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Introducing Nuwara Eliya – A “Little England”

A city of contrasts, Nuwara Eliya is a place where old colonial buildings intersect with local shacks, golf course smoothly blend into tea plantations and children play in puddles near red telephone boxes.

Ministry

Nuwara Eliya Overview

Nuwara Eliya is located in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka almost in the middle of the tear-shaped island. Its temperate climate has contributed to a keen interest of Englishmen and domestic travellers wishing to escape from the tropical heat and resulted in a rather developed tourist facilities.

The “City of Light” was a favourite escape for the English workers and their families, and it still preserves some reminders of days bygone. Thus, while wandering the street of Nuwara Eliya, you will spot numerous English pubs and elegant restaurants, pretty shops and tidy rose gardens.

Travellers usually stay a day or two in the city on their way to more energetic destinations as there is not much to do in the city. Though, Nuwara Eliya boasts magnificent scenery of tea plantations, botanical gardens and endless treks to walking in nature. Also, it houses a spectacular golf course and hundreds of bars with table games and billiard, so if you decided to stay a little bit longer in this extraordinary city, you could be sure you won’t get bored.

What We Love

  • Magnificent natural scenery

  • Well-tended colonial buildings

  • Numerous English pubs

  • Spectacular golf course

  • Pleasant cool temperature

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Nuwara Eliya

Shopping

Nuwara Eliya is the best place to shop the authentic handmade Lankan products as most of the items sold in the city are made by locals.

If you are a resident of some cold country with harsh winters, Nuwara Eliya Bale Bazaar (also known as Winter Market among Lankan expats) is a great place to buy bargain-priced winter gear. As there is no real winter in Sri Lanka, most of the visitors are foreigners who especially arrived in the city to hunt out some affordable and quality winter-wear.

Besides the winter clothes and handmade items there is not much shopping in Nuwara Eliya, so if you want to bring back home some amazing quality silk scarfs, jewellery or cosmetics head to Kandy or Colombo which are the trade centres of the island.

Relaxation

Nuwara Eliya boasts magnificent natural sights and fantastic outdoor activities to indulge while staying in this charming city. You can take a golf course, watch horse races, drive a sports car or simply wander the streets of the town.

For a more authentic experience, opt a fascinating tour around the tea plantation which is tucked away amidst lush hills. Take a stroll along the paths through the neat rows of the best tea and watch the process of tea harvesting and processing.

The central part of Sri Lanka boasts with magnificent waterfalls bearing fanciful names such as ‘The Lovers Leap’ and the ‘Bridal Falls’. These beautiful natural sights can be easily reached within a short day trip from Nuwara Eliya. Impressive and powerful Lankan waterfalls is an unforgettable sightseeing, and a must-visit attraction, especially if you are a nature lover.

Mackwoods Tea Shop Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Jessica Factory Outlet Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Bale Bazaar Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Newark Eliya Central Sri Lanka
Newark Eliya Sri Lanka
Golf Course Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Nuwara Eliya

Restaurants

There are a couple of restaurants in Nuwara Eliya that serve decent buffets, which are conceptualised as a fusion of oriental and international tastes. You can sample various dishes at one visit, so these buffet-style venues are well worth a visit.

English pedantry and Lankan hospitality have brought into the world another unique establishment – The Hill Club. Sophisticated, genuine and a little bit snob this restaurant offers some extraordinary dining experience as it will take you back a century.

The Hill Club restaurant is definitely a place to dress up, otherwise, you can be refused to enter the venue. Or you can borrow a jacket and a tie from the Hill Club restaurant collection. The food served by waiters wearing national dress and white gloves is scrumptious and rich in taste.

Nightlife

There isn’t much of nightlife in Nuwara Eliya except a couple of pubs and bars spread around the city centre. Authentic and atmospheric, these establishments offer relaxed ambience and classic cocktails to savour. A couple of hotel bars provide a more trendy setting and serve a wider range of exotic drinks.

While walking the streets of this misty city, you can pass through tiny, unremarkable venues, with billiard tables tucked away in the corner. The latter were favourite establishments among Englishmen, and they still preserve the spirit of times bygone.

Grand Thai Restaurant Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Heritance Tea Factory Hotel Restaurant Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Bars in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Lake View Pub Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
De Silva Food Centre Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Ministry

Nuwara Eliya Neighbourhoods

Situated towards the east of Colombo International Airport (a.k.a Bandaranaike International Airport) in the centre of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is an ideal base to take in all sights of the Sri Lankan Hill Country and its central part.

Nuwara Eliya & Surrounds

Tangalle

One of the last towns on the coast before the great expanse of the national parks, known for its paradise beaches.

TANGALLE GUIDE

Mirissa

An irresistibly relaxed beach town with the occasional beach party and opportunity for whale watching.

MIRISSA GUIDE

Galle

The southwest tip of the island is home to the UNESCO protected Galle Fort dating back to the 16th century.

GALLE GUIDE
Ministry

Nuwara Eliya Villas

There are no Ministry Approved villas in Nuwara Eliya, although the town is lavishly dotted with colonial hotels, guest houses and basic accommodations, so if you decided to spend a couple of days in the city, you wouldn’t have a shortage of the accommodation options.

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    IF Villa Living Area with Sea View I Talpe, Sri LankaIF Villa Gardens | Talpe, Sri Lanka

    IF VILLA

    Talpe, Sri Lanka – 5 Bedrooms

    This dreamy beachfront villa exudes classic colonial charm and easy seaside living, with a garden gate opening directly to a soft sandy beach.

    US $614
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    Ginger Palm Villa Gardens and Pool | Dickwella, Sri LankaGinger Palm Villa Bedroom Four with Bunk Beds | Dickwella, Sri Lanka

    GINGER PALM VILLA

    Dickwella, Sri Lanka – 4 Bedrooms

    This endlessly elegant villa with its immense saltwater pool is located just footsteps from heavenly Hiriketiya Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets.

    US $862
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    Villa Yala Living Area | Yala, Sri LankaVilla Yala Pool and Garden | Yala, Sri Lanka

    YALA LODGE

    Yala, Sri Lanka – 2 Bedrooms

    Yala Lodge offers the ultimate escape surrounded by exotic nature on the doorstep of Yala National Park.

    US $1,332
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    Ishq Villa Outdoor Area with Sea View | Talpe, Sri LankaIshq Villa Pool Side Seating Area | Talpe, Sri Lanka

    ISHQ TALPE

    Talpe, Sri Lanka – 5 Bedrooms

    Ishq Talpe is a magnificent beachfront villa blending chic boutique style with colonial grandeur, offering sumptuous villa bliss.

    US $1,518
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    Myla Beach Villa Living and Dining Area with Pool View | Dickwella, Sri LankaMyla Beach Villa Gardens and Pool | Dickwella, Sri Lanka

    MYLA BEACH VILLA

    Rathgama, Sri Lanka – 4 Bedrooms

    This picture-perfect beach house mixes fresh modern décor with Sri Lankan antiques and offers direct access to a wide sandy beach.

    US $660
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    Villa Sepalika Pool Side | Talpe, Sri LankaVilla Sepalika Outdoor Dining | Talpe, Sri Lanka

    VILLA SEPALIKA

    Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka – 3 Bedrooms

    Villa Sepalika is a beautiful Sri Lankan villa nestled in the tropics, featuring grand colonial style and a superb swimming pool.

    US $218
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    The Nine Mirissa Building Area | Mirissa, Sri LankaThe Nine Mirissa Bedroom with Ocean Views | Mirissa, Sri Lanka

    THE NINE MIRISSA

    Mirissa, Sri Lanka – 7 Bedrooms

    The Nine Mirissa is a staggering villa with seven bedrooms built over nine levels on Sri Lanka’s scenic coastline.

    US $1,380
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    Sale!

    THE BEACH HOUSE MIRISSA

    Mirissa, Sri Lanka – 6 Bedrooms

    The Beach House Mirissa is a modern beach house with enviable access to a stunning sandy beach in Sri Lanka.

    US $1,609
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    Sale!
    Ishq Colombo Pool Side Living Area | Chaweng, Koh SamuiIshq Colombo Pool Side | Chaweng, Koh Samui

    ISHQ COLOMBO

    Colombo, Sri Lanka – 4 Bedrooms

    Ishq Colombo is a tranquil oasis tucked amidst vibrant Colombo, combining opulent colonial decor with contemporary five-star luxury.

    US $1,080
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    Villa Mine Gardens with Pond | Talpe, Sri LankaVilla Mine Swimming Pool | Talpe, Sri Lanka

    VILLA MINE

    Talpe, Sri Lanka – 5 Bedrooms

    Villa Mine is a sprawling tropical wonderland with a private lake and skate bowl, just moments from Sri Lanka’s paradise beaches.

    US $726
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    Braganza House Indoor Living Area | Galle, Sri LankaBraganza House Top View | Galle, Sri Lanka

    BRAGANZA HOUSE

    Galle, Sri Lanka – 4 Bedrooms

    This glamorous white villa offers a stunning mix of Sri Lankan architecture, Moroccan glamour and bohemian Bali style amid serene paddy fields.

    US $935
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    Rice House Indoor Lounge Area | Galle, Sri LankaRice House Pool Side Loungers | Galle, Sri Lanka

    RICE HOUSE

    Galle, Sri Lanka – 5 Bedrooms

    A dreamy escape hugged by paddy fields, Rice House exudes relaxed Sri Lankan charm with its terracotta floors and postcard-ready pool.

    US $547
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    South Point Ocean View | Galle, Sri LankaSouth Point Ocean Night View | Galle, Sri Lanka

    SOUTH POINT OCEAN

    Ahangama, Sri Lanka – 8 Bedrooms

    Experience beachside bliss at South Point Ocean, where the only thing standing between you and the Indian Ocean is a pristine private pool.

    US $1,000
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    South Point Villa Dining Table | Galle, Sri LankaSouth Point Villa Building | Galle, Sri Lanka

    SOUTH POINT VILLA

    Ahangama, Sri Lanka – 3 Bedrooms

    South Point Villa is a blissful beachfront villa offering Sri Lankan charm on a stunning sandy beach.

    US $600
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    Suriyawatta Pool Area | Weligama, Sri LankaSuriyawatta Living Area with Billiard Table | Weligama, Sri Lanka

    SURIYAWATTA

    Weligama, Sri Lanka – 5 Bedrooms

    Suriyawatta is a hidden paradise in South Sri Lanka, a luxe modern-colonial villa with terraced gardens cascading down to the beach.

    US $815
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    Sisindu Tea Estate Seating with Garden View | Galle, Sri LankaSisindu Tea Estate Classic Pool | Galle, Sri Lanka

    SISINDU TEA ESTATE

    Galle, Sri Lanka – 6 Bedrooms

    Set in a fragrant tea plantation with sea views, Sisindu Tea Estate offers a luxurious stay in the tropics with its infinity pool and yoga shala.

    US $1,675
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    Sangria Sun Yoga Mat | Wadduwa, Sri LankaSangria Sun Living Room | Wadduwa, Sri Lanka

    SANGRIA SUN

    Wadduwa, Sri Lanka – 4 Bedrooms

    Sangria Sun is an idyllic beachfront villa with a fresh contemporary feel, private yoga space and easy access to Colombo.

    US $400
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    Tranquil Waters Outdoor Area | Negombo, Sri LankaTranquil Waters Living Area | Negombo, Sri Lanka

    TRANQUIL WATERS

    Negombo, Sri Lanka – 3 Bedrooms

    With its haute décor, epic cinema room and restful setting gazing over a Sri Lankan lagoon, Tranquil Waters is the perfect place to press pause.

    US $350
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    Samudra House Pool | Galle, Sri LankaSamudra House Door to the Beach | Galle, Sri Lanka

    SAMUDRA HOUSE

    Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka – 3 Bedrooms

    Samudra House is a beautifully designed beach house with a 17-metre pool and classic Sri Lankan charm.

    US $488
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    Ubuntu Beach Villas Sun Beds | Mirissa, Sri LankaUbuntu Beach Villas Pool Side Dining | Mirissa, Sri Lanka

    UBUNTU BEACH VILLAS

    Mirissa, Sri Lanka – 8 Bedrooms

    Ubuntu Beach Villas merges gracefully with the beach immediately in front of the pool area, creating a picturesque paradise.

    US $2,090
Ministry

Practical Information

Getting There

Although it is possible to get to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka over land or water, the best way is to fly.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

It can take anywhere between 4,5 hours to 5,5 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya from Colombo International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.

AIRPORT TAXI

Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. It is recommended to negotiate about the price before getting into the car, as metered taxis do not travel long distances from Colombo.

HIRED MINIVANS

If you are travelling in a larger group, hired minivan is the best option to reach Nuwara Eliya. The service is available through the travel agencies in the Colombo airport at the arrival level.

TRAIN

The train journey to Nuwara Eliya from either Colombo or Kandy to the nearby Nanu Oya is breathtaking. The train passes through the lush valleys, tea plantations and offers some of the most spectacular views one can imagine. The easiest way to reach the city is by Badulla Train that departs from Colombo station.

BUS

The public bus is a slow and uncomfortable, yet, affordable way to get to reach Nuwara Eliya. Bus services are available from both Colombo and Kandy. Despite the fact that only 180 km separate Colombo from Nuwara Eliya, the road transport is very slow due to the very congested traffic.

Getting Around

There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:

PRIVATE CAR

Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.

WALKING

Walking around the city is the best way to explore Nuwara Eliya as it features with a quite small size. However, if you decided to travel further afield, you might need another mean of transportation depending on your preference.

TUK-TUK

Tuk-tuk is one of the most affordable and easy transport options available in the town. Simply flag one down the street and negotiate about the price before getting into tuk-tuk cabin. However, take into account, that the traffic in the city is very congested, and no matter of the transport mode you won’t be able to exceed 20 km per hour.

Ministry

Nuwara Eliya Travelogue