Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella Day Trip

The Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella Day Trip offers a chance to discover Sri Lanka’s picturesque highlands. Priced at $100 per person, this 9-hour journey showcases Ramboda Falls, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and a tea factory. With flexible booking and a small group experience, this trip promises a memorable adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a tea connoisseur, this day trip provides an opportunity to learn about the beauty and culture of the island’s central region.

Contents show

Key Points

A day trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella, priced at $100.00 per person, with a duration of approximately 9 hours.
Itinerary includes visiting Ramboda Falls, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory, with a lunch stop in Nuwara Eliya.
Ramboda Falls offers scenic views of a 109-meter cascading waterfall, with multiple viewing platforms for exploration.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens feature diverse flora, including over 300 orchid species and a magnificent rose garden.
The tour provides insights into Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry through a visit to the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The day trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella is priced from $100.00 per person and lasts approximately 9 hours.

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, as the tour operates on a "book now, pay later" basis.

The small group is limited to 5 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

Pickup and drop-off services from Kandy hotels are included, making the journey more convenient for travelers.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Ella Sri Lanka

Itinerary and Highlights

This day trip begins with pickup from your hotel in Kandy at 7:30 AM.

The first stop is Ramboda Falls, where you’ll marvel at its 109-meter height, the 11th highest in Sri Lanka.

Next, you’ll explore the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the second-largest in the country, known for its stunning orchids and roses.

Explore the second-largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, known for its stunning orchids and roses.

Afterward, you’ll tour the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory, learning about tea processing, purchasing fresh tea, and sampling it with cake.

Following lunch in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll tour the former British resort town and visit Shanthipura, the highest village in northeast Sri Lanka, before returning to Kandy by 7:00 PM.

Ramboda Falls

As visitors arrive at the Ramboda Falls, they’re greeted by the cascading waters plunging 109 meters down the rocky cliff.

One of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, the Ramboda Falls is an impressive natural spectacle. Guests can admire the torrent from several viewing platforms and pathways around the base of the falls.

The cool mist and lush greenery create a serene atmosphere, inviting travelers to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery.

With an allotted 1 hour to explore, visitors can capture stunning photographs and enjoy the tranquility of this renowned natural wonder.

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Nestled in the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens sprawl across a vast, lush expanse.

As the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka, it’s renowned for its diverse flora, including:

Stunning orchid collection with over 300 species
Magnificent rose garden featuring over 4,000 bushes
Tranquil Japanese-style garden with bonsai trees
Enchanting alpine section showcasing high-altitude plants

Visitors can stroll along well-maintained pathways, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the serene beauty of this horticultural haven.

A must-see during the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella day trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory

After exploring the lush Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the day trip continues with a visit to the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory.

Guests spend 1.5 hours learning about the tea processing, purchasing fresh tea, and sampling tea with cake. The factory tour provides an in-depth look at Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry.

Visitors observe the different stages of tea production, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying. They can browse the factory store, stocking up on high-quality Mackwoods teas.

The tea-tasting experience offers a chance to appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas of the locally grown leaves.

There's plenty more to explore in Ella Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya

Following the completion of the tea factory tour, the day trip moves on to the charming town of Nuwara Eliya.

Known as "Little England", this former British resort town offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and scenic landscapes.

Participants will:

Explore the quaint streets lined with Tudor-style buildings, Victorian homes, and well-manicured gardens.
Marvel at the picturesque Gregory Lake, a popular spot for boating and strolling.
Visit the famous Grand Hotel, a stunning example of colonial-era architecture.
Enjoy lunch at one of the town’s cozy cafes or restaurants (at own expense).

After the Nuwara Eliya tour, the journey continues to the next destination, Shanthipura.

Shanthipura

The journey continues to Shanthipura, the highest village in northeast Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, this quaint village offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan life.

Towering mountains and lush greenery surround the area, providing scenic vistas that captivate the senses. Visitors can stroll through the village, mingle with the friendly locals, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

The village’s remote location and elevated position reward travelers with panoramic views that showcase the true natural beauty of Sri Lanka. A visit to Shanthipura promises a memorable and authentic experience.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation for this day trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella is included.

The tour package offers:

Transportation from Nuwara Eliya to Ella as part of the itinerary.
Pickup and drop-off services to and from the hotel in Kandy.
A small group setting, limited to 5 participants, for a more personalized experience.
An experienced English-speaking driver/guide to provide commentary and assistance throughout the journey.

The transportation and group size are designed to ensure a comfortable and efficient tour for all participants.

Common Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?

Yes, the tour can accommodate different group sizes. According to the details, the tour has a small group limit of 5 participants, but larger groups may also be possible upon request. You’ll need to check with the tour provider for availability and pricing.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Customers can request changes to the itinerary, such as adding or removing stops, adjusting the duration, or modifying the schedule. However, any customizations may impact the overall price of the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Have an Emergency?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives you flexibility in case of an emergency.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions being accommodated. However, guests are responsible for their own food and drinks during the lunch stop in Nuwara Eliya, so they can choose options that fit their dietary needs.

Can I Extend the Tour to Stay Longer in Ella?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the stay in Ella. However, you could arrange a separate trip to Ella after the day tour or book a tour that includes more time in Ella.

The Sum Up

The Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella Day Trip offers a captivating exploration of Sri Lanka’s picturesque highlands. Priced at $100 per person, this 9-hour journey showcases breathtaking natural wonders, from the cascading Ramboda Falls to the diverse flora of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Travelers can also explore the art of tea processing at the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory, making this trip a well-rounded and memorable experience.