How to Enjoy a Relaxing Family Vacation in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: A Scenic Getaway in the Highlands

Your vacation begins even before you arrive in Nuwara Eliya. The journey from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is filled with scenic views. It’s about 160 kilometres from Colombo, and there are three ways to get here: by car, train, or bus. 

Most people prefer the train journey, as it provides the most scenic travel experience. The train journey might take about seven hours, but the stunning scenery along the way will make it feel like only an hour.

You can also take a bus, which might take longer than the train journey. If your focus is on convenience and you want to get here in the shortest time possible, hire a car with a driver. Along the way, you can make stops at beautiful sites, enjoy the scenery, and take pictures.

The highland climate remains moderate throughout the year. However, most people prefer to visit from February to April, as there is little rainfall during these months. The rest of the year experiences slight variations in weather, with the monsoon months bringing the most rain. 

March to June: Temperatures remain between 13 and 23 degrees. Most locals come in to enjoy the festivities in April, and tourists follow suit. It might be a bit challenging to find a place to stay during these months, though.

July to October: With temperatures hovering between 17 and 32 degrees, this is the monsoon season. If you don’t mind a bit of drizzle, it’s a good time to visit.

November to February: This is the coolest time of the year to visit Nuwara Eliya, with lows of 15 degrees and highs of 20 degrees. Frost forms at night, which disappears in the morning sun.

Nuwara Eliya is a favourite retreat for both locals and tourists. All kinds of travellers visit, and the town is able to accommodate them all, thanks to its diverse accommodation options. 

You have budget choices as well as upmarket hotels with breathtaking views. Since you're here with your family, look out for a Nuwara Eliya family hotel, where you’ll find four-star options such as Araliya Red.

All over this little town and the surrounding area, you’ll find a number of tea plantations, with lush tea growing in terraced fields. Here are three to visit:

Pedro Tea Estate: Travel 3 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya to reach Pedro Tea Estate. Guided tours are available, offering the opportunity to witness the tea-making process, culminating in the tasting of a delicious cup of tea.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Estate: Located about 20 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya, Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Estate offers guided tours and boasts a scenic location. It is one of the most-visited estates, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and purchase some to take home.

Blue Field Tea Gardens: Another must-visit for families visiting the upcountry, Blue Field Tea Gardens offers seasonal hands-on experiences, such as tea picking.

One of the best features of Nuwara Eliya’s abundant scenic natural beauty is its waterfalls. 

Ramboda Falls is the most stunning of them all. It’s a multitiered waterfall, cascading over 100 metres. The falls are enveloped by the verdant greenery characteristic of the upcountry landscape. It’s an excellent spot for a hike and to take some pictures. 

Ramboda Falls becomes even more majestic and powerful during the rainy season, making it the best time to visit. But be careful of the slippery paths.

Dotted across the lush landscape of the upcountry are numerous parks, promising you a memorable nature getaway. 

The most famous of these is Victoria Park. In addition to flower beds in various colours, the park also features manicured lawns for walking and benches for sitting. 

Another must-visit is Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Situated at an elevation of 1,700 metres, the garden is among the highest in Asia. It’s known for its collection of roses, orchids, and ferns, with the Japanese Garden being a highlight. 

If you have more time, visit Galway’s Land National Park as well.