Nuwara Eliya Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

If you travel to Sri Lanka, you should add Nuwara Eliya to your itinerary! This city in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is the perfect escape from the humid heat of the south and the crowds in other, more popular destinations. Keep reading for the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya and how to plan your trip.

I had never heard of Nuwara Eliya until I landed in Sri Lanka and reached my first accommodation in Mirissa. I started talking to my host and asked him what his favorite place in the country was, and he immediately said Nuwara Eliya. He mentioned loving the weather there, the tea plantations, and nature all around. He also mentioned it was a peaceful city, not overtaken by tourists. That convinced me.

Almost two months later, I finally made it to Nuwara Eliya. I spent most of my time in the south, near Weligama, but I couldn’t leave Sri Lanka without exploring the lush hills and mountains surrounding Ella. So, of course, I included a stop in Nuwara Eliya on my week-long trip to the area.

By the way, I included Nuwara Eliya in my 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary, so make sure to check that out!

I immediately loved this charming town, very aptly nicknamed “Little England.” Boasting manicured parks and English-style cottages overlooking Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya is not exactly what you’d expect from Sri Lanka. At least, not if you’ve already explored other parts of the country. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).