Sri Lanka's Highland Tea Capital
Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,868 metres in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country — a hill station built by the British in the mid-19th century as a retreat from the tropical heat. The colonists called it "Little England" and the nickname has stuck — the town has an English feel in its architecture, its horse racing track, its golf club, and its surrounding hedgerows, though the surrounding landscape of emerald tea estates carpeting every hillside is unmistakably Sri Lankan.
The tea produced around Nuwara Eliya is some of the finest in Sri Lanka — the high altitude and cool climate produce a light, fragrant cup very different from the stronger teas of the lower country. A visit to a working tea factory is one of the most interesting experiences in the highlands — watching the entire process from fresh leaf to packed box and tasting the different grades straight from the line. Gregory Lake, at the edge of town, is a pleasant spot for a walk or a paddle-boat, and the surrounding hills offer excellent hiking.
Tea Factory Tour
See the entire process from freshly-picked leaf to packaged Ceylon tea — most factories welcome visitors and offer tasting.
Gregory Lake
A peaceful artificial lake at the edge of town — pedal boats, lakeside cafés, and backdrop of tea-covered hills.
Horton Plains & World's End
A high plateau 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya, ending at a sheer 900-metre escarpment with views to the southern coast on clear days.
Victoria Park
A well-maintained botanical garden in the centre of town — popular with birdwatchers during the spring migration season.
Tea Estate Walk
Walk through the surrounding estates as tea pluckers harvest the flush — the most scenic way to experience the highlands.
Best Time to Visit
March to May is the best time for clear views. December—March is cool and clear but cold at night (8—15°C). April is season for the horse-racing festival.
Getting There
Approximately 5—6 hours from Colombo by road; 3 hours from Kandy. The hill country train from Colombo passes through Nuwara Eliya station (Nanu Oya).
