Why Nuwara Eliya Is the Perfect Escape for Travellers

Why should you travel to the coldest town in Sri Lanka? There are an abundance of reasons to travel here, soon to be uncovered within this read! 

Learning the Tea Process

When you’re in this town, it’s the perfect place to see the tea behind the scenes in action! Be sure to visit a Nuwara Eliya tea factory hotel - you can find many like Heritance Tea Factory that bring you along on the interesting sights of tea making! You can also be a part of the tea tasting sessions, which treat you to a cup of freshly prepared tea straight from the fields. Within this town, you’re able to drive through hills teeming with tea planted, beautiful scenic landscapes, and breathe in some clean, fresh air.

Fresh Strawberry Fields 

Nuwara Eliya stands out for its strawberry fields that dot the hills. The cool climate here suits these berries perfectly. They ripen sweet and juicy. Walk the main roads. Spot shops packed with fresh strawberries. Some come straight from fields that morning. Pick up a punnet for a quick snack. Pair them with cream for a simple treat. Dip others in chocolate for extra fun. Bakeries offer strawberry tarts and shortcakes too. These desserts make any trip sweeter. Want more? Head to farms on the outskirts. Join a picking tour. Stoop among green rows under blue skies. Peaceful views of tea hills calm your mind. Fill your basket with ripe picks. Take them home or eat on site. This hands-on fun fits right into your Nuwara Eliya stay.

The Perfect Hike Trails 

Nuwara Eliya offers many stunning spots to explore. Check out Horton Plains National Park. Or visit Gregory Lake for a calm escape. These places brim with nature. You spot wildlife like deer and birds during hikes. Trails wind through green hills and open plains.

Head to Horton Plains National Park for the best hikes. Paths lead you by flowing waterfalls such as Baker's Falls. You climb to spots with sheer drops. World's End stands out. It drops 880 meters straight down. The view stretches across misty valleys. Fog often rolls in fast.

Pack right for these treks. Layers keep you warm in cool air. Rain gear helps with sudden showers. Highlands weather shifts quick. Mornings stay dry. Afternoons bring mist or rain. Start early to beat crowds and catch clear sights. Boots grip wet paths. Water and snacks fuel long walks.

Striking Colonial Architecture 

Strolling around Nuwara Eliya, you’ll be able to catch sights of buildings showcasing amazing architecture, full of intricate details laced within each of them. Some of the notable buildings to be found are a quaint red brick building with a clock tower, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, and the Holy Trinity Church, which showcases beautiful Gothic architecture. There are also fabulous hotels and bungalows with this style of architecture to explore and take in. 

Shops for Hunting Souvenirs

You can experience a wide variety of shops full of vintage items, locally handcrafted jewellery or gifts, spices, and more in Nuwara Eliya. This town isn’t short on shops full of items to get for your loved ones. You’re also able to find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables to try out in many shops in this town. Fine quality Batik, a traditional method of dying patterns onto clothes, is also found in many of these stores, making it a perfect traditional gift to offer relatives. 

The Getaway from the Heat

If you are travelling from one of the hotter parts of Sri Lanka, you are sure to enjoy this refreshing change in weather and scenery.  If you plan on going on a few hikes, this town is ideal, as it is just chilly enough for you to enjoy the sights without being so cold that it becomes unbearable. The weather in this town is perfect for leisurely exploring local shops, wandering through charming streets, and setting off on small adventures without feeling rushed or uneasy.  The peak time to travel to Nuwara Eliya is during the dry season, which runs from February to May, so if you travel during these months, you’re less likely to encounter any sudden weather changes.  It’s best to bring along a trusty jumper or sweater for this town. Even if you like the cold, it’s always wise to have a cover-up, as you’ll most likely be layering up once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya.