Exploring Nuwara Eliya's Handicrafts, Souvenirs, and Delicious Delicacies

While Nuwara Eliyas’s fame lies in its verdant hills, stretches of tea estates and chilly weather, it has several spots selling handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home with you. From the bustling Winter Market to the quaint Franciscan Sister’s Jam Room, Nuwara Eliya’s handicrafts and souvenirs encapsulate the essence of this enchanting destination.

Winter Market

Locally known as the Bale Bazaar, Nuwara Eliya’s Winter Market is a bustling hub of activity, especially during the cooler months. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere as they browse through an array of local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. From intricately woven textiles to handmade wooden carvings, the market offers a whole host of unique finds, perfect for capturing the essence of Nuwara Eliya’s cultural heritage. While enjoying the comforts of Araliya Green City Hotel, travellers can explore the Winter Market, brimming with traditional handicrafts and souvenirs that represent the cultural slice of Nuwara Eliya. Visitors can wander through the bustling stalls, savouring the sights, sounds, and scents of this exotic marketplace.

Franciscan Farms and Products

Tucked away in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, just under a 10-minute drive from Araliya Green Hills Hotel, the Franciscan Farms and Products is a quaint little shop where visitors can sample a delectable array of homemade jams, preserves, and condiments. Run by a community of Franciscan sisters, this charming little shop offers an assortment of jams made from locally sourced fruits such as strawberries, guavas, and passion fruits. Visitors can also find unique flavours like mango chutney, pineapple relish, and papaya jam, all lovingly crafted using traditional recipes passed down through generations. With its quaint ambience and delicious offerings, the Franciscan Farms and Products is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and souvenir hunters alike.

Laksala Gifts

For those seeking authentic Sri Lankan handicrafts and souvenirs, a visit to Laksala is a must. As the national handicrafts emporium, Laksala showcases a diverse collection of locally made products, including intricately carved wooden masks, colourful batik textiles, and exquisite handloom fabrics. Visitors can also find an assortment of Sri Lankan spices, teas, and traditional Ayurvedic products, making Laksala the perfect destination for stocking up on gifts and keepsakes that capture the essence of the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Flowers

Nuwara Eliya’s temperate climate provides the perfect environment for cultivating an abundance of flowers, earning it the nickname “Little England.” The town’s flower markets are a feast for the senses, brimming with fragrant blooms in a riot of colours. From delicate orchids and red roses to exotic lilies and cheerful gerberas, visitors can delight in the beauty and variety of Nuwara Eliya’s floral offerings. Whether as a bouquet to brighten up a room or a potted plant to bring a touch of nature indoors, flowers from Nuwara Eliya make for charming souvenirs that evoke memories of the town’s idyllic landscapes. Fun fact: Araliya Green City Hotel gets its name from the “Araliya” flower, a beautiful white flower found in abundance all over the country. It is only fitting that Araliya Resorts & Spas, having of the best luxury hotels in Nuwara Eliya, derives its name from something so pleasant.

Mackwoods Tea Center

No trip to Nuwara Eliya would be complete without sampling its world-famous Ceylon tea. The Mackwoods Tea Center, situated amidst acres of tea estates, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the tea-making process and indulge in a tasting session of premium Ceylon teas. From robust black teas to fragrant green teas and delicate white teas, there is a blend to suit every palate. Visitors can also purchase their favourite teas to enjoy at home or as gifts for friends and family, complete with beautifully designed packaging that reflects the elegance and heritage of Sri Lanka’s tea culture.

Strawberry Farm

In addition to its tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is also known for its thriving strawberry farms. Visitors can experience the joy of picking ripe strawberries straight from the vine at local farms, where they can savour the sweet and juicy fruit amidst the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. For those craving a taste of Nuwara Eliya’s famed strawberries after their visit, jars of strawberry jam and preserves are available for purchase, allowing travellers to savour the flavours of the town long after they have returned home.