Nuwara Eliya travel guide: taxis, stays & things to do
Sri Lanka's cool hill town, surrounded by tea plantations, with colonial-era buildings, a lake and walks to World's End.
Visiting Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya sits high in the central hills and is known as 'Little England' for its cool weather and colonial-era buildings. Rolling tea estates surround the town, and it's the closest base for Horton Plains National Park and the World's End cliff.
Find local services in Nuwara Eliya
Top things to do in Nuwara Eliya
Tour a working tea factory and taste fresh tea.
A lake in town with walking paths and boat rides.
A high plateau with a dramatic cliff viewpoint. Go early before the mist.
A colonial-era park in the town centre.
Gardens a short drive out of town.
Nanu Oya station, near town, has scenic trains to Ella and Badulla.
Getting to Nuwara Eliya
From BIA, the drive to Nuwara Eliya takes around 5 hours through the hills. The nearest railway station is Nanu Oya, a short drive from town, with trains to Ella and Badulla. The line towards Kandy is still closed for repairs (October 2026).
Find a taxi or driver →Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya
Choose a hotel in town near Gregory Lake, or a bungalow on a tea estate for a quieter stay.
Browse stays →Nuwara Eliya: common questions
Why is Nuwara Eliya called Little England?
Its cool climate, colonial-era buildings, gardens and golf course remind many visitors of an English country town.
How cold is Nuwara Eliya?
Days are mild, and nights and early mornings can be cold. Bring warm layers.
How do I visit Horton Plains?
Horton Plains is a short drive from Nuwara Eliya. Most visitors leave very early to walk to World's End before the mist rolls in.
