The Complete Route Overview

The Avissawella to Nuwara Eliya route spans approximately 150 kilometers of some of Sri Lanka's most diverse terrain. Starting from the bustling town of Avissawella, just 40 kilometers from Colombo, the road gradually ascends through rubber plantations, tropical forests, and eventually into the cool highlands where tea reigns supreme.

The journey typically takes 4-5 hours of actual driving time, but you'll want to allow a full day or even two to properly explore the numerous attractions along the way. The road conditions vary from well-paved highways to narrow, winding mountain roads that require careful navigation.

Key Distances and Drive Times

• Avissawella to Kitulgala: 30km (45 minutes)
• Kitulgala to Hatton: 70km (1.5 hours)
• Hatton to Nuwara Eliya: 50km (1.5 hours)
• Total journey: 150km (4-5 hours driving time)

Major Stops and Attractions

Kitulgala: Adventure Capital and Film History

Your first major stop should be Kitulgala, a small town that punches well above its weight in terms of attractions. This is where David Lean filmed the iconic 1957 movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai,' and the Kelani River still bears witness to this Hollywood history.

White-Water Rafting: The Kelani River offers excellent Grade 2-3 rapids suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters. Several operators in town offer half-day trips ranging from $25-40 per person, including safety equipment and basic instruction.

Kitulgala Rest House: This colonial-era accommodation offers a perfect lunch stop with riverside dining. The building itself is steeped in history and provides authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at reasonable prices ($5-8 for a full meal).

Belilena Cave: Just 8km from Kitulgala, this prehistoric cave contains evidence of human habitation dating back 32,000 years. It's a short hike through rubber plantations to reach the cave entrance.

Maskeliya and the Waterfall Trail

As you climb higher into the mountains, the landscape transforms dramatically. The Maskeliya area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and the beginning of serious tea country.

Devon Falls: This 97-meter waterfall is one of the most photographed in Sri Lanka. The best viewing point is from the main road, but adventurous visitors can hike down to the base for a more dramatic perspective. The falls are most impressive during the monsoon season (May-September).

St. Clair's Falls: Known as the 'Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,' this wide waterfall cascades down in multiple tiers. There's a small tea shop at the viewing point where you can enjoy fresh Ceylon tea while taking in the views.

Tea Factory Experiences

No journey through this region is complete without visiting a working tea factory. The Pedro Tea Estate and Dambatenne Tea Factory (a slight detour toward Haputale) offer comprehensive tours showing the entire process from leaf to cup.

What to Expect: Tours typically last 45 minutes to an hour, cost $3-5 per person, and include tastings of different tea grades. You'll learn about withering, rolling, oxidation, and firing processes that create Ceylon's world-famous black tea.

Transportation Options

Private Vehicle (Recommended)

Hiring a private car with driver is the most comfortable and flexible option. Expect to pay $40-80 for the day depending on vehicle type and whether you're starting from Colombo or Avissawella. This allows you to stop whenever you want and travel at your own pace.

Public Bus

The more adventurous and budget-conscious can take public buses. Route buses run regularly from Avissawella to Nuwara Eliya via Hatton, costing just $3-5 for the entire journey. However, the buses can be crowded, and you'll have limited ability to stop for sightseeing.

Organized Tours

Many Colombo-based tour operators offer day trips or multi-day packages including this route. These typically cost $60-120 per person and include transportation, guide, and sometimes meals.

Where to Stay Along the Route

Budget Options ($15-30)

• Kitulgala Rest House: Historic property with basic but clean rooms and riverside location
• Tea Bush Hotel, Hatton: Simple accommodation popular with backpackers
• Nuwara Eliya guesthouses: Numerous family-run properties in town center

Mid-Range ($30-80)

• Rafters Retreat, Kitulgala: Modern hotel catering to adventure travelers
• Dickoya Bungalow: Colonial-era estate bungalow with mountain views
• Hotel Glendower, Nuwara Eliya: Charming colonial-style hotel near Gregory Lake

Luxury ($80-200+)

• Ceylon Tea Trails: Collection of restored colonial tea planter bungalows offering world-class luxury
• Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya: Historic grand dame hotel with old-world charm
• Heritance Tea Factory: Converted tea factory offering unique accommodation experience

Local Food and Dining

Roadside 'Kades' (Local Eateries)

Don't miss the authentic Sri Lankan experience of eating at roadside kades. These simple establishments serve excellent rice and curry meals for $2-4. The food is fresh, spicy, and gives you a real taste of local cuisine.

Tea Estate Workers' Meals

Many tea estates offer simple meals to visitors, typically featuring string hoppers (steamed rice noodles), coconut sambol, and dhal curry. It's basic but authentic and costs around $3-5.

Colonial-Era Hotels

For a more upscale dining experience, colonial hotels like the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya serve traditional English afternoon tea ($8-12) and continental cuisine in elegant surroundings.

Best Time to Visit and Weather Considerations

The ideal time for this journey is during the dry season from December to April when you'll have clear skies and minimal rain. During this period, temperatures in Nuwara Eliya range from 10-20°C (50-68°F), making it pleasantly cool compared to the coastal areas.

The monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy rains that can make mountain roads treacherous and obscure views. However, this is when waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and the landscape is at its greenest.

What to Pack: Regardless of season, bring warm clothing for Nuwara Eliya as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. A rain jacket is essential year-round due to unpredictable mountain weather.

Cultural Sites and Temples

Seetha Amman Temple

Located in Nuwara Eliya, this colorful Hindu temple is believed to be where Sita was held captive by King Ravana in the epic Ramayana. The temple features beautiful Tamil architecture and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

St. Andrew's Church

This Scottish Presbyterian church in Nuwara Eliya, built in 1843, showcases beautiful colonial architecture and stained glass windows. It's a testament to the area's British colonial heritage.

Adventure Activities

White-Water Rafting in Kitulgala

The Kelani River offers some of Sri Lanka's best white-water rafting. The rapids are suitable for beginners (Grade 2) to intermediate rafters (Grade 3). Most operators provide all equipment and basic training.

Hiking and Trekking

Numerous hiking trails branch off from the main route, including paths to Adam's Peak (if you detour through Dalhousie), Horton Plains National Park, and various tea estate trails offering stunning valley views.

Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

Several adventure operators in Kitulgala offer canyoning experiences where you can rappel down waterfalls and navigate through jungle gorges.

Photography Tips and Best Viewpoints

This route offers incredible photographic opportunities. The best lighting is typically early morning (6-9 AM) when mist clings to the tea plantations, creating ethereal landscapes. Key photo spots include:

• Devon Falls viewpoint for waterfall shots
• Tea plantation terraces near Hatton
• Colonial architecture in Nuwara Eliya
• Kelani River scenes in Kitulgala
• Mountain vistas from hairpin bends

Nearby Extensions and Day Trips

Horton Plains National Park

A 2-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers the famous World's End cliff with a 4,000-foot drop and spectacular plains hiking.

Ella via Train

From Nanu Oya station (near Nuwara Eliya), take one of the world's most scenic train rides to Ella, passing through tea country and over the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

Adam's Peak

If traveling during pilgrimage season (December-April), consider a detour to climb Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka's most sacred mountain, for sunrise views.