Nuwara Eliya Stay

Nuwara Eliya was laid out by the British in the 19th century as a cool escape from the lowland heat, and it still has the bungalows, gardens and red-brick buildings to show for it. This short break puts you in one of those bungalows for two nights, with a day spent with a local host.

Where you stay

Your base is the Glenmor Bungalow or a similar property: an old British-style house with a Sri Lankan touch, overlooking a private tea plantation. Lake Gregory is within walking distance, and it is at its best early in the morning or around sunset. Breakfast is included each day.

Day two with your host

Cooking and lunch

Your local host meets you for a traditional cooking demonstration, showing how a Sri Lankan rice and curry comes together, from the spices and coconut to the finished dishes. You then sit down to eat what has been cooked.

Tea, from bush to cup

In the afternoon you head out on a guided tour. You walk through a tea plantation, then visit a factory to see how the leaf is processed, and finish with a tea tasting. See more about tea plantation and factory visits.

A waterfall stop

The tour also takes in a waterfall near town for the view and a photo. There are several in the area, including Ramboda Falls on the road from Kandy.

You leave with a small souvenir at the end of your stay.

Good to know

• Nuwara Eliya sits high in the hills and can be cold at night. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket.
• Transfers to and from Nuwara Eliya can be added. Ask us when you book.

Read more about Nuwara Eliya, or see our other hotels in Nuwara Eliya.

Getting there

Nuwara Eliya is about three and a half hours by road from Kandy. The hill-country train between Kandy and Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya's station, was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, so ask us which trains are running when you book. That makes Nuwara Eliya a good place to stop before taking the train on to Ella.