors to see how Ceylon tea is plucked, dried and graded — usually finished with a fresh cup overlooking the fields.
Outdoors
Boating or strolling around Gregory Lake is a local favourite, while the nearby Horton Plains National Park leads to 'World's End', a sheer escarpment with a breathtaking drop on clear mornings.
Good to know
Nights here are genuinely cold by Sri Lankan standards, so pack a warm layer. The town is a scenic stop on the hill-country train line between Kandy and Ella.
Planning a trip to Nuwara Eliya? Get your Sri Lanka ETA first.
Passport auto-scan, a two-field form, issued in as little as 6 hours, and a full refund if refused.
Start your application