Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, Central
Founded in 1846 by British explorer Samuel Baker and developed as a hill retreat for colonial administrators escaping the coastal heat, Nuwara Eliya still carries its "Little England" nickname today, complete with Tudor-style cottages, a golf course, and a horse racecourse built during the colonial era. Surrounded by rolling tea estates at over 1,800 metres elevation, it's Sri Lanka's coolest major town, occasionally dropping close to freezing at night. It becomes especially busy during the April Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, when it functions as the country's unofficial summer capital.
Best time to visit
April, when the town hosts its most active social season, or any time outside that for a quieter visit with cooler weather.
Visitor tip
Temperatures are cooler than much of Sri Lanka; rain and mist can reduce visibility.
Local pick
Drive out to one of the working tea estates just outside town for a factory tour — most visitors only see tea fields from the road, not how the leaves are actually processed.
Quick answers
Where is Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya is in Nuwara Eliya, Central Province, Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya?
April, when the town hosts its most active social season, or any time outside that for a quieter visit with cooler weather.
How far is Nuwara Eliya from Colombo?
About 102 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.
What is near Nuwara Eliya?
Nearby places include Gregory Lake (about 2 km away), Moon Plains (about 2 km away), Seetha Amman Temple (about 3 km away), Devon Falls (about 15 km away).
Add to my itineraryNearby places
- Gregory LakeNuwara Eliya
- Moon PlainsNuwara Eliya
- Seetha Amman TempleCentral Province
- Devon FallsNuwara Eliya
More places in Central Province
More to see around Nuwara Eliya: things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Planning a trip? See the top attractions in Sri Lanka, the best time to visit and how many days you need.