Post Office Building, Nuwara Eliya - Image 1
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Nuwara Eliya Post Office

4.6
·576 reviews·Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

A charming, historic Tudor-style red-brick post office from the 1890s, offering a glimpse into colonial Sri Lanka and a unique souvenir opportunity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Post Office Building, Nuwara Eliya - Image 1

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, historic Tudor-style red-brick post office from the 1890s, offering a glimpse into colonial Sri Lanka and a unique souvenir opportunity.

4.6
(576 reviews)

"It's a living piece of colonial history, connecting the past with the present for travelers."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Tudor architecture; the lawns offer great angles for memorable shots.

✉️ Send a Souvenir

Buy postcards and stamps inside for a unique, affordable souvenir.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tudor-Style Architecture

Tudor-Style Architecture

Exterior

Admire the iconic red-brick building with its distinctive clock tower and sloping roof, a true piece of living history.

Send a Postcard

Send a Postcard

Interior

Buy a postcard and stamps to send a piece of Sri Lanka home – a memorable souvenir and a nod to tradition.

Charming Lawns

Charming Lawns

Exterior Grounds

Relax on the well-maintained lawns, perfect for a short break or a picnic with a view of the historic building.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Colonial Charm

Step back in time at the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a stunning Tudor-style red-brick building from the 1890s. It's a functional post office and a picturesque landmark, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Don't miss sending a postcard as a unique souvenir!

Timing Your Visit

While the post office is a year-round attraction, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds. The surrounding lawns offer a pleasant spot for a brief picnic or a moment of quiet reflection amidst the charming architecture.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Pleasant for lawn relaxation
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @ilovepenny10 #postoffice #comedy #character #satire #parody #pov #fyp #asmr #comedian #writer #actor #skit
@caroline_easom
1.5M likes • 11.2M views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Tudor architecture; the lawns offer great angles for memorable shots. Instagram+1

✉️ Send a Souvenir

Buy postcards and stamps inside for a unique, affordable souvenir. Instagram+1

post office passport renewal appointment: 1 Miranda: 0
@mirandamckeon
278.8K likes • 3.1M views
Such experiences 💌 🏤 📍 Nuwara Eliya Post Office, Sri Lanka .. .. #travelblogbychow #traveldiaries #nuwaraeliya #memorableexperience #thingstodoinsrilanka #srilankatravel #reels #reelit #instagramlove #holidaymood #differentexperience #sendingsomelove
travelblogbychow
33 likes • 1.3K views

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience the vintage ambiance and colonial charm of this historic building. InstagramReddit

🌳 Lawn Relaxation

Enjoy the manicured lawns for a peaceful break or a small picnic. Reddit

Straight out of a postcard! ✨ This charming post office in Nuwara Eliya, built in the late 1800s, is a perfect blend of history and vibes. Sending a piece of Sri Lanka to my loved ones, one postcard at a time! 🖋️📮 Have you ever sent a postcard while traveling? #NuwaraEliya #PostcardPerfect #TravelBackInTime #SriLankaDiaries #SoloTravelAdventures #VintageVibes #WanderlustInSriLanka
_nagashree_c
54 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Tudor architecture; the lawns offer great angles for memorable shots. Instagram+1

✉️ Send a Souvenir

Buy postcards and stamps inside for a unique, affordable souvenir. Instagram+1

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience the vintage ambiance and colonial charm of this historic building. InstagramReddit

🌳 Lawn Relaxation

Enjoy the manicured lawns for a peaceful break or a small picnic. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Parking is generally available on nearby roads without much hassle. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(576 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Nuwara Eliya Post Office for its stunning, well-preserved Tudor-style architecture and its charm as a functional piece of history. Many enjoy sending postcards as a unique souvenir and find the surrounding lawns a pleasant spot for relaxation. The building's colonial ambiance and its status as a 'living piece of history' are frequently highlighted as major draws.

"It is an iconic building located in centre of the city and one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. It is Tudor style and 2 storeys red brick building. It has a lovely clock tower and was constructed in 1890s by the British. It is popular place with tourists and locals. There are bench/table in the lawns where you can have a picnic if the weather is cooler. You can buy stamps and post mail here to have a record of your visit. It is still functioning as a post office today"

s vivekananda

"This Post Office is a charming and iconic landmark that beautifully reflects the colonial heritage of Sri Lanka’s "Little England" 🏰🇱🇰. Housed in a stunning Tudor-style red brick building with bright orange roofs and a classic clock tower, it offers a picturesque and nostalgic glimpse into the past since its construction in 1894 🕰️🏠. The well-maintained lawns and manicured hedges around the post office add to its fairy-tale charm 🌳🌺.

Inside, visitors can still use postal services or buy lovely postcards as souvenirs, while the upper floor has been converted into cozy tourist accommodation, allowing guests to experience the historic ambiance firsthand 📨🛌. The building’s architecture and history make it a favorite photo spot for tourists and a peaceful place to explore for about an hour 📸⏳."

San's Creations (SP Gowdar)

"A famous old building in Sri Lanka that belongs to the Postal Department. It has a unique architectural design. You can buy postal stamps, souvenirs, postcards, etc, from the shop inside the building. Parking can be found on the nearby roads without a challenge."

Nuwan Gunarathne

What People Like

Iconic Tudor architecture
Historic charm
Sending postcards

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is centrally located in the heart of the town, making it easily accessible. You can walk from most accommodations in the town center. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also readily available to take you directly to its doorstep. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is generally available on the nearby roads. While it can get busy, travelers have reported finding parking without significant challenges. Reddit

Walking is a great way to explore Nuwara Eliya town, especially the central areas where the post office is located. For longer distances or to visit attractions further out, tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable option. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit the exterior and grounds of the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. You can freely admire its architecture and relax on the lawns. Reddit

The post office operates during standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday, and often on Saturdays. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date hours if you plan to use postal services. Reddit

Absolutely! Sending a postcard or letter from this historic post office is a popular activity for tourists. You can purchase postcards and stamps inside. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it is still a functioning post office, serving both locals and tourists with postal services. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Weekdays also tend to be less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots of the iconic Tudor-style building. Instagram+1

The front lawns offer excellent vantage points to capture the entire building, including the clock tower. Experiment with different angles from the street and the garden areas. Instagram+1

Photography inside the operational areas of the post office might be restricted to respect ongoing postal services. However, you can usually take photos of the postcards and stamps available for purchase. Reddit

🎫 🏨 Accommodation

Yes, the former living quarters of the postmaster on the upper floor have been converted into tourist accommodation, offering a unique stay within the historic building. InstagramReddit

Staying here offers a chance to immerse yourself in the historic ambiance of the colonial-era building. It's a unique experience for those seeking a memorable and atmospheric stay. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a gentle and engaging stop for families. Kids will be fascinated by the distinctive red-brick building and clock tower, which looks like something out of a storybook. Sending a postcard is a fun activity that teaches children about communication and creates a special keepsake from their trip. Instagram The surrounding lawns provide a safe space for children to stretch their legs and enjoy a moment of play before or after exploring the town. Reddit

It's a low-key attraction that doesn't require a lot of time, making it perfect for fitting into a busy family itinerary. The easy accessibility and lack of crowds during weekdays also contribute to a stress-free visit for parents. Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy on the grounds for a budget-friendly and enjoyable family break. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a dream. Its iconic Tudor-style architecture offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots capturing the entire facade and clock tower to close-ups of the intricate brickwork. The surrounding manicured lawns and vibrant greenery provide a beautiful contrast to the red brick, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Instagram+1

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and capture the building in its serene glory. The unique blend of colonial charm and its functional status as a post office provides a narrative depth to your photos. Don't forget to capture the details of the clock tower and the charming signage. Instagram

✈️ Budget Travelers

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is an excellent free attraction for budget travelers. Admiring the historic architecture and relaxing on the lawns costs nothing, making it a perfect way to experience a key landmark without spending a rupee. Reddit

For a small fee, you can purchase postcards and stamps to send home, which is an incredibly affordable way to get a unique souvenir and share your journey with loved ones. The cost for sending a postcard is remarkably low, often just a few pence. Instagram This makes it an ideal stop for those looking to maximize their travel experience while minimizing expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial History

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is more than just a building; it's a tangible link to Sri Lanka's colonial past. Constructed in 1894 by the British, it served as a vital communication hub during a time when Nuwara Eliya was being developed as a hill country retreat, often referred to as "Little England." The British planters and officials stationed here relied on this post office to connect with Colombo, London, and other parts of the world, sending letters and news amidst the burgeoning tea industry. Reddit

Its Tudor-style architecture, characterized by red bricks, a sloping roof, and a prominent clock tower, is a direct reflection of the British influence on the town's aesthetic. This architectural style was chosen to replicate the familiar English countryside, reinforcing the "Little England" moniker. Today, the post office stands as one of the few remaining functional structures from that era, preserving its original charm and historical significance. InstagramReddit

Visitors can still experience this history firsthand by sending a postcard or letter. It's a popular activity for tourists, offering a nostalgic way to connect with the past and create a unique souvenir. The post office's enduring presence and continued operation make it a living piece of colonial history, bridging the gap between bygone eras and the present day for travelers. Reddit

Experiencing the Post Office Today

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office remains a beloved landmark for both locals and tourists. Its picturesque setting, complete with well-maintained lawns and manicured hedges, makes it a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll or a brief picnic. The charming ambiance invites visitors to pause and soak in the serene atmosphere, a welcome respite in the bustling hill country town. InstagramReddit

Inside, the post office continues its primary function, offering postal services. Tourists often find joy in purchasing postcards and stamps as unique souvenirs, a tangible reminder of their visit to Sri Lanka. The friendly staff are often noted for their warmth and willingness to engage with visitors, adding a personal touch to the experience. Reddit

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the upper floor has been thoughtfully converted into tourist accommodation. This unique lodging allows guests to sleep within the historic walls, waking up to the charm and character of this colonial gem. It's an opportunity to truly live amidst history, making a stay here an unforgettable part of any Nuwara Eliya itinerary. InstagramReddit