3-Day Itinerary for Galle and Nuwera Eliya

  • Day 1: Galle Fort
    1 hour 35 minutes (80 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

    Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the city of Galle. It is a 17th-century fort built by the Dutch and is one of the best preserved forts in Asia. Visitors can walk through the ramparts of the fort and explore the narrow streets, colonial buildings, cafes, and boutiques.

  • Day 2: Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations
    4 hours (140 km) from Galle Fort

    Nuwera Eliya is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is famous for its tea plantations. Visit one of the many tea factories for a tour and try some of the finest teas in the world. The picturesque scenery of the rolling hills, green valleys, waterfalls, and forests make it a worthwhile visit.

  • Day 3: Victoria Park
    30 minutes (8 km) from Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations

    Victoria Park is a beautifully landscaped park in the heart of Nuwera Eliya. It has a variety of flowers, birds, and other wildlife, and is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Don't miss the rose garden and the greenhouse where you can see a range of exotic plants from around the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Galle Fort (2 hours, free)
  • Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations (3 hours, $10 for factory tour and tasting)
  • Victoria Park (2 hours, $5 entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $15

Transportation

To get from Galle Fort to Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations, take the A2 and then the A7. The drive takes about 4 hours and is a scenic route. Hiring a private driver or renting a car is recommended for ease of travel. Expect to pay around $60-$80 for a private driver. To get from Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations to Victoria Park, take Gregory Lake Road. Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Nuwera Eliya and are readily available. Expect to pay around $3-$5 for a tuk-tuk ride in the city.

Useful tips

If you have extra time, visit Drift BnB in Ahangama for a unique glamping experience in nature. Alternatively, Hikkaduwa is a popular beach town to extend your trip. If you have less time, choose either Galle Fort or Nuwera Eliya Tea Plantations to explore for the day. Be prepared for cooler weather in Nuwera Eliya due to its high elevation.

Airports

The nearest airport to Galle and Nuwera Eliya is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Colombo, which is about 80 km from Galle and 160 km from Nuwera Eliya.

0