How to Get to Nuwara Eliya - Best Ways to Reach Little England during a Trip to Sri Lanka

Ranked among the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya has often been compared to the Scottish Highlands due to its cold climate and mountainous topography. Most locals head to the hills when the warm and humid weather on the island becomes too much to bear during the month of April. Whether you are heading to Nuwara Eliya to attend a business meeting or spend a few glorious days among the mountains, here are some of the most convenient means of reaching the town.

1. Hop on the Train

Memorable Train ride to Hilcountry over Nine arch Bridge, Ella | Image by Florian Rohart via flickr

Considered one of the most scenic train routes in Sri Lanka, taking the train to Nuwara Eliya can be a visual feast for those with a passion for spectacular views. Easily accessible from the Fort Railway Station, there are trains heading directly to Nuwara Eliya or those bound for Kandy or Ella from which one can travel to Nuwara Eliya after spending a few days in these picturesque hill stations. 

Travelling past countless tea estates and tunnels, the route from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is lined with waterfalls and natural wonders. Train tickets to Nuwara Eliya can be booked online and visitors should try to secure seats in an observation car as these compartments offer better views. The train journey is also the most time-consuming journey as it takes more than 6 hours to reach the final destination.

2. Taxi Services

When it comes to travelling to Nuwara Eliya by taxi, visitors should make sure they use a reliable cab service based in Colombo. This is to avoid having to negotiate a fare for the ride and to travel on a metered taxi where one can be certain of the fare calculations. 

The journey is likely to take at least 5 hours but visitors will have the advantage of stopping by waterfalls and other highlights along the way. This is the main advantage of driving or travelling by taxi to Nuwara Eliya as one can see the sights, snap photographs and stop for refreshments at local cafes. This is also the most expensive way to reach Nuwara Eliya as taxis charge by kilometer.

3. Bus It

Those who head to the Fort Bus Station will find both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses bound for Nuwara Eliya. Comfortable and efficient, travelling to your comfy room at Araliya Green City, or any other guesthouse will also cost a fraction of what it would cost to hire a cab or drive to Nuwara Eliya. 

Although you may not be able to stop along the way and take in the sights, the cheap fare more than makes it worth every penny. The only downside to relying on buses is that sometimes there are disruptions due to bad weather, landslides and other natural mishaps.

4. Driving to Nuwara Eliya

Travellers with an international driving license can also hire a car to drive to Nuwara Eliya as the directions to the mountainous town are not hard to follow. While this may not be the most affordable way to reach Nuwara Eliya, it is by far the most independent. Tourists with experience in driving in bad weather and hilly terrains are best suited for this mode of travel as there are some tricky turns and dramatic landscapes that may stump those who are less adept.

5. Travelling Around the Town

After you arrive in this misty city, travelling via tuk-tuk is the most efficient way to see some of the top places to see in Nuwara Eliya. Whether you wish to spend time touring a tea factory or want to spend time by Gregory Lake, tuk-tuks offer speedy and relatively safe transfers in minutes.