When you consider visiting Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka you’re most likely eager about visiting the tea plantations. Whereas that’s an absolute should do, there are another lovely locations to go to in Nuwara Eliya.
However first, lets speak about attending to Nuwara Eliya by practice.
Travelling by practice
Half of the journey lies within the journey itself. The scenic and most opted for technique of transport is by practice – and to not point out extremely inexpensive in comparison with different choices of renting a automotive or flying through seaplane.
If you happen to’re travelling from Colombo Fort station, which is the principle hub within the metropolis to achieve any a part of the island, get to the station early to order your tickets.
Practice tickets for 1st and 2nd class can be reserved on-line or on the ticket counter upfront. Nonetheless, for those who’re considerably of a late bloomer, get to the station not less than one hour earlier than your practice’s departure with the intention to safe a 2nd class seat or third class seat.
Most trains are named, right here’s the departure and arrival schedule of trains to Nuwara Eliya. It’s vital to notice that there’s no station named ‘Nuwara Eliya’, and the closest you’ll get to the city is the ‘Nanu Oya’ station, roughly 20 minutes away from the city centre.
This route can also be a part of the Ella to Kandy practice journey.
Practice Schedule
Be aware that these instances are topic to vary. It’s at all times finest to investigate on the practice station for the newest instances.
1. Podi Menike Specific Practice
- Departs Colombo – 05:55
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 12:40
2. Udarata Menika Specific Practice
- Departs Colombo – 08:30
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 14:45
3. Specific Practice
- Departs Colombo – 09:45
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 15:50
4. Evening Mail Practice
- Departs Colombo – 20:00
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 03:00
The Podi Menike is the very best practice to get on, as you’ll attain the city simply in time to check-in to your lodge.
If you happen to’ve obtained a few days to spend in Nuwara Eliya, and like a late evening practice the place you possibly can sleep, take the Evening mail practice. Don’t anticipate any views although – you’ll be climbing up mountains, and there’s barely any mild up there!
When you attain Nanu Oya, you possibly can decide to experience share with different vacationers, who’re normally fairly vocal about searching for different experience sharers, or hop in a tuk by your self. Tuks can match as much as 3 individuals.
If the driving force doesn’t know the place your lodge is, get your Google Maps working – and direct him to your lodge. Most drivers know how to fashionable outdated lodge reminiscent of Jetwing St. Andrews, as they’ve been round for years – however let Google information you simply in case, or just name your lodge and ask for instructions!
Locations to go to in Nuwara Eliya
Moon Plains
Regionally referred to as Sandathenna, Moon Plains is a flat, central plain situated in Nuwara Eliya. It’s centrally situated, simply 2.5 km from the doorway of Nuwara Eliya city. It’s best to undoubtedly go to it!
Moon Plains provides you sweeping, panoramic and easily breath taking views of the forest reserve, sprawling gardens, tea plantations, vegetable lands and the rugged mountains.
You’ll additionally have the ability to see cute little cottages and bungalows from the vantage level.
It’s the best place to hike to, or for those who’d relatively, cycle your method right here. You’ll so additionally have the ability to see some native wildlife reminiscent of elk, buffaloes, deer and a colourful spectrum of birds; each endemic and migratory.
Head over to Mini World’s Finish to look at a glowing dawn that’ll simply heat you proper up. Mini World’s Finish is an space on the high of a steep precipice that gives a 360-degree view of the encircling panorama. The view at daybreak is especially fabulous, with the sensible glow of the solar mixing with the mist that shrouds the peaks and valleys that encompass the area.
Enjoyable Truth
The Moon Plains was once an enormous pile of rubbish. Unbelievable, isn’t it? However immediately it’s a fashionable vacationer attraction in Sri Lanka. In 2010, it was fully cleaned up and declared an agricultural and eco-tourism zone by the federal government.
One of many should do locations to go to in Nuwara Eliya!
Strawberry Fields
Nuwara Eliya is chilly sufficient for strawberries to develop – and for these of you who didn’t know, sure, strawberries want chilly, moist climate to flourish and develop!
There are fairly just a few strawberry farms that you could go to and purchase a bunch of juicy pink berries from. Ask your lodge for the closest one and take a Tuk Tuk there.
The principle strawberry planting season begins in September, however you’re certain to seek out berries at some other time of the yr as properly. Our high three strawberry farms are Ramya Horticulture, Jagro Strawberry and Adma Agro.
Gregory Lake
Within the coronary heart of Nuwara Eliya lies the idyllic Gregory Lake.
Initially created as a reservoir, it now provides many alternatives for leisure and exercise. In an space of 225 hectares, you possibly can expertise nice water actions and use the encircling park for a comfortable picnic.
Small ponies graze within the meadow and you’ll hire boats to benefit from the tranquility of the lake. Even jet skis and windsurfing tools can be found. It’s also possible to take a motorbike experience across the lake. The park that surrounds the lake has an excellent well-maintained walkway that invitations you to take a stroll.
This place is ideal additionally for household outings. Right here you possibly can simply loosen up or play with the children.
If you happen to want a break from the solar, you can find a spot to loosen up in one of many cozy cabins. And for those who get hungry, there are many meals stands across the park providing native delicacies and snacks.
If you would like a calming journey, you would possibly need to keep away from the weekends. It may get fairly crowded. However don’t fear, there’s a greater time to go to. Between April and Could, the climate is solely attractive and excellent for a leisurely tour.
An ideal place to get pleasure from and linger!
Submit Workplace
Constructed over 100 years in the past by the British, the Nuwara Eliya Submit Workplace is the hallmark of Little England and has stood the check of time.
This red-bricked constructing, Victorian model constructing is understood to be one of many oldest publish workplaces in Sri Lanka. Positioned smack within the coronary heart of the city, it’s fairly onerous to overlook.
The publish workplace is a superb picture alternative for individuals who love classic structure.
The publish workplace, sadly, has not too long ago confronted closure – nonetheless, it’s not set in stone but. Assist to maintain it open, by sending a publish card or letter to your loved ones again house. You should purchase publish playing cards from the publish workplace for lower than Rs.100.
Tea within the Backyard
Having fun with a pleasant, heat cup of Ceylon tea is an expertise you possibly can’t depart Nuwara Eliya, with out having.
Most accommodations, bungalows or cottages have a well-manicured backyard. Order your favourite cup of tea, and for those who don’t know what that’s but, ask the lodge employees to help.
Have your tea within the backyard whereas having fun with the gorgeous views round you.
Lover’s Leap
This cascading great thing about icy chilly water has a relatively tragic story behind its identify. Towering to a peak of 30 meters, Lovers Leap is the closest waterfall to Nuwara Eliya city, roughly 1.5 kms away.
Legend has it {that a} prince fell in love with a maiden from the close by village, nonetheless, the king prohibited the prince from persevering with the affair. Heartbroken and decided to spend the remainder of their lives; even when it was within the after-life, the couple leapt off the waterfall, hoping to immortalise their timeless love for one another.
One of the simplest ways to expertise Lover’s Leap Waterfall is on foot. The path takes you thru an idyllic rural space that you could get pleasure from in all its magnificence throughout a calming stroll. The stroll uphill is nice and takes about 40 minutes.
On the way in which, you’ll cross by way of a small village with just a few homes.
The stroll is unquestionably price it! The waterfall is simply breathtaking.
Loosen up on the backside of Lover’s Leap for an unforgettable expertise. You may benefit from the cool spray of the effervescent water and even take a refreshing dip. Simply watch out, the rocks can get fairly slippery, so use warning when climbing.
Another choice is to hire a motorbike on the town. There are a number of rental stations. Then you may cycle to the waterfall. A part of the way in which is on an enormous street, and the gravel path to the vacation spot might be difficult at instances. However that is undoubtedly the quicke possibility, cpmpared to strolling.
Simply let a cab or tuk-tuk drop you off in entrance of the doorway of Pedro Tea Property and discover the world by yourself! Simply ask for the start line of the hike to the waterfalls – you possibly can acknowledge it by a small signal. There is just one method into the hills reverse the doorway of the Tea Property.
Simply be careful and don’t take heed to the tuk-tuk drivers, as they may attempt to persuade you that the waterfall is dry for numerous causes after which they may recommend to take you someplace else.
Single Tree Hill
An unforgettable journey awaits you within the highlands of Sri Lanka, taking you off the overwhelmed monitor and displaying you a distinct aspect of the nation.
Right here you possibly can hike for hours within the pleasantly cool local weather and be enchanted by the good viewpoints. One of many highlights is Single Tree Hill, which provides a panoramic panoramic view of the town, Lake Gregory, the Hortain Plain and the encircling hills.
The hike there may be difficult however extremely rewarding because it takes you thru picturesque landscapes and the Pedro tea plantations. The stroll takes about 2 hours in complete, together with a break on the high to benefit from the views and recent mountain air.
In case you are in Nuwara Eliya and need to hike, there are two choices, both stroll to the trailhead or take a taxi. The trailhead is south of city close to the race monitor and might be seen from the freeway. To get there, you’ll should take a mud street behind a residential space and a personal home that results in the Imaduwa store.
The path to the highest is barely uphill a lot of the method and has a complete size of two.7 km. A lot of the path is in superb situation, however there are some muddy spots after lengthy intervals of rain.
Put on good strolling sneakers and keep in mind to convey loads of water. Because it rains loads within the hills, you also needs to convey a raincoat or umbrella. It may additionally get chilly in some locations, so convey a lightweight sweater simply in case.
Midway up the hill is the Sir Swarnagiri Vihara Buddhist temple, which is properly price a go to. This place is so peaceable that it’s going to clear your thoughts for some time. Right here you possibly can relaxation and stroll round.
When you could have visited the temple, return to the principle path and proceed strolling. On the way in which you will note the height with the radio tower virtually all the way in which. While you attain the highest, you can find a concrete path that results in the towers after which turns left. The path goes by way of a brief, dense forest with bushes that solely develop within the mountains and usually are not discovered at decrease elevations.
In case you are a birdwatcher, it’s extremely really useful to spend the morning strolling by way of this small patch of forest. Not solely the endemic whistling thrush and the yellow-billed bulbul reside right here, but additionally many different fascinating species. Even mammals like Sambur deer and barking deer might be seen right here.
If you happen to comply with the winding path, it is going to lead you to a tree plantation, which you’ll cross to lastly go down the hill. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from a panoramic panoramic view of the town and the lake. And in case you are feeling adventurous, you possibly can descend even additional to find extra wonders.
A hike up Single Tree Hill is unquestionably price it, however for those who’re going in the course of the wet season, verify the climate forecast as visibility could also be restricted.
One of the best time to start out your hike is between 5am and 7am when it’s nonetheless crisp and you’ll see the gorgeous cloud formations over the panorama. The time period “Single Tree” has been used since historical instances. From the highest of this mountain you could have an impressive view of the dawn.
Victoria Park
Within the coronary heart of Nuwara Eliya lies the Queen Victoria Park, an absolute should for any customer. Named in honor of Queen Victoria’s sixtieth coronation anniversary in 1897, the park was initially the analysis space of the Hakgala Botanical Backyard.
Colourful flowers and idyllic locations to loosen up and revel in await you.
The playground for kids and the practice experience for adults present extra leisure. Victoria Park is known for its hen watching and provides an amazing number of vegetation and bushes. Particularly between March and Could and August and September, the park is in full bloom.
Be amazed on the number of birds! Right here you possibly can see the Indian Pitta, the endemic Yellow-billed Bulbul, the Sri Lankan White-eye, the Sabre-toothed Dwarf and Peregrine Thrush, the Wagtail, the Velvet Nuthatch, the Indian Bluebird, the Kashmir Flycatcher and lots of different species.
When planning your keep in Nuwara Eliya, you should definitely embrace a go to to the Queen Victoria Park. Most individuals head there at round 1-2 pm. So it’s sensible to go a bit later. That is the right place to finish your day and loosen up earlier than heading again to your lodging.
Very shut by is the Holy Trinity Church, which you may go to earlier than or afterwards.
Ticket value: Rs.50 for Locals and Rs. 300 (~$1) for foreigners
Open Hours: 7.00 Am – 7.00 Pm
Tackle: Badulla Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church is the oldest church on the town – it was in-built 1852!
In 1845 a gaggle met to debate constructing a church. An estimated £900 was to be spent on it. A person named Nelson was chosen because the architect and the work was accomplished by males of the fifteenth Regiment beneath the route of Main Brunker of Nuwara-Eliya.
If you happen to like music, you need to strive the outdated piano within the church. And do you know that within the cemetery of the church there are graves from the White Age?
Outdated Nuwara Eliya Railway Station
If you happen to like historical past, you may go to the outdated Nuwara Eliya railway station. Though it’s now used as a bus depot, lots of the outdated buildings are nonetheless standing. Even the outdated stage remains to be there and tells of instances passed by.
These days, the practice routes to Kandy and Ella are extraordinarily fashionable with guests on account of their picturesque magnificence. However in the course of the British occupation of Ceylon, the journey to Nuwara Eliya alongside the now disused Udapussallewa railroad line was absolutely the favourite.
Nuwara Eliya was then generally known as the “Coronary heart of the Sanatorium” on account of its breathtaking surroundings and soothing local weather. The Nuwara Eliya railroad line, which ran from Nanuoya to Ragala, was constructed inside three and a half years beginning in November 1900 and was a full 19.17 miles lengthy.
After World Warfare II, the station was closed and now serves as a bus depot. All that continues to be of this former railroad community are just a few buildings and the stays of the tracks, which may nonetheless be seen in some locations.
Dinner on the Hill Membership
In charming Nuwara Eliya, generally known as the “Little England of Sri Lanka,” you’ll discover the distinctive Lodge Hill Membership. Initially based as a gathering place for rich espresso and tea planters from England and Scotland, the partitions of the clubhouse now inform their fascinating story to overseas vacationers who’re welcomed as “membership members”.
A particular spotlight is excessive tea or an beautiful dinner within the luxurious eating room – a culinary expertise to not be missed. Regardless of the historic allure, there’s a strict gown code.
However the costs are pleasantly “shocking for European” guests.
Tea Plantation Tour
Although we focus with the journey ideas right here on different actions to do in Nuwara Eliya, nonetheless you should definitely take a guided tour of a tea plantation.
The tea plantations are normally virtually unbiased villages – with properties and colleges for a whole bunch of pickers and their households.
On this vibrant heart, you’ll see firsthand how tea leaves are remodeled right into a sensual beverage. You’re guided step-by-step by way of the levels of withering, rolling, fermenting and drying, gaining precious insights from skilled employees. The beguiling scent of freshly processed tea leaves will enchant your senses and intensify the expertise.
Immerse your self within the fascinating world of tea tasting and pattern a wide range of beautiful teas. From delicate white and inexperienced teas to highly effective black teas, you’ll study the artwork of distinguishing the nuances of taste. As you discuss with the consultants, you’ll study extra in regards to the intricacies of tea and acquire precious recommendations on find out how to make the right cup.
After gaining an in-depth understanding of the tea-making course of, deal with your self to a scrumptious Excessive Tea session. Benefit from the style of freshly brewed Ceylon tea, accompanied by scrumptious pastries and sandwiches, within the tranquil ambiance of the tea plantation. As you sip your tea, you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views of the rolling hills and misty valleys of the tea gardens – a picturesque setting that can take your breath away.
The tour consists of
- Lodge pick-up and drop-off
- All transfers in non-public air conditioned automobiles (automotive/van/coach)
- English talking chauffeur information
- All entrance charges for all talked about excursions
- Lunch and King Coconut
Length: 1 day
Group dimension: Restricted to six contributors
Value: €75
You’ll go to a tea property and tea manufacturing facility and expertise the fascinating world of tea manufacturing first hand.
Your tour begins with a scenic drive by way of the breathtaking countryside of Nuwara Eliya. The deeper you enterprise into the misty hills, the extra vibrant inexperienced tea bushes you’ll see. At a famend tea property, you’re greeted by educated guides who share the secrets and techniques of tea rising, plucking and processing.
Your first cease is within the tea fields, the place you possibly can watch expert tea pickers at work. They pluck tea leaves with exceptional precision and you’ll study extra in regards to the artwork of selecting the right tea leaves. Additionally, you will acquire perception into the intricate course of that determines the standard and style of every cup of tea.
Earlier than you allow this enchanting tea paradise, you’ll have the distinctive alternative to pattern an beautiful number of premium teas within the property’s boutique. Take house the best Ceylon teas as a memento – an genuine image of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
Uncover the fascinating world of Sri Lanka’s tea trade. Study all in regards to the artwork of tea manufacturing, discover breathtaking tea gardens and collect unforgettable impressions within the coronary heart of Sri Lanka’s tea nation.
