Kandy , Sri Lanka

Nuwara eliya day tour from Kandy

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About this experience

Nuwara Eliya Day Tour is an amazing experience for everyone, with so many beautiful views and landscapes. Nuwara Eliya is considered the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’. The area is rich in tea gardens, vegetable cultivation, and surrounding mountains. There are so many beautiful tourist attractions around there.

Here are some of the places we will cover during our Nuwara Eliya day tour.

Damro Labookellie Tea Center and Tea Garden
Ramboda Falls
Lake Gregory
Nuwara Eliya Post Office
Sita Amman Temple

Available options

Nuwara eliya day tour from Kandy

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Free Wi-Fi

Driver/guide

Detailed itinerary

The Ramboda falls, located just off the Nuwara Eliya highway, surges down a cliff with a tiered rock face.The Ramboda Falls is the 11th tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, falling from an altitude of 358ft (109m). The waterfall is created by a tributary river of Kothmale Oya called Panna Oya. What makes this incredible is that it is framed by an emerald forest, making it an amazing view.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya day tour begins after the guests have finished their breakfast.

The destination is the fabulous tea country named Nuwara Eliya, a mesmerizing city in the hill country of the Central province. The name Nuwara Eliya has two meanings: the City of Lights and the City on the Plains. Nuwara Eliya is about 76 km from Kandy, and along the road there are many places to visit.

• The Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden is the first destination you visit during Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Day Tour. The Damro tea center is one of the tea estates we come across on the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Formerly known as the Mackwoods, it is the oldest tea center in Sri Lanka. It is an enormous 5000 hectares of lavish tea plantations. You will get to learn about both black and white tea processes, as each tea has a different method of making. The factory tour is free of charge and ends with a delicious tea tasting.

Stop 3

Then we head straight to Nuwara Eliya city to visit Lake Gregory. Located at the southern end of the town, the lake gives a sense of relaxation and a scenic view. It was named after Sir William Gregory in 1873; it is a unique tourist attraction. Tourists can go on horse rides, boat rides, or have a gentle stroll down the walkways; the lake park is also a fabulous spot for a picnic.

• The next rather weird tourist attraction is the Nuwara Eliya post office. The post office is located in the center of the city. What is unique about the post office is that it is one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. The building is a Tudor-style two-story redbrick building with a clock spire, which was constructed by the British in 1894. The upper floor of the post office is a tourist accommodation.

The last stop before heading to Kandy is the Sita Amman Temple, which is located in Sita Eliya, about ten minutes from Nuwara Eliya. It is the one and only Hindu temple devoted to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. It is one of the important Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. The soil surrounding the area is black in color; it is believed that Lord Hanuman burnt this area before he left Sri Lanka. The footprint of Lord Hanuman is still visible in a nearby stream. It is a rather interesting location to visit.

• Then finally, we head back to finish your Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Day Tour

What's not included

Drinks

Food and drinks

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age is 18 years

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.