Things to do in Nuwara Eliya are not ordinary. So, if you’re deciding on what to do in Sri Lanka, be sure to include at least two or three days in Nuwara Eliya. It’s one of the country’s most distinctive and breathtaking regions. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it seems like a whole other country.
They’re awash in beautiful green tea plantations, but they also get a lot of rain. Isn’t it apt that it’s known as Little England?. Regardless of when you visit, you can always count on our comprehensive guide to the top things to see and do in Nuwara Eliya.
Our Favourite Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya
1. Hire A Swan On Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake is located right in the middle of Nuwara Eliya. A huge expanse of water can be seen from several locations in Nuwara Eliya. Jet-skiing on Gregory Lake is a popular pastime for visitors to the region. This is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Nuwara Eliya.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more laid-back and romantic, consider renting a swan for an hour. You can park your car and stroll around the whole lake. As an alternative, try staying at one of these hotels near Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya.
2. Things to do in Nuwara Eliya – Amble Through Victoria Park
Nuwara Eliya’s central area might seem a touch crowded, and there’s definitely a lot of noise to contend with. On the other hand, Victoria Park is a quiet refuge from the commotion and bustle of the city. For just 300 rupees, visitors to Victoria Park may spend as long as they want to wander the grounds or relax on a park seat.
You may also visit the Victoria Park museum while you’re in the neighborhood. It’s just a few square feet, but it’s packed with vintage images of Nuwara Eliya from the past century or so. They provide you with a glimpse of what life was like in the region before British colonization.
To see what the region looked like before the rails were constructed is intriguing. And below is some additional information regarding this remarkable thing to do in Nuwara Eliya.
- Cost: 300 LKR/Person
- Pay when you visit.
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
3. Play A Round Of Golf
It’s never too late to play a game of golf if you’re a big admirer of the sport. Amid the city of Nuwara Eliya, the creatively-named Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is surprisingly accessible and inexpensive. It costs roughly 8400 rupees to play and rent everything you need.
That includes a personal caddy to accompany you everywhere you go. Founded in 1889, it is the oldest golf course in Asia and one of the oldest in the world. As a bonus, it’s one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you’ll find a golf course. So, this is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya.
4. Take a Break At a Tea Factory
There are so many tea factories to choose from that it would take you weeks to see them all! All along the way, from Kandy to Ella, you’ll see stunning tea plantations. The majority of them have a tea house or factory to accompany them.
If you want our suggestion, just go for a day trip and see what else Nuwara Eliya has to offer. A short respite is inevitable at some point in your journey. The best thing to do when it’s raining is to go to a tea factory, savor some wonderful pastries, and brew some tea!
5. Take a Walk Through the Moon Plains
You’ll be shocked to learn that Moon Plains was previously home to a massive rubbish dump despite its stunning natural beauty. It took until 2010 to finally remove the Nuwara Eliya waste that had been dumped here for years.
Thousands of tourists visit the region each year. Hiking, cycling, or driving through the park are popular options for visitors. There is no better way to spend your time in Moon Plains than scaling Mini World’s End. If it’s not foggy, you’ll be able to see the whole region from here!
A wide variety of animals may also be seen in their natural habitats. Everything from elk to leopards may be found in the region. The latter is a lot less common. All in all, this is also one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya.
6. Stroll Through The Tea Plantations
It seems that most of the tea estates in the vicinity are accessible. To avoid having to deal with barbed wire fences, there are hundreds of thousands of trees. Instead, you may just take a stroll through the plantations and enjoy the peace.
You’ll see a lot of ladies out in the fields as you make your journey. In return for a hundred or so rupees, many of them will be happy to pose for you, since they are paid a pittance for their hard labor (at least by Western standards of pay).
7. Explore the breathtaking Horton Plains National Park
Exploring Horton Plains is one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Located around 30 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, this wide-open park is a popular destination for tourists since it is the nearest major city.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all path into the park. Instead, there are three main rivers in the region and various peaks to walk up. “World’s End” is the most well-known. As a result, it’s a favorite destination for nature lovers, who get to see and photograph a wide variety of local fauna.
Here, you’ll find plenty of ideas for your next journey.
- Individuals pay $15.
- Opening Hours: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
8. Rent a bicycle for the day
What better way to see Nuwara Eliya than by renting a bicycle for the day and wandering about on your own? Even if you’re alone, you could spend an entire day wandering about the town’s ancient British-style buildings, such as the Old Post Office in Nuwara Eliya, one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The strawberry farm in Nuwara Eliya is another place you can visit by bike, but it’s only open during the summer months.