How to Plan the Perfect Family Getaway in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is located in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is also called Little England in Sri Lanka due to the weather, ambience and colonial bungalows. Even though Sri Lanka is a tropical country, Nuwara Eliya has a cooler climate with breathtaking landscapes, tea plantations and family-friendly activities. Here is a guide to planning the perfect family getaway in Nuwara Eliya.

Best Time To Visit Nuwara Eliya

The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is from December to April, as it is the dry season. The weather is cool, and pleasant to try outdoor activities. If you visit during December, you can celebrate Christmas in a colonial bungalow. If you visit in April, you can experience the famous Nuwara Eliya season, where the town comes alive with flower shows, horse races and festivals.

Where To Stay?

Choosing the right accommodation is important for a family getaway. A 5-star hotel in Nuwara Eliya will provide you and your family with all the luxuries needed during your stay.  There are colonial bungalows you can stay in or resorts like Araliya Green City, which will offer access to a full-sized food court, shopping mall, nightclub and many other amenities your family can enjoy within the resort. Most of these places will have kid-friendly facilities and dining options for youngsters.

What To Know Before Visiting

Depending on the month you visit, the temperature can go as low as 15 degrees Celsius. Make sure to pack warm clothes for you and your family. Take socks and boots for hiking. You can carry a bug spray with you as well. Start your day early as many attractions close by evening. Plan your activities, as some activities may need a prior reservation. Using public transport with children can be challenging. You can always hire a private vehicle or use a tuk-tuk to travel.

Explore The Victoria Park And Hakgala Botanical Garden

A visit to Victoria Park is mandatory if travelling with children. The park is just 5 minutes from Nuwara Eliya Town and is open from 7 Am to 6 Pm. It is perfect for a relaxing walk, family picnic or birdwatching with your children. You can take pictures with the beautifully maintained flower gardens. You will also find a children’s playground for the little ones. Hakgala Botanical Garden is 20 minutes from the Nuwara Eliya Town and is open from 8 Am to 5.30 PM. The botanical garden is home to a variety of exotic plants and colourful flowers. The garden is also associated with the legend of Ramayana, adding a historical touch.

Boat Ride At Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Nuwara Eliya which is open from 8 Am to 6 Pm. Families can enjoy boat rides in the lake, pony rides along the bank, or simply relax by the lake. Renting a swan paddle boat or taking a jet ski ride will make the trip more adventurous for the little ones. There are many food stalls and picnic spots around the lake where you can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan street food.

Visit A Tea Plantation

No trip to Nuwara Eliya is complete without visiting tea plantations. The best places to explore are Pedro TEA Estate and Bluefield Tea Gardens. Most Tea factories are open from 8.30 Am to 5 P.m.  You and your family can watch how tea pluckers pluck tea and how tea leaves are weighed and taken to the factory. At the factory, you can learn about tea production and sample some of the finest Ceylon tea. You can take beautiful pictures of the tea fields and walk through them.

Discover The Ambewela Farm And Strawberry Picking.

Ambewela farm, which is located 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya, is called Little New Zealand and is open from 8.30 Am to 5 P.m. Here, kids can see cows, goats and rabbits and learn about dairy farming. The farm produces fresh milk, cheese and yoghurt, which you and your kids can taste while visiting. Another exciting activity for kids to try is strawberry picking. Several farms allow visitors to hand-pick fresh strawberries. This experience is both fun and educational for children.

Visit Seetha Amman Temple

The temple is 20 minutes from Nuwara Eliya and is open from 6 am to 8 pm. For families interested in history and culture, this temple is a must-visit. You will be able to learn the significance of this temple in the Ramayana tale.

Go On A Scenic Train Ride

Take the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, which is about 3 hours. The journey will take you through the beautiful green tea plantations and misty mountains. This will be an unforgettable journey for your children.