Quick answer
Nuwara Eliya's golf course, laid out in the late nineteenth century, winds through the centre of town at about 1,890 metres and is one of the oldest courses in Asia; visitors can usually play on payment of a green fee, with clubs and caddies available. The racecourse, on open ground near Gregory Lake, hosts horse racing mainly during the April season around the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Outside April, both are best enjoyed on a walk through the colonial centre. Confirm tee times and race dates locally.
Key takeaways
- Nuwara Eliya's golf course dates from the late nineteenth century and is often described as one of the oldest in Asia.
- Visitors can usually play golf in Nuwara Eliya on payment of a green fee, with caddies and hire clubs available.
- Horse racing at Nuwara Eliya's racecourse takes place mainly during the April season.
- The racecourse lies on open ground in the town centre near Gregory Lake.
- Golfers in Nuwara Eliya play at about 1,890 metres, where the ball carries a little further than at sea level.
Why these colonial pastimes matter
Nuwara Eliya's golf course and racecourse matter because they shape the town's look and explain its history. British planters came to the hills to rest, and they built the things they missed: clubs, greens, a course for racing and a calendar of social events around them.
Nuwara Eliya's colonial pastimes have outlived their founders. Sri Lankan golfers play the course year round, and the April races draw crowds from Colombo and across the island. Seeing them in use makes the town feel lived in rather than preserved.
Playing golf in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya's golf course runs through the centre of town, with fairways lined by old trees and views of the hills. It is generally described as dating from the late nineteenth century, making it one of the oldest courses in Asia. The cool climate means comfortable rounds at any hour.
Playing golf in Nuwara Eliya as a visitor usually requires a green fee and booking a tee time through the club. Hire clubs and caddies are generally available. Dress codes apply, so pack collared shirts and suitable shoes. Fees and rules change, so confirm before you go.
Golf in Nuwara Eliya is affected by weather: mist and drizzle are common from May to September, and the course can be wet. January to March gives the best conditions, with crisp mornings and firm fairways.
- →Book a tee time in advance.
- →Bring or hire clubs; caddies are usual.
- →Best months: January to March.
The racecourse and the April races
Nuwara Eliya's racecourse occupies open grassland in the town centre near Gregory Lake. For most of the year it is quiet, used for walks and exercise. In April, during the season around the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, it hosts horse racing, drawing crowds and creating a festive atmosphere.
Nuwara Eliya's April race meetings are social events as much as sporting ones, with music, food stalls and families dressed for the occasion. Dates and programmes are set locally and change each year, so check before planning around them. Expect crowds and higher prices that month.
- →Racing: mainly during the April season.
- →Atmosphere: festive, crowded, family-friendly.
- →Dates: shift each year; confirm locally.
Seeing them on a town walk
Nuwara Eliya's golf course and racecourse are easy to see on a walk through the colonial centre. The racecourse edge links Victoria Park with Gregory Lake, and the road past the golf course passes several of the town's mock-Tudor houses.
Nuwara Eliya's best view of the golf course comes from the roads on the slopes above it, looking down across the fairways to the town. Early morning mist over the racecourse makes for atmospheric photographs.
Planning around golf or the races
Planning a golf round in Nuwara Eliya fits easily into a two-night stay: play on the first morning, then visit Pedro estate or Hakgala in the afternoon. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange tee times, transport and a caddie as part of a hill country route.
Planning around the April races means booking accommodation months ahead, accepting higher prices and allowing extra time for traffic. Travellers who prefer a calm Nuwara Eliya should avoid the first half of April altogether.
Planning for non-golfers in your group is simple: a lakeside walk, a tea factory or afternoon tea fills the same few hours.
- →Golf: book through the club, two to four hours per round.
- →Races: book rooms months ahead for April.
- →Non-golfers: lake, tea factory or afternoon tea.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists play golf in Nuwara Eliya?
Tourists can usually play golf in Nuwara Eliya on payment of a green fee, booking a tee time through the club. Hire clubs and caddies are generally available, and a dress code applies. Confirm fees and arrangements before your visit.
How old is the Nuwara Eliya golf course?
The Nuwara Eliya golf course dates from the late nineteenth century and is often described as one of the oldest golf courses in Asia. It was laid out for British planters and remains in use today.
When are the horse races in Nuwara Eliya?
Horse races in Nuwara Eliya take place mainly during the April season, around the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Dates and programmes change each year, so check locally before planning a trip around them.
Is the Nuwara Eliya racecourse open to visitors?
The Nuwara Eliya racecourse is visible from the surrounding roads and can be seen on a town walk. During April race meetings, spectators attend, with arrangements and tickets set locally. Outside April it is usually quiet.
What should I wear to play golf in Nuwara Eliya?
To play golf in Nuwara Eliya, wear a collared shirt, golf trousers or smart shorts and suitable golf shoes, following the club's dress code. Bring a warm layer and a waterproof, as mornings are cool and showers common.
Is April a good time to visit Nuwara Eliya for the races?
April is a lively time to visit Nuwara Eliya for the races, flower shows and festivities. It is also the busiest and most expensive month. Book accommodation months ahead and expect heavy traffic.