6 Best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri-Lanka, in 2 days

Introduction

Hey everyone! In this article, we’re sharing the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya—a lush, scenic hill town tucked away in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. During our trip in April 2024, we spent two weeks travelling through Sri Lanka, including one night in Nuwara Eliya, which gave us just enough time to explore the town’s main highlights.

At this point in our adventure, we were starting one of the most iconic journeys in Sri Lanka—the route from Kandy to Ella. While many people take the full train ride, we chose a different option: driving from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, with a stopover in town, and then continuing the next day by train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

This turned out to be the perfect combination. On the way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, we stopped at Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill, the stunning Poonaella Viewpoint, and the Labookellie Tea Factory—all before hopping on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world for the final stretch to Ella.

Although we stayed overnight in Nuwara Eliya, you could easily make it a one-day trip, combining the drive and the train ride—something we would actually recommend if your time is limited.

In this article, we’ll take you through everything we saw and loved during our short visit, along with tips to help you plan your own route. So if you’re heading to Sri Lanka and wondering what to do in Nuwara Eliya, let’s dive in!

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Getting there

There are a few different ways to travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, depending on your comfort level, time, and budget. Here are the options we know and recommend:

By Private Car (What We Did)

This is by far the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. We hired a private driver through our guesthouse and left Kandy around 9:00 AM, arriving in Nuwara Eliya by 1:00 PM.

Along the way, we were able to stop at some amazing spots like Ambuluwawa Tower, Poonaella Viewpoint, and the Labookellie Tea Factory—all of which would be hard to reach by public transport.

If you enjoy scenic drives and want to make the most of your time, this is the option we highly recommend. Prices vary depending on the driver and your negotiation skills, but expect around 15,000–18,000 LKR (~€45–€55) for a full-day trip with stops.

By Bus

If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a more local experience, taking the bus from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is a good option. Buses run every 30 minutes from the Goods Shed Bus Station, located just a short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy city center. The journey takes around 4–5 hours depending on traffic and weather.

• A/C bus: ~250 LKR (~€0.80)
• Ordinary bus: ~180 LKR (~€0.60)

Buses arrive at the Nuwara Eliya Bus Station, right in the center of town. Note that there are no official online bookings, so tickets are bought on the spot.

While the ride isn’t as scenic or comfortable as other options, it’s a great way to travel like a local and save money.

By Train (Less Practical for This Route)

Although the train between Kandy and Ella is world-famous, Nuwara Eliya doesn’t have a train station directly in town. The nearest stop is Nanu Oya, about 10 km away.

If you’re planning to go straight to Ella, we recommend taking the train from Nanu Oya, not from Kandy. That’s why we suggest doing the road trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya first, then catching the train to Ella from Nuwara Eliya for the most scenic part of the journey.

Moving Around

The best way to get around Nuwara Eliya is definitely by tuk-tuk. It’s easy, fast, and affordable—and most importantly, reliable when arranged through your accommodation. We recommend asking your guesthouse or hotel to book it for you so you’ll know the rate in advance and won’t need to negotiate with drivers.

In most cases, the tuk-tuk that drops you off will also wait or return to pick you up at the same agreed rate, which makes exploring a lot easier—especially for sites outside the town.

That said, Nuwara Eliya is small, and you can easily walk to many places in town. That’s exactly what we did for most of our stay, especially since the cooler climate makes walking pretty enjoyable.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

When to Visit

The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya depends on your weather preferences and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Thanks to its high elevation, Nuwara Eliya enjoys a cooler climate year-round, earning it the nickname “Little England”—but each season brings a slightly different vibe.

• Dry Season (January – April): This is the ideal time to visit Nuwara Eliya, with clear skies, cool temperatures (12–22°C / 54–72°F), and little rainfall. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like tea plantation visits, hiking at Horton Plains, and exploring the town on foot. April is also the time of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, making it a lively cultural moment to visit.
• Shoulder Season (May – August): Expect occasional showers in the afternoons, but mornings are usually clear and pleasant. This is still a good time to visit, with lush greenery across the hill country and fewer crowds compared to peak season. Just pack a light rain jacket and you’re good to go.
• Rainy Season (September – December): These months bring heavier rainfall and misty mornings, especially in October and November. While the landscapes are beautifully green, the rain can limit visibility and make trails like World’s End in Horton Plains more slippery. On the upside, accommodation prices are lower and the town is much quieter.

Best months for a visit: January to April. We visited in April, and while it was a bit chilly at night, the days were sunny and perfect for exploring.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Where to Stay

If you decide to spend the night in Nuwara Eliya, here are our recommended stays in this cool-climate colonial town surrounded by tea plantations:

• (€):  Heidis Home
• (€€): La Grande Villa
• (€€€): W15 Lake Gregory

Here are all your accommodation options in Nuwara Eliya

What to Eat

Nuwara Eliya might be a small town, but it has a growing food scene with a mix of local Sri Lankan flavors and international comfort food—perfect after a chilly day in the hills.

Here are two places we tried and really liked:

• Café Noshers – A cozy little spot near the town center with good coffee, fresh pastries, and simple Western-style meals. It’s a nice place to grab a late breakfast, a sandwich, or even just relax with a hot drink after exploring.
• Themparadu – If you’re in the mood for authentic Sri Lankan food, this is the place to go. They serve flavorful rice and curry, kotu, and other local favorites, all in generous portions and at fair prices. The setting is casual but the food is top-notch.

You’ll also find small bakeries and supermarkets throughout town—perfect for grabbing a quick snack or a warm roti. And of course, don’t leave Nuwara Eliya without sipping a hot cup of local Ceylon tea, right where it’s grown.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Best things to do in Nuwara Eliya

Visit the Iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office

The nickname “Little England” comes from the lush green hills, cool climate, gushing waterfalls, and open plains of Nuwara Eliya that closely resemble the English countryside. Back in the colonial days, this area became a refreshing escape for British officials trying to get away from the tropical heat of Sri Lanka’s coast. They built homes, gardens, and buildings that mimicked their life back home—giving Nuwara Eliya its unique British charm.

One of the most iconic reminders of this era is the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Located right in the city center, this red-brick Tudor-style building is not only still in use but is also one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka.

It’s a quick visit, but definitely one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, especially if you enjoy historical buildings with character. You can even send a postcard from there—a small but memorable souvenir from “Little England.”

Here are all your accommodation options in Nuwara Eliya

Stroll Through Victoria Park

Right next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, you’ll find Victoria Park, a beautifully maintained public garden that offers a peaceful break from the town’s bustle.

Originally used as a research field by the Hakgala Botanical Garden, the park was officially named in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria—yet another reflection of the town’s colonial charm.

There’s a small entrance fee of 300 LKR (~€0.90) per person, and it’s well worth it if you enjoy quiet paths lined with flowers, tall trees, and peaceful lawns. The park is especially beautiful during the flowering seasons (March–May and August–September) and is a great spot for birdwatching or simply relaxing in the cool highland air.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

Relax by Gregory Lake & Gregory Park

Gregory Lake, named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, is one of the main attractions in Nuwara Eliya. Originally developed for irrigation, the lake is now a popular recreational area, perfect for paddle boating, jet skiing, or just enjoying a walk along the scenic lakeside paths.

We took a leisurely walk around the lake—it’s a pleasant spot, although it does get quite touristy, especially on weekends and holidays. Still, the cool climate and open views make it a great place to relax.

There is a small entrance fee of 300 LKR (~€0.90) to access the lake park area, and additional charges apply if you want to rent a boat or try other activities.

Fun Fact: Gregory Lake can even be reached by sea plane from Colombo, taking just 30 minutes—a unique (but pricey) way to arrive in Sri Lanka’s hill country with incredible aerial views!

Here are all your accommodation options in Nuwara Eliya

Catch the Train to Ella

And finally, one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya—even if you’re not staying overnight—is to catch the famous train to Ella.

This stretch of the journey, from Nanu Oya Station (just 10 km from Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, is often considered the most scenic part of the Kandy–Ella train route. You’ll pass through rolling tea plantations, misty forests, and mountain tunnels—offering postcard-worthy views right from your window.

If you’re short on time or prefer to keep moving, we recommend driving from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in the morning, exploring a few key highlights along the way, and then hopping on the afternoon train to Ella. It’s a smart way to experience both the beautiful hill country and one of the most iconic train rides in the world, without needing to spend a night in town.

Just make sure to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel months!

Visit Lover’s Leap Waterfall

Lover’s Leap is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya, not just for its natural charm, but also for the romantic legend behind its name. According to local folklore, two lovers—unable to be together—leapt to their deaths from the top of the falls, and the spot has been known as Lover’s Leap ever since.

To reach the falls, you’ll walk or ride through lush tea plantations, passing by the Pedro Tea Estate. From there, follow a dirt road leading up to the tea manager’s bungalow. A short hike will then bring you to a rocky cliff face and a small Shiva shrine, right near the waterfall.

The falls themselves are best seen just after the rains, when the water flow is strongest, and the scenery is at its greenest. It’s a peaceful and quiet place, perfect for a short hike or an afternoon escape.

Lover’s Leap is located about 3 km from Nuwara Eliya town. You can:

• Walk: It’s around a 30–40 minute walk from the town center through scenic paths and tea fields.
• Tuk-tuk: Take a 5–10 minute ride from your accommodation to the Pedro Tea Factory, then hike the final section to the falls.

Ask your accommodation to help arrange a tuk-tuk or guide you on the walking route—it’s a lovely local experience either way.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

Hike in Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Sri Lanka and arguably the best thing to do in Nuwara Eliya. Located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 meters, this high-altitude plateau is a unique mix of montane grasslands and cloud forest, offering a landscape that feels unlike anywhere else in the country.

The park is rich in biodiversity, home to a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna, including sambar deer, exotic birds, and rare plant species. The highlight of the park is the 9.5 km circular hiking trail, which takes you to two incredible viewpoints:

• World’s End – A dramatic cliff with a 900-meter drop offering jaw-dropping views on a clear day.
• Baker’s Falls – A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush forest.

Horton Plains is located about 30 km from Nuwara Eliya, and the only practical way to get there is by private transport:

• By tuk-tuk or private car: Most visitors arrange a round-trip transfer through their guesthouse or hotel.
• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours each way due to winding mountain roads.
• Most people start very early (around 5:30–6:00 AM) to reach the park before clouds roll in and obstruct the view from World’s End.

Expect to pay around 6,000–8,000 LKR (~€18–€25) for the full trip. The entrance fee to the park is around 5,500 LKR (~€16) per adult, including vehicle and service charges.

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary