Tucked away amidst the mountains of Sri Lanka is enchanting Nuwara Eliya, a city that dates to British colonial times and is full of old-world charm. Read on to find out more to help you prepare for a trip here.
When to Go
December to April is generally the best time to visit with more sunshine and cooler temperatures ranging from 14 °C to 18 °C as well. Keep in mind that it can get cold, especially at night and early in the morning, so bring some sweaters, jackets, and sneakers. During the monsoon periods from September to November and May to July, it is likely to rain but you can still enjoy exploring the area, while rates will be less too.
Where to Stay
While accommodation is not hard to find, for a truly unique stay experience, choose one of the colonial-era holiday bungalows in Nuwara Eliya. Key options to choose from include Scottish Planter which dates to the 1880s and features traditional Scottish architecture and rooms with rustic comfort. Such properties offer a cosy home away from home with old fireplaces, delectable dining, a Swedish sauna and jacuzzi, personalised butler services and more.
Key Experiences
A tea factory tour to see how the famed Ceylon Tea is produced is not to be missed so look to stay at a bungalow that offers such experiences. You can also explore the main town with its colonial-style houses, play a round of golf at the historical Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and enjoy family fun at Gregory Lake; more adventures await at picturesque Moon Plains, while excursions to Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens and St Clair’s Falls provide captivating discoveries as well.
Getting There
One of the highlights of holidays in Nuwara Eliya is your journey to get there which is best experienced on a train ride from Kandy to the nearby Nanuoya Railway Station amidst breathtaking views; you can take a tuk-tuk or bus from the station to the main town. You can also take public or private buses from main cities like Colombo or for something completely different, catch a domestic flight that provides inspiring aerial panoramas too.
