Joanna James
Nuwara Eliya is a quintessential town of colonial charm, lazy, hazy days of luxury, hills, mist, tea, strawberries and ambrosia. It was once called ‘Little England’ by the British colonials. The weather, scenery and even the culture in Nuwara Eliya differ from the rest of the country. In this brief guide, we talk about how to reach Nuwara Eliya.
The hilly town of Nuwara Eliya is located in the central region of Sri Lanka, about 175 km away from Colombo. There are three modes of transport you can use to get to Nuwara Eliya – train, bus and cab. It is a city of rolling, mist-covered hills, chilly weather, tea plantations, vegetable farms, waterways and the slow-paced luxury of firesides and tea. That is why Nuwara Eliya family bungalows are popular amongst both locals and tourists. Most choose to stay at places such as The Lavender House for the duration of their visit.
You can easily board a train to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo, Ella and Kandy. There is something to be said about reaching Nuwara Eliya by train. It will definitely be one of the most beautiful train rides of your lifetime. You can reach Nuwara Eliya via train from Colombo within 6 hours and 20 minutes. The second-class train ticket cost about 2 USD. You can reach Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train within 3 and half hours. A second-class ticket from Kandy costs just about 1 USD. The breathtaking ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya usually takes about 2 and a half hours. It will cost you less than 1 USD. The nearest station to most resorts in Nuwara Eliya is the Nanu Oya station. If you catch a tuk-tuk at the station, you can reach the city centre within 20 minutes. There are plenty of tuk-tuks near the station. But, if you are going to catch a bus, walk about 50 meters from the station towards the bus stop. A ticket to the city is about 0.10 USD.
It is always a good idea to reserve your seat early to avoid having to stand in the train all the way to Nuwara Eliya on busy days.
You can catch a direct bus to Nuwara Eliya from the main bus stations in Colombo (Pettah), Kandy and Ella. A direct (air-conditioned) bus ride from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya cost around 2 USD. And the journey lasts for about 5 hours and another half hour. You can also catch a semi-luxury bus from Ella to Nuwara Eliya for just 0.50 USD. You can expect to spend about 3 hours on the bus from Ella. If you opt to travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, prepare to spend 3 hours and 30 minutes on the bus. Your cost will be just under 1 USD.
If you are going to bus it to Nuwara Eliya, pack some snacks and carry a refillable water bottle with you. The buses will stop once in a while to let you stretch your legs and grab a snack. But it is a good idea to be prepared.
If a long bus ride or train ride does not appeal to you, catch a taxi. You can either rent a car with or without a driver or book a taxi through your phone. There are Uber rides and PickMe rides available for long-distance journeys. A taxi is the most comfortable and hassle-free option, especially if you are travelling from Galle, Mirissa or Dickwella.
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