Nuwara Eliya

"Little England" Amidst Sri Lanka’s Highland Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya

"Little England" Amidst Sri Lanka’s Highland Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya

"Little England" Amidst Sri Lanka’s Highland Tea Country

Introduction and History

Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England", is a colonial-era hill station founded by the British in the 19th century. It’s perched at about 1,900 meters above sea level in Sri Lanka’s Central Province and famed for its cool climate, tea estates, Tudor-style architecture, and botanical gardens.

Best Time to Visit

Important Travel Notes

Nearby Attractions

Gregory Lake

📍 1.2 km | ⏱️ 3 minutes

A colonial-era reservoir offering swan boat rides and relaxing lakeside walks.

Victoria Park

📍 1.2 km | ⏱️ 3 minutes

Historic public park with manicured gardens, a mini-train, and rare birds.

Galway’s Land National Park

📍 2.2 km | ⏱️ 6 minutes

Dense montane forest within city limits—great for bird watching.

Lover’s Leap

📍 3.5 km | ⏱️ 10 minutes

Scenic viewpoint with stunning waterfalls and valley vistas.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

📍 8.2 km | ⏱️ 7 minutes

Sri Lanka’s second-largest garden featuring orchids, roses, and exotic blooms.

Seetha Amman Temple

📍 6.5 km | ⏱️ 14 minutes

Linked to the Ramayana, with footprints of Hanuman and serene surroundings.

Ramboda Falls

📍 25 km | ⏱️ 1 hour

One of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya route.

St. Clair’s Falls

📍 23.6 km | ⏱️ 45 minutes

Magnificent twin waterfall surrounded by lush tea plantations.

Bomuru Ella

📍 17 km | ⏱️ 40 minutes

Stunning waterfall hidden amidst dense forest trails.

Distance from Airport and Nearby Cities

✈️

From Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)

Approximately 152 km (5-hour drive)

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To Kandy

Approximately 95 km (3-hour drive)

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To Colombo

Approximately 156 km (5-hour drive)

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To Ella

Approximately 55 km (2-hour drive)

Highly Rated Nearby Restaurants

Themparadu

Grand Hotel’s Hilltop Restaurant

Elegant colonial dining with sweeping views.

The Republic Café

Trendy spot known for comfort food and baked treats.

Barnes Hall Tea Rooms

Historic eatery offering classic high-tea and scones.

Nearby Accommodation (Rating ≥ 9)

Homestays

The Lloris Manor

⭐ 9.0+

The Planter’s Home

⭐ 9.0+ | Colonial-style guesthouse surrounded by gardens.

Edelweiss Cottage

⭐ 9.0+ | Cozy, nestled near tea estates.

Valentine Ridge Mountain Resort

⭐ 9.0+ | Quiet retreat with scenic views.

3/4-Star Hotels

Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

⭐ 9.0+ | Iconic, luxurious heritage hotel.

Blackpool Hotel

⭐ 9.0+ | Elegant, boutique stay near Gregory Lake.

Araliya Green City

⭐ 9.0+

Araliya Red Hotel

⭐ 9.0+

5-Star / Boutique Villas

Heritance Tea Factory

⭐ 9.5+ | Converted colonial factory offering luxe rooms.

Jetwing St. Andrew’s

⭐ 9.5+ | Timeless Georgian-style comfort in town center.

The Bellwood Manor

⭐ 9.5+

Golden Ridge

⭐ 9.5+

Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya

⭐ 9.5+

W15 Lake Gregory

⭐ 9.5+

La Grande Villa

⭐ 9.5+

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