When you consider visiting Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka you’re most likely excited 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 reasonably priced in comparison with different choices of renting a automobile or flying by way of seaplane.
If you happen to’re travelling from Colombo Fort station, which is the principle hub within the metropolis to succeed in any a part of the island, get to the station early to order your tickets.
Prepare tickets for 1st and 2nd class may also be reserved on-line or on the ticket counter prematurely. Nevertheless, for those who’re considerably of a late bloomer, get to the station no 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 necessary 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 be a part of the Ella to Kandy practice journey.
Prepare Schedule
Be aware that these instances are topic to alter. It’s at all times greatest to investigate on the practice station for the most recent instances.
1. Podi Menike Categorical Prepare
- Departs Colombo – 05:55
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 12:40
2. Udarata Menika Categorical Prepare
- Departs Colombo – 08:30
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 14:45
3. Categorical Prepare
- Departs Colombo – 09:45
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 15:50
4. Night time Mail Prepare
- Departs Colombo – 20:00
- Arrives at Nanu Oya – 03:00
The Podi Menike is the perfect practice to get on, as you’ll attain the city simply in time to check-in to your lodge.
If you happen to’ve acquired a few days to spend in Nuwara Eliya, and like a late evening practice the place you possibly can sleep, take the Night time mail practice. Don’t count on any views although – you’ll be climbing up mountains, and there’s barely any gentle up there!
When you attain Nanu Oya, you possibly can choose to experience share with different vacationers, who’re normally fairly vocal about in search of different experience sharers, or hop in a tuk by your self. Tuks can match as much as 3 folks.
If the motive 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 well-liked previous lodge equivalent to 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
Domestically referred to as Sandathenna, Moon Plains is a flat, central plain positioned in Nuwara Eliya. It’s centrally positioned, simply 2.5 km from the doorway of Nuwara Eliya city. It is best to positively go to it!
Moon Plains presents 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 be capable of see cute little cottages and bungalows from the vantage level.
It’s the perfect place to hike to, or for those who’d slightly, cycle your means right here. You’ll so additionally be capable of see some native wildlife equivalent to 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 an enormous pile of rubbish. Unbelievable, isn’t it? However right now it’s a well-liked vacationer attraction in Sri Lanka. In 2010, it was utterly 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 would be able to 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 search out berries at every other time of the yr as effectively. 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 presents 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 comfy picnic.
Small ponies graze within the meadow and you may hire boats to benefit from the tranquility of the lake. Even jet skis and windsurfing gear can be found. You may also take a motorcycle experience across the lake. The park that surrounds the lake has a brilliant well-maintained walkway that invitations you to take a stroll.
This place is ideal additionally for household outings. Right here you possibly can simply chill out or play with the children.
If you happen to want a break from the solar, you’ll discover a spot to chill out 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 may wish 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 Might, the climate is just beautiful and excellent for a leisurely tour.
An ideal place to take pleasure in and linger!
Put up Workplace
Constructed over 100 years in the past by the British, the Nuwara Eliya Put up Workplace is the hallmark of Little England and has stood the check of time.
This red-bricked constructing, Victorian type constructing is thought to be one of many oldest publish places of work in Sri Lanka. Situated smack within the coronary heart of the city, it’s fairly exhausting to overlook.
The publish workplace is a superb picture alternative for many 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 dwelling. 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 motels, 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 fantastic thing about icy chilly water has a slightly tragic story behind its title. 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.
The easiest way to expertise Lover’s Leap Waterfall is on foot. The path takes you thru an idyllic rural space that you would be able to take pleasure in in all its magnificence throughout a calming stroll. The stroll uphill is nice and takes about 40 minutes.
On the best way, you’ll move by a small village with only some homes.
The stroll is certainly price it! The waterfall is simply breathtaking.
Loosen up on the backside of Lover’s Leap for an unforgettable expertise. You possibly can 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.
An alternative choice is to hire a motorcycle on the town. There are a number of rental stations. Then you would cycle to the waterfall. A part of the best way is on a giant highway, and the gravel path to the vacation spot may be difficult at instances. However that is positively 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 means into the hills reverse the doorway of the Tea Property.
Simply be careful and don’t hearken to the tuk-tuk drivers, as they’ll attempt to persuade you that the waterfall is dry for varied causes after which they’ll recommend to take you elsewhere.
Single Tree Hill
An unforgettable journey awaits you within the highlands of Sri Lanka, taking you off the overwhelmed monitor and exhibiting you a special facet of the nation.
Right here you possibly can hike for hours within the pleasantly cool local weather and be enchanted by the nice viewpoints. One of many highlights is Single Tree Hill, which presents 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 whole, together with a break on the high to benefit from the views and recent mountain air.
If you’re in Nuwara Eliya and wish 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 may be seen from the freeway. To get there, you’ll need to take a mud highway behind a residential space and a non-public home that results in the Imaduwa store.
The path to the highest is barely uphill a lot of the means 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 footwear and keep in mind to deliver loads of water. Because it rains lots within the hills, you must also deliver a raincoat or umbrella. It may additionally get chilly in some locations, so deliver a lightweight sweater simply in case.
Midway up the hill is the Sir Swarnagiri Vihara Buddhist temple, which is effectively price a go to. This place is so peaceable that it’ll clear your thoughts for some time. Right here you possibly can relaxation and stroll round.
When you have got visited the temple, return to the principle path and proceed strolling. On the best way you will note the height with the radio tower nearly all the best way. While you attain the highest, you’ll discover a concrete path that results in the towers after which turns left. The path goes by a brief, dense forest with bushes that solely develop within the mountains and usually are not discovered at decrease elevations.
If you’re a birdwatcher, it’s extremely really helpful to spend the morning strolling by this small patch of forest. Not solely the endemic whistling thrush and the yellow-billed bulbul dwell right here, but additionally many different fascinating species. Even mammals like Sambur deer and barking deer may be seen right here.
If you happen to comply with the winding path, it can lead you to a tree plantation, which you’ll be able to cross to lastly go down the hill. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in 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 certainly price it, however for those who’re going through the wet season, verify the climate forecast as visibility could also be restricted.
The most effective time to begin your hike is between 5am and 7am when it’s nonetheless crisp and you may see the gorgeous cloud formations over the panorama. The time period “Single Tree” has been used since historic instances. From the highest of this mountain you have got 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 chill out and revel in await you.
The playground for kids and the practice experience for adults present further leisure. Victoria Park is known for its chook watching and presents an incredible number of vegetation and bushes. Particularly between March and Might 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, remember to embody 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 proper place to finish your day and chill out earlier than heading again to your lodging.
Very shut by is the Holy Trinity Church, which you would 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
Deal with: 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 finished by males of the fifteenth Regiment below the path of Main Brunker of Nuwara-Eliya.
If you happen to like music, you have to strive the previous 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 would go to the previous Nuwara Eliya railway station. Though it’s now used as a bus depot, lots of the previous buildings are nonetheless standing. Even the previous stage remains to be there and tells of instances passed by.
These days, the practice routes to Kandy and Ella are extraordinarily well-liked with guests attributable to their picturesque magnificence. However through 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 often called the “Coronary heart of the Sanatorium” attributable to 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 Conflict II, the station was closed and now serves as a bus depot. All that is still of this former railroad community are just a few buildings and the stays of the tracks, which might nonetheless be seen in some locations.
Dinner on the Hill Membership
In charming Nuwara Eliya, often called 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 international 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 attraction, there’s a strict costume code.
However the costs are pleasantly “stunning for European” guests.
Tea Plantation Tour
Although we focus with the journey suggestions right here on different actions to do in Nuwara Eliya, nonetheless remember to take a guided tour of a tea plantation.
The tea plantations are normally nearly unbiased villages – with properties and faculties 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 the phases of withering, rolling, fermenting and drying, gaining beneficial 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 quite a lot of beautiful teas. From delicate white and inexperienced teas to highly effective black teas, you’ll be taught the artwork of distinguishing the nuances of taste. As you speak with the specialists, you’ll be taught extra concerning the intricacies of tea and acquire beneficial recommendations on learn how to make the proper 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 take pleasure in panoramic views of the rolling hills and misty valleys of the tea gardens – a picturesque setting that may take your breath away.
The tour consists of
- Lodge pick-up and drop-off
- All transfers in non-public air conditioned autos (automobile/van/coach)
- English talking chauffeur information
- All entrance charges for all talked about excursions
- Lunch and King Coconut
Period: 1 day
Group measurement: Restricted to six members
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 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 be taught extra concerning 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 should have the distinctive alternative to pattern an beautiful collection of premium teas within the property’s boutique. Take dwelling 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. Be taught all concerning the artwork of tea manufacturing, discover breathtaking tea gardens and collect unforgettable impressions within the coronary heart of Sri Lanka’s tea nation.
