Kandy to Nanuoya tickets

About the ride from Kandy to Nanuoya

Leave behind Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings, to discover the serene landscapes of Nanuoya. 

Located next to another natural gem, Nuwara Eliya, Nanuoya is often conflated with its neighbor because they are only five miles (eight kilometers) apart.

Switching the bustling atmosphere of Kandy for the tranquility of this quaint village will be jarring at first, but you, like most travelers, will soon fall deeply in love with the Sri Lankan countryside.

Nanuoya is approximately 49.5 miles (79.8 kilometers) from Kandy by road. The short journey can easily be managed by taking a minivan, a car, a bus or a train.

However you choose to arrive at this magnificent destination, you'll struggle to tear yourself away once you set eyes on its dazzling landscape.

What is Nanuoya like?

Nanuoya is a small village in Sri Lanka named after the Nanu Oya River. It is located within the Nuwara Eliya District, a short distance from Nuwara Eliya.

When visiting, most people stay in either Nanuoya or Nuwara Eliya, and all the local sites are concentrated between these two destinations.

Despite its small size, the two villages benefit from epic scenery that entices visitors from all over the globe. The charming villages are nestled among sprawling tea plantations and rolling hills, with neighboring waterfalls adding to the region's stunning beauty.

Five unforgettable activities in Nanuoya

Although Nanuoya and Nuwara Eliya are small villages, they are full of beautiful treasures for tourists to discover. 

Make sure to include these top attractions in your itinerary:

1. Visit Lovers' Leap Waterfall. This gorgeous waterfall got its name from a dark story. 

The tale tells of a prince who fell in love with a girl, but the king forbade their marriage. Feeling their love was inevitably doomed, the prince and his love jumped to their deaths from the waterfall to stay united in death forever. Make sure to visit during the wet season to see the waterfall at its most beautiful.

2. Visit the Moon Plains. A popular spot with locals and tourists alike, these vast plains offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding luscious landscapes. The best way to see the area is to book an early morning trip via jeep.
   
   

3. Explore the tea plantations. You should not visit the heart of Sri Lanka's tea plantations without visiting one up close. It may not sound like the most thrilling attraction, but it's a fascinating visit.
   
   Take in the spectacular scenery while learning about the intricate process of making tea before stopping for a fresh cup overlooking the expansive fields.
   
   

4. Hike Pidurutalagala. Known as Mount Pedro in English, this mountain is the tallest peak in Sri Lanka. You'll need to undergo a quick security check at the base before hiking the mountain, which involves showing your passport, but it's a small price to pay to see the amazing views at the peak.
   
   If you're wary of the hike, driving to the top of the mountain is possible.
   
   

5. Visit Galway's Land National Park. Visit this small national park to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's eco-diverse landscape. Formally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938, the park protects significant birding sites and is home to about 20 rare bird species.

How to get from Kandy to Nanuoya

Travelers looking for the best way to get from Kandy to Nanuoya have four options: a minivan, a car, a bus, and a train.

By minivan

Taking an air-conditioned minivan between Kandy and Nanuoya is one of the easiest ways to cover the distance.

Choose between a scenic or standard minivan to complete the journey, both operated by Magical Sri Lanka. 

A scenic minivan is ideal for solo travelers because you can buy a single seat in the van for approximately $15. The scenic minivan stops at four tourist attractions along the way. 

Opting for this route will take a little longer, with an expected travel time of 3.5 hours, but it's a fantastic way to see some of the area's highlights for a bargain price.

The minivan will stop at Ramboda Waterfalls, Ramboda Falls Viewpoint, the Tea Estate and Tea Factory, and Gregory Park Lake. However, these stops will be brief, so if you want to take a leisurely stroll through any of these attractions, skip this option and venture to the sites solo after you arrive at Nanuoya.

The scenic minivan option picks you up from any hotel in Kandy and drops you off at your chosen hotel in Nanuoya or nearby Nuwara Eliya. 

They provide water and have a large luggage allowance of one 44 lb (20 kg) bag and one piece of hand luggage.

Private minivan:

The standard (private) minivan option is ideal for people traveling in groups because it can take up to five passengers, and you cannot buy a single seat in the vehicle.

This option costs approximately $84.50 for the whole van and takes just under three hours to reach Nanuoya. 

Avoid bringing a lot of luggage (44 lbs/20 kg max) because the minivans may be tight on space, so you'll end up with half your belongings on your lap for the duration of the trip.

Passengers will be picked up outside their hotel in Kandy and dropped off at any hotel in Nanuoya or Nuwara Eliya. 

You can pick a departure time that fits your schedule, but only some drivers will start the journey in the late evening. Aim to be outside your hotel 15 minutes before departure to avoid missing the departure.

By private car 

Taking a private air-conditioned car between Kandy and Nanuoya is the perfect option for couples or friends traveling as a duo.

Each car can take up to two passengers and will cost $45 for the 2-hour and 45-minute trip.

Water is provided, along with a large luggage allowance of one 44 lb (20 kg) bag and one piece of hand luggage.

The driver will pick up passengers at their chosen hotel in Kandy and then drop them off at their hotel in Nanuoya or Nuwara Eliya.

You can pick a departure time that fits your itinerary. 

By bus

Taking a bus between Kandy and Nanuoya is another affordable way to cover the distance.

Prices start at $15, and the drive will take approximately four hours, which includes bathroom stops. You'll depart from the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand and arrive at Nuwara Eliya Main Bus Station.

Your bus will have air conditioning and a luggage allowance of up to 55 lbs (25kg) per passenger.

By train

Your last option is to take a train, known for its incredible views of the Sri Lankan countryside.

Ticket prices start at $3.50, and the train journey takes between 3.5-4 hours. 

The cheapest option to travel from Kandy to Nanuoya is to take a third-class reserved-seat train.

If you want a little more comfort, opt for a second-class or first-class train with softer seats and slightly more legroom.

For the best views, book a Panoramic Train with a seat in a carriage with large windows to take in the views en route.

All trains depart from Peradeniya Train Station and arrive at Nanuoya Train Station.

The best things about the ride from Kandy to Nanuoya

As you start this short journey, you'll say farewell to the beautiful scenery of Kandy and swiftly dive into the countryside to reach Nanuoya.

Driving past endless verdant landscapes, you will see why so many people stay in Sri Lanka for the long term. 

You'll pass several national parks and spot the mountain peak of Pidurutalagala as you edge closer to Nanuoya. Most transports will also pass by Nuwara Eliya on their way, with the option to stop at either village, depending on where you book accommodation.

Thanks to its short duration, it's worth staying awake to take in the incredible views as you make your way to Nanuoya. Grab a window seat, sit back, and watch the extraordinary scenery whiz by.

When is the best time to visit Nanuoya?

The best time to visit Nanuoya is from January to the middle of the year, in either June or July. These months bring sunny weather without too much rain, so you can savor the sights without losing days stuck inside your hotel.

However, temperatures are generally moderate throughout the year, with an average yearly temperature of 64.4°F (18°C). 

The weather peaks in October and November when temperatures soar closer to 90°F (32°C). It's not worth visiting for the sun, though, because these months also bring the highest rainfall, so you'll be stuck inside most of the time.

How many days should I spend in Nanuoya?

Travelers will need at least two to three days in Nanuoya and Nuwara Eliya to fully experience the area's natural gems without rushing through each one.

If you're a fan of slow travel, consider staying a few days more to ease into the laid-back atmosphere of the charming city. 

Where should I go after Nanuoya?

When you've finished discovering the treasures of Nanuoya and Nuwara Eliya, head southeast to Ella to explore the Instafamous Nine Arch Bridge and Diyaluma Falls, the second-largest waterfall in Sri Lanka. 

Alternatively, visit Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, a short drive to the island's west coast, to exchange countryside serenity for urban life.