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Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

Our most recommended things to do in Nuwara Eliya

3-Day Trip to Sigiriya Kandy Ella Udawalawe with Train Ride

1. 3-Day Trip to Sigiriya Kandy Ella Udawalawe with Train Ride

Day 1 : COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA – KANDY Sigiriya Museum This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres east of Colombo and 72 kilometres north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Overnight Stay at Royal Kandyan or Similar Hotel Day 2 KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA- ELLA Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. Glenloch Tea Factory Glenloch Tea Factory situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula are been maintain using all the correct method of planting, Soil conversation and Maneuvering. Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature Ramboda Waterfall Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. If intrested can be do an Train Ride from Nanu Oya - Ella Overnight Stay Day 3 Ella City Tour – Udawalawe National Park - Colombo Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak Nine Arches Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting Udawalawe National Park This park is home to several hundred elephants and other rare plants and wildlife We can arrange Drop Colombo Or Negombo or Airport

Sri Lanka hill country train trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya 2-day

2. Sri Lanka hill country train trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya 2-day

Two memorable days to cover major tourist attractions in Sri Lanka's hill country. The tour includes the two most important cities in the hill country, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. The tour starts with Kandy city and walking tour to visit the tooth relic temple, Kandy market, handicraft center, Peradeniya botanical garden, and Kandyan cultural show. The tour also includes many other highlights of the ancient capital of Kandy and the English colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Colombo – Kegalle – Kandy You’ll depart Colombo after breakfast and make a stop at a spice garden on the way to Kandy. You will be able to take part in a walking tour of the spice/herbal garden and learn about the spices and herbs that grow in Sri Lanka. Spices and herbs are being used in Sri Lankan kitchens as well as in Ayurveda medicine/indigenous medicine. However, a large part of the spices is exported. Kandy was the last kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka and is the most picturesque city on the island, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by tea plantations. Of Sri Lanka’s 3 botanical gardens, the gardens at Peradeniya are the largest, spread over 60 hectares and featuring more than 8,000 different species of trees and plants. After, visit the Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy and enjoy dinner and a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Show of Drum Dancing music, and fire walking. Overnight in Kandy. Day 2: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Colombo After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll begin the journey back to Colombo via Nuwara Eliya. You’ll have a chance to appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery on the way to Nuwara Eliya, as you travel through valleys, into the mountains, and past beautiful patches of forest. Nuwara Eliya is the highest of Sri Lanka’s 3 hill stations, situated at over 6,000 feet above sea level. Known as Little England, it is where the British colonists built themselves a home away from home. Follow the winding road that leads to the hill country through tea plantations, beside the waterfalls that cascade down the hills, and into misty valleys. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a tea factory and sample a cup of unblended, fresh Ceylon tea, before continuing back to Colombo.

Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

3. Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

Explore the best of Sri Lanka with this tour to the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, rolling tea plantations in Ella, the chance to see wild elephants in the Udawalawa National park. Day 1 - Be welcomed by your guide at the Colombo International Airport where your guide will take you to your hotel in Colombo. Day 2 - Journey from Colombo to Sigiriya after eating a filling breakfast. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Relax before heading to the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya before having dinner and staying at a 4-star hotel in Sigiriya. Day 3 - Travel to Kandy after a hearty breakfast to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which holds the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. Take some time to unwind in your hotel before proceeding to see the amazing flora at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Eat dinner and stay overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kandy. Day 4 - Next, have a full breakfast before heading to Ella to walk among the lush tea plantations. Learn more about the colonial history of Sri Lanka and take in stunning landscape views. Return to your hotel in Ella for dinner and to rest. Day 5 - After breakfast, drive to Udawalawa National park where you can spot elephants in their natural habitat.

Nuwara Eliya: All-Inclusive Private Sightseeing Day Tour

4. Nuwara Eliya: All-Inclusive Private Sightseeing Day Tour

Start your tour with a 7:30am pick-up, and head to Nuwara Eliya. Stop in Ramboda and visit Ramboda Waterfalls and Bhakta Hanuman Temple, with a visit to a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory.  Arriving at Nuwara Eliya in time for lunch, enjoy your meal at the Summer Hill Breeze Hotel, before a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, including Gregory Lake and Victoria Park. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya boasts spring-like weather throughout the year. A favourite retreat of the British during colonial times, the town is dotted with English country style houses and half-timbered bungalows. At around 4:00pm, leave Nuwara Eliya and return to your hotel in Kandy.

From Colombo: 2-Day All-Inclusive Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Tour

5. From Colombo: 2-Day All-Inclusive Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Tour

Take a 2-day adventure and tour Sri Lanka and see the many natural and rural sights. Discover popular destinations and take a boat ride on Gregory Lake. Visit St. Clare and Devon waterfalls, tour a tea factory, enjoy the botanical gardens in Kandy, and much more. Enjoy an early pickup from your hotel in Colombo, Negombo, or Mount Lavinia and head towards Nuwara Eliya. En route visit St. Clare and Devon waterfalls and taste a delicious lunch at Nuwara Eliya. After lunch, proceed to the Pedro tea factory and tea plantation. If you wish, you may also pluck tea with estate workers. Arrive back to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel. Later, ride by boat on Gregory lake and enjoy a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy your dinner with one complimentary beer per person. Afterward, enjoy an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Wake the next morning and eat breakfast before you drive to Kandy. En route, visit the Ramboda waterfalls. Then, find yourself at the Peradeniya botanical gardens, one of the best in all of Asia. Afterward, eat lunch at Oakray Restaurant, then proceed to tour the city of Kandy. Make a visit to the Kandy Temple and Kandy itself, the hill capital of hill country. It is known as the last stronghold of Sinhalese kings after the Portuguese, Dutch, and British ruling periods. For Buddhists of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a sacred site, known to the home of Dalada Maligawa. After witnessing the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, depart back to your hotel, arriving in the evening.

From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train

6. From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train

Start your tour at 7:30 AM from your hotel in Kandy, where you will be picked up by your chauffeur. You will be taken you to the Kandy or Peradeniya railway station at approximately 8:00 AM, depending on respective availability.  The train departs at approximately 8:30 AM. Enjoy a scenic ride of about 3 hours through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. See the vast green hills of the tea plantations and spot the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your window.  Arrive at Nanuoya at 12:15 PM where your guide will meet you at the station, which has been serving Nuwara Eliya for over a century. After you stretch your legs a little, your guide will take you to Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy the thrilling half-hour drive up the winding road. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas, and beautiful mansions. Thereafter at approximately 13:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice at your own expense. Afterwards, your guide will show you the most important sights of the town, including Lake Gregory. See the timeless post office and take the opportunity to buy a few as souvenirs. Begin the journey back to Kandy by approximately 3:00 PM. Whilst en-route, visit the picturesque Ramboda Falls and the Blue Field Tea Factory where you would see where the world-famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. Learn more about the history of the factory, which was founded in 1824. After this, depart at 5:00 PM to finish the return journey to Kandy, where you will be dropped back at your hotel at approximately 19:30 PM.

Sri Lanka's history, culture, wildlife, beach in 7-days tour

7. Sri Lanka's history, culture, wildlife, beach in 7-days tour

This 7-day Sri Lanka tour gives you a complete picture of the tropical island from historical temples, palaces, and other monuments in the north-central province to breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, mountains, and tea gardens in the hill country. The 7 days trip also gives you access to Yala national park, where you spot elusive leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffaloes, and many other creatures. The tour wind-up with an overnight stay on the west coast resort giving you time to relax. Day 1 Meet your driver and proceed to your hotel in Dambulla. You will be visiting a 1st century BC ancient temple today, Dambulla golden temple, and witness more than a hundred ancient buddha statues and paintings. Later Check-in at the hotel and leisure. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast, climb the Sigiriya rock fortress and see the site of the palace of King Kassapa, who lived in the palace in the 5th century AD. Today you can see his swimming pool, granite throne, and other ancient constructions. Later proceed to the historical city of Polonnaruwa and take the Polonnaruwa city tour. 3 hours city tour gives you an opportunity to witness temples, Buddha statues, gardens, the king's place, and many other important monuments. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 3 After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to the hotel in Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden. In the afternoon Kandy city and a walking tour and visit the temple of the tooth relic, Peradeniya botanical garden, and witness the Kandyan cultural show. Overnight stay in Kandy. Day 4 After an early morning breakfast, head to Kandy railway station and board the train to Nuwara Eliya. The hill country train journey lasts about 4 hours and is one of the most scenic train trips in the world. Immerse yourself in the captivating mountain scenery along the way. Later visit tea plantations and tea factory and the Nuwara Eliya city tour follows. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. Day 5 After breakfast, head to the south coast wildlife park, Yala national park, en-route stop at Ravana waterfalls and Sita Amman temple. In the afternoon Yala national park safari. Yala national park is the most popular wildlife park in Sri Lanka for wildlife tours and visitors can witness a large number of wild animals during the safari such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, wild buffaloes, etc. Overnight stay in Yala. Day 6 After a leisurely breakfast, leave for the hotel in Bentota. en-route walking tour of it Galle Fort, and a boat safari of the mangrove lagoon in Bentota ( Madu River estuary). Overnight stay in Kalutara/Bentota. Day 7 After a leisurely breakfast leave for Colombo. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport after your Colombo sightseeing tour. Your Colombo sightseeing tour includes Gangarama temple, Simamalaka, Viharamahadevi park, Cinnamon garden, Independence memorial hall, Galle face green, and town hall.

Sri Lanka wildlife, scenic hill country, south coast beach

8. Sri Lanka wildlife, scenic hill country, south coast beach

This 2 days Sri Lanka tour is planned with some of the most interesting activities such as the hill country blue train ride, wildlife safari of Udawalawe national park, watching sea turtles in the sea off Hikkaduwa, visiting the hill country resort of Ella, guided walking tour to explore the Galle fort, Visiting scenic tea plantations, Visiting tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and watching beautiful waterfalls. The tour covers the most scenic Sri Lanka hill country, west coast beaches, and south coast wildlife park and you will be able to see the highest peak of Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala and the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya. Start your trip from the beach and travel to the highest city in Sri Lanka which sits 2800 meters above sea level. Day 1 The 2 days tour kicks off from your hotel on the west coast and you travel along the scenic west coast beach of Sri Lanka. First, stop at Hikkaduwa beach to see the sea turtles coming to the shores of Hikkaduwa. later proceed to Galle fort and take part in a guided walk within the fort to see the well-preserved building and monuments built during the medieval time. After visiting Galle fort drive to Udawalawe national park, where yuo will do a safari to see a large herd of wild elephants and many other animals such as crocodiles, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, mungo, monitors, monkeys and many species of birds. Dinner and overnight stay in Ella Day 2 After breakfast at 08.45 AM, leave for Ella railway station. You will be guided to your seats in the hill country train by your guide. The hill country train journey lasts about 2 hor 30 minutes and covers the most scenic part of the hill country train ride in Sri Lanka. You will be collected by your guide upon reaching the Nanu Oya railway station. Later drive to a scenic tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya, en-route stop at Gregory lake esplanade. The tea factory visit lasts about 1 hour and afterwards proceed to your hotel on the west coast. End of the tour

From Negombo or Colombo: 5-Day Central Highlands Tour

9. From Negombo or Colombo: 5-Day Central Highlands Tour

Embark on a 5-day tour of Ski Lanka from Negombo or Colombo. Enjoy 4 nights of accommodation in Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy. Visit the World's End trail, Horton Plains National Park, Pedro Tea Estate, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and other iconic sites, with a guide and entry fees included. Day 1: Negombo or Colombo - Colombo Enjoy a free pickup service from your accommodation or airport in Negombo or Colombo. Meet your tour guide, who will drive you to Colombo. Spend the night in a three-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.  Day 2: Colombo - Nuwara Eliya   Following breakfast, depart your hotel and drive to Nuwara Eliya (a 5-hour drive). En route, you will stop at the iconic Devon Falls waterfall, known as the veil of the Valley. Next, visit St. Clairs falls, another famous and most visited waterfall in Sri Lanka. Then in the afternoon, embark on a city tour through Nuwara Eliya. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya is blessed with spring-like weather throughout the year.  During colonial times, it was a favorite British retreat with English country-style houses and half-timbered bungalows. Enjoy free time to get dinner before going to sleep at your accommodation.  Day 3: Colombo - Nuwara Eliya   Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before heading out to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage. Then, enjoy a guided walk along the nature trails to the stunning viewpoint known as World's End (a 1.5- hour drive). Visit a tea plantation in the afternoon. Try some of the best tea in the world. Did you know that Sri Lanka is the world's largest tea exporter? Yes, the highlands have the perfect climate for tea production, with more than 200,000 hectares of land. Producing 340 million kilograms of tea per year.  After your busy day, you will head back to your hotel. You have some free time to get dinner if you like or enjoy exploring your adopted city for the night. Spend the night in a three-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 4: Nuwara Eliya - Kandy Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you enjoy an action-packed day out to Kandy. Jump on the coach and take a seat. Enjoy the ride to Kandy (a 3-hour drive). Marvel at the green landscape, and be sure to snap some pictures. In the afternoon, you will take a city tour of Kandy, visiting the temple of the sacred tooth relic, upper lake drive, market square, gem lapidary, and many more sites.  After your day, you can head out and explore Kandy's nightlife, catch dinner or some drinks if you like before calling it a night at your hotel. You will stay at a three-star hotel and get breakfast the following day. Day 5: Kandy - Colombo There is no itinerary planned today. Have breakfast at your accommodation and end your trip on a high. Depending on your booked option, your driver will take you to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport.

Central Sri Lanka: Ramboda Falls and Tea Factory Tour

10. Central Sri Lanka: Ramboda Falls and Tea Factory Tour

Visit the Ramboda Falls and a Tea Factory with a guided tour through a tea estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. Later go on a scenic tour in Nuwara Eliya City, the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make memories in the old red-bricked post office and relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory. Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World's End and the cooling sprays from Baker's Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.

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What people are saying about Nuwara Eliya

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 16 reviews

Excellent experience. Suitable with time during the train journey and during the remaining trip. Experienced a lot of old English history. The pick-up from the hotel also worked perfectly. Our guide Dushan Munasighe was absolutely excellent perfect English o also expert. Took us to all the places listed in the tour and more. Top guy

There were only 2 of us with our guide buddy. The round trip was very interesting and exciting, well run and lots of tips and since there were only 2 of us, it was also very flexible to our wishes. The selection of hotels was really great, the drive through the country by car was very pleasant!

Very good experience. We got to see a lot and had a really sweet guide! There was plenty of time for us to do and see what we wanted! Would definitely recommend this tour and guide.

Beautiful and interesting tour, Sigiriya my favorite but all was amazing with good mix ! Our guide Kaarthe and conductor very professional and always ready to give you a help

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.