Exit Search

Snapshot: Nuwara Eliya

June 29, 2021

Brimming with lush tea plantations and jaw-dropping scenery, Nuwara Eliya is a travellers paradise

 

The town of Nuwara Eliya is well deserving of its nickname, 'Little England'. Discovered by British explorer John Davy and officially founded by Samuel Baker in the 19th century, Nuwara Eliya became a haven for expats seeking a taste of Blighty in sweltering Sri Lanka. Hunting, cricket and polo were commonly enjoyed by residents and the moderate climate was a welcome contrast to the often steamy temperatures experienced elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Over time, the British settlers transformed Nuwara Eliya into a colonial haven and built era-appropriate buildings. From perfectly manicured gardens, to tudor-style houses and tourist lodging, plenty of structures constructed over a century ago are still standing and give the town its quaint, nostalgic feel.

 

 

The drive to Nuwara Eliya is extremely scenic, due to its location 1868m above sea level. Watch the road weave around mountains and fields, thanks to the region’s rainy, subtropical climate. As you approach town, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and pops of contrasting colour from those working the fields.

 

The sprawling tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka are a must-see sight.
The sprawling tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka are a must-see sight.

 

While the region is best known for its thriving tea plantations, coffee was the original plant grown here. Soon after the British settled in town, they set up coffee crops in addition to plantations with typical European vegetables like broccoli. One hundred years later, Nuwara Eliya is still Sri Lanka’s most fruitful producer and distributor of European vegetables. However, the coffee plantations were wiped out in the late 19th century due to the country-wide coffee blight. The coffee was replaced with tea plantations and just a few years later, the region had transformed into the tea capital of the Sri Lanka, a title it still holds.

 

 

A trip to Nuwara Eliya, naturally, is not complete without visiting a tea plantation. Learn about all stages of the tea-making process, from the initial planting, through to the drying and packaging. The women of the region still handpick every tea leaf, their nimble fingers can sift through the leaves more efficiently than any machine currently on the market. After touring the lush rolling terraces, indulge in some locally grown brews - Nuwara produces all kinds of tea, but its delicate Ceylon is world-renowned.

 

A woman in traditional dress, picks tea leaves in a Nuwara Eliya tea plantation.
A woman in traditional dress, picks tea leaves in a Nuwara Eliya tea plantation.

 

A short drive outside of Nuwara Eliya will bring you to one of the most scenic spots in all of Sri Lanka: Horton Plains. Known as a ‘super biodiversity hotspot’, thanks to the large wildlife population, Horton Plains is a highland plateau with a rapidly changing climate. To best experience the plains, follow the central path, keeping your eyes peeled for deer and other animals. Eventually, the winding trail will bring you to World’s End, a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the rolling hills. Just be sure to arrive before 10am, as the area tends to cloud over by mid-morning.

 

The stunning Horton Plains of Nuwara Eliya attract tourists from far and wide.
The stunning Horton Plains of Nuwara Eliya attract tourists from far and wide.

RELATED TOURS
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Moderate Pace
Small Group

Small Group

From
$899 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Moderate Pace
Small Group
Fully Escorted
From
$899 USD
pp twin share
2025 Dates Added
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Leisurely Pace
From
$2,099 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Leisurely Pace
5 Star
From
$2,099 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
Moderate Pace
Small Group

Small Group

From
$2,299 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
Moderate Pace
Small Group
Fully Escorted
From
$2,299 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Leisurely Pace
From
$1,199 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Leisurely Pace
Small Group
From
$1,199 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$2,799 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$2,799 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$5,799 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$5,799 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$1,799 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Private Tour
From
$1,799 USD
pp twin share
2025 Dates Added
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
5 Star
Fully Escorted
From
$2,118 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:May 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
5 Star
Fully Escorted
Small Group
From
$2,118 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
5 Star
Private Tour
From
$2,099 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
5 Star
Private Tour
Fully Escorted
From
$2,099 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$3,599 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
7 Days
From
$3,599 USD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Partially Escorted
From
$3,243 pp twin share
USD
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Sri Lanka
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Partially Escorted
Small Group
From
$3,243 USD
pp twin share
Processing...