Sri Lanka's cool, colonial-era hill station, nicknamed 'Little England', ringed by emerald tea estates and misty mountains.
Set at 1,868 m above sea level in the heart of the central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's highest and coolest town. Red-brick post offices, half-timbered cottages, a racecourse and a golf club give the town a distinctly Victorian air, earning it the nicknames 'Little England' and the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is the centre of the country's tea industry, surrounded by rolling estates and factories that welcome visitors. Cool nights, manicured parks and nearby waterfalls and lakes make it a favourite highland escape.
The town was established in the mid-19th century as a hill retreat after the region was 'discovered' by British colonial officers, and it developed rapidly under Governor Sir Edward Barnes from the 1820s. British planters cleared the surrounding hills for coffee and later tea, and the temperate climate led them to recreate an English country town complete with a golf course, racecourse and Tudor-style buildings. It remains the beating heart of Ceylon tea production to this day.
A high-altitude plateau of montane grassland and cloud forest, home to the sheer cliff viewpoint known as World's End.
A famous roadside tea estate and factory with free guided tours and a cafe overlooking the tea gardens.
One of Sri Lanka's grandest gardens, set against the Hakgala rock at high altitude and famous for its roses and orchids.
A colonial-era reservoir at the edge of town, ringed by a park with boat rides, cycling paths and pony rides.
A colourful Hindu temple linked to the Ramayana, said to mark where Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana.
A beautifully kept town-centre park of flower beds and lawns, prized by birdwatchers for its rare highland species.
Halal and Vegetarian-friendly options are tagged below. Kosher food is not commercially available here; observant travellers usually self-cater or contact a Chabad house.
Sri Lankan, Chinese · Budget
A busy, budget-friendly eatery on the main street known for hoppers, ulundu vade, kottu and Sri Lankan and Chinese dishes at very reasonable prices, with many vegetarian choices.
Sri Lankan, Halal · Budget
A popular halal restaurant serving biryani, fried rice, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a dependable choice for halal and vegetarian diners in town.
Sri Lankan, Chinese, Western · Mid
A long-running town-centre restaurant offering a broad menu of Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western dishes, including generous rice and curry platters and vegetarian mains.
North & South Indian · Fine
An elegant North and South Indian restaurant at the historic Grand Hotel, serving tandoori dishes, curries, biryani and plenty of vegetarian options in a colonial setting.
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