6 BEST Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya: From High Tea to Misty Mountain Views

Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Oliver

After two months on Sri Lanka’s south coast, arriving in Nuwara Eliya was honestly kind of a shock—in the best way. We took the train from Ella, and it ended up being the most beautiful part of the whole journey. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the scenery completely changed. The thick jungle slowly turned into rolling tea plantations, and the air shifted from hot and sticky to crisp and cool.

It felt like we’d left the tropics behind and landed somewhere entirely new. A lot of people tend to skip Nuwara Eliya when they’re planning their Sri Lanka itinerary, but I’m really glad we didn’t. It has a slower, quieter feel, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone down and just wander.

Nuwara Eliya is pretty small, and honestly, there isn’t some massive checklist of things you have to do here. In my experience, you can see the best of it in about two days without rushing. A lot of the lists floating around with 15 or 20 “must-dos” feel like a stretch—like, no one needs to see that many viewpoints.

So instead of cramming in filler, I wanted to share the few things that genuinely made my time here feel special. These are the absolute best things to do in Nuwara Eliya—worth your time, easy to fit into a short trip, and a nice balance of relaxing and exploring.

💡 If you haven’t visited Sri Lanka’s south coast yet, make sure to check out our favorite beach town, Hiriketiya!

Top Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is often called Sri Lanka’s “Little England.” With its misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, and cool, crisp air, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped into a different world—one that’s a perfect blend of colonial charm and natural beauty.

1. Visit a Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya

You can’t visit Nuwara Eliya without stopping by a tea factory, and we actually visited two during our stay—Damro Tea Estate and Blue Field Tea Factory. Both were amazing in their own way, but if you’re short on time, you really don’t need to do more than one.

Ceylon tea is world-renowned, and the Nuwara Eliya region, with its cool climate and high altitude, is famous for producing some of the best tea in Sri Lanka.

Damro Estate was massive. The tour here was incredibly informative—we learned that all tea is actually made from the same leaves; it’s the process that changes it. Green tea, English Breakfast, Earl Grey… it all starts with the same plant! The sheer scale of the tea production was impressive, and after walking through the factory and learning about the tea-making process, we ended with a nice tasting. I found that after one tea tasting, I was pretty set—so no need to overdo it with factory tours unless you’re a serious tea aficionado.

On the flip side, Blue Field Tea Factory felt much more like a family-run operation, and I loved that vibe. We walked out to the fields with the tea pickers, picked a few tea leaves ourselves, and were treated to a selection of their specialty teas. It was a much more personal experience, and I really appreciated how hands-on it felt.

Both were unique, but honestly, if you’re pressed for time, one tea factory experience is enough to get the full feel of Nuwara Eliya’s tea culture. There are so many tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, another great option is Pedro Tea Estate.

2. Have High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

We arrived at the Nanu Oya train station in the early afternoon, and after taking in the cool mountain air and rolling hills, we deciding having afternoon tea was the first order of business. It felt like the perfect introduction to the town’s colonial charm.

The Grand Hotel’s high tea is served daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and it’s a fantastic treat. The think is a very reasonable price for what you get—7,500 rupees per person (about $25), or you can add champagne for 9,500 rupees. Considering how much food and tea you get, I’d say it’s a steal.

The spread includes a variety of sandwiches, savory bites, and an array of sweets. But honestly, the highlight for me was the warm, buttery scones, served with freshly whipped cream and jam. They were so good, I found myself literally licking my fingers (no shame). You can also enjoy as much tea as you want, which made it a totally relaxing experience as we soaked in the historic ambiance of the hotel.

If you’re looking for a little indulgence, this is a must-do in Nuwara Eliya. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re stepping into another era while sipping on perfectly brewed Ceylon tea.

After indulging in these afternoon treats, I recommend take a stroll through Victoria Park right next door. Personally, it’s not a must do activity on it’s own, but because it’s right there I think its a great way to take in the cool mountain air. The park has some lovely plants and is perfect for a relaxing walk to unwind after tea.

3. Walk Around Gregory Lake

We were fully embracing the cooler weather in Nuwara Eliya—after months of hot, humid weather, I was actually able to wear jeans again, and it felt amazing. Naturally, we made the most of being outdoors and spent a good amount of time walking around Gregory Lake.

The lake itself is beautiful and peaceful, and you can opt for activities like jet skiing or paddle boating if that’s your vibe. We, however, were perfectly content just enjoying the fresh air and soaking in the nature around us. It was a nice, relaxing spot to spend some time, but personally, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do highlight of Nuwara Eliya.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area—just don’t expect Lake Gregory to be the main event of your trip.

4. Hike to a Waterfall

If you only do one short hike in Nuwara Eliya, let it be the walk to Lovers Leap Waterfall. It’s a beautiful little spot tucked into the hills near Hawa Eliya, and the 30-minute walk to get there is half the fun—you’re literally weaving through tea plantations with mountain views all around.

There’s a lot of mixed info online about how to reach the Lovers Leap Waterfall, but here’s what actually worked for us: we went via Pedro Tea Estate, which is the longer but more straightforward route. As you approach the factory from the Nuwara Eliya side, there’s a paved left turn just before it—follow that toward the estate manager’s house, and after about 200 meters, you’ll hit the trailhead. The path is a bit rustic but easy to follow, and there are signs and friendly tea factory staff to point you in the right direction.

It’s not a tough hike, and the waterfall at the end is well worth the effort—especially with the breeze and mountain air.

Another waterfall option and my personal favorite was the Rombada Falls. It’s about a 30 minutes drive from Nuwara Eliya and super easy to access—no complicated trailhead directions or questionable dirt roads. The entrance fee is just 50 rupees, and the short climb takes you up alongside the water to the top of the falls. It’s a gentle hike (more like a steady stair climb), and in total, it took us around 30 minutes.

We actually did this as part of a tour that combined a stop at Blue Field Tea Factory with the waterfall hike, which was perfect—no stressing about directions, and we got to enjoy both the tea and the trek. If you’re short on time or don’t feel like figuring out the route to Lovers Leap, Ramboda is a great, low-effort, high-reward option.

5. Visit Horton Plains National Park and World’s End Hike

If you’re down for an early start and some legit hiking, Horton Plains National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in Sri Lanka. Rolling grasslands, dense cloud forest, wildflowers, and the occasional sambar deer—it honestly doesn’t feel like anything else on the island.

The main trail is a 9 km loop, and most people come for the dramatic cliff drop known as World’s End. On a clear morning, the view stretches for miles over tea country and even out to the ocean. But heads up—get there early (like, gates open at 6:00 AM early), because the clouds usually roll in by mid-morning and block everything. You’ll also pass mini world’s end, and Bakers Falls.

Entrance is around 12,500 rupees per person for foreigners, and recent reviews suggest the price is creeping even higher. It can feel like a bit of a rip-off if you’re not prepared for that, so just keep it in mind when budgeting your trip. That said, if you catch the park on a clear day, the views are next level.

It’s a moderate hike, nothing technical, but bring water, snacks, and a light jacket—it gets chilly up there!

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Nuwara Eliya, and you really do need to hire a driver or tuk tuk to get there on time. Public transport isn’t realistic for that early of a start—you’ll just end up missing the views at World’s End. It’s best to head out by 5:00 AM. I highly recommend trying to go with other travelers to split the cost, as a tuk tuk there and back doesn’t come super cheap.

💡 If you’re still craving a bit of hiking but the steep price and half-day trip to Horton Plains feel like a lot, check out Single Tree Hill. It’s only about 1 km outside of Nuwara Eliya, the 10th highest mountain in Sri Lanka, and will give you some amazing views of the town without the hefty price tag.

6. See the Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Okay, I know a post office might not sound thrilling, but this one’s actually kind of iconic. The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka, and it looks like it was pulled straight out of a little English village—red bricks, steep roof, and a white clock tower.

We stopped in and sent a postcard to my mom in Texas and Oliver’s family in Germany, and honestly, it was such a wholesome little moment. There’s just something sweet about sending snail mail from the literal clouds—plus it makes for a thoughtful (and super lightweight) souvenir. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth a quick stop and a photo.

Tips for Places to see in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka

How to Get to Nuwara Eliya:

Nuwara Eliya sits between Kandy and Ella, making it a perfect stop on the famous train ride. If you’re taking the train, note that the most scenic part of the train journey is between Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Be sure to grab an open-air seat for that leg of the trip to soak in the breathtaking views of the hills and tea plantations.

💡 If you’re taking the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, you’re in for stunning views. It’s the perfect way to continue your adventure, and once you arrive, check out the top luxury hotels in Ella for a cozy stay.

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya

There are plenty of cozy hotels and guesthouses in town, but for a little extra charm, consider staying in a colonial-style bungalow or a boutique hotel for that quintessential Nuwara Eliya vibe. We stayed at the Winchester Little England and it was the coziest stay in Sri Lanka!

What to Pack for Nuwara Eliya

Bring layers! The weather here is cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka, so pack a light jacket, comfortable shoes for walking, and a hat or sunglasses for the sunny spells.

I always bring this Colombia Jacketwith me when I’m traveling. It folds up perfectly for when I don’t need it and keeps me dry on all my hikes.

Hire a Tuk Tuk or Tour Guide

To get around, hire a tuk tuk or a local driver. Many attractions are spread out, and tuk tuks are a great way to get to places like Horton Plains or the waterfalls without the hassle of public transport.

We booked this tour on our second day and it was the best way to check off the tea plantations and waterfalls around Nuwara Eliya! The driver was awesome, we stopped to buy some strawberries and had a great day!

FAQ’s What to do in Nuwara Eliya

What are some unique things to do in Nuwara Eliya?

Visit the tea plantations and the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office—both are truly one-of-a-kind experiences in Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya at night?

I recommend having dinner at the Grand Indian (their garlic naan is amazing), but keep in mind the town is pretty chill after dark, with a few pubs scattered around.

The best things to do in Nuwara Eliya for couples

Couples will love high tea at the Grand Hotel and a peaceful walk around Nuwara Eliya town admiring the colonial style buildings. For a bit of adventure, hike to Lovers Leap Waterfall or enjoy a scenic tea plantation tour.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya with family

Take the family for a boat ride on Gregory Lake, explore Victoria Park, or visit Romboda Falls for an easy hike. The area’s relaxed vibe is perfect for family fun.

Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya in one day?

For the perfect one-day itinerary, I recommend this day tour to 2 tea plantations and 2 waterfalls. We did this tour on our second day and it was the ideal way to spend the morning! Afterward, we had lunch at Cool Land Hot Hut—it’s delicious! You can go for the buffet or order a dish, and we loved everything we tried. End the day with a late afternoon tea for the perfect Nuwara Eliya experience.

Final Thoughts on Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya might be small, but it’s packed with charm, stunning hill country, and unique experiences. Whether you’re sipping tea at a plantation, exploring the rolling hills, or simply soaking in the cool mountain air, it’s a place that feels a world apart from the rest of Sri Lanka.

In my experience, two days was the perfect amount of time to see everything without feeling rushed or bored. You get to enjoy the iconic sights, like the tea plantations and the post office, while also having time to chill and enjoy the scenery. It’s the ideal balance between adventure and relaxation.

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