Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a wonderful city in Sri Lanka that gives you some unique experiences while having some fun.

This city has its own natural beauty when it comes to places that relates to history. Which we are going to talk about later in the guide.

As per the exact location of this city, it is right away in Sri Lanka’s central highlands that grabs the attention of tourists and locals as well.

Did you know: Due to the climate and the British-era buildings in Nuwara Eliya, people often call it as “Little England”. 

That’s quite interesting right?

Anyway, as a quick peek, we can say that this city is at a height of 1,868 meters, that gives out a cool escape from Sri Lanka’s typical tropical heat.

However, now there might be some issues with where to visit and what to do while you are at Nuwara Eliya.

Well, in this guide that is what we are going to explain and suggest the most famous tourist spots in Nuwara Eliya.

In that way, you wouldn’t miss any important spots or fun activities that you could have done.

Horton Plains National Park

This place is so much special due to several factors.

One of that is, Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s truly one of a kind.

Now why is this place is in the records of the UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Well, this is because due to it’s high-altitude. It allows visitors to see grasslands and cloud forests that are both ecologically important and stunning to look at.

Anyway, that is the not the main attraction that you can find in here.

The park’s star attraction is the World’s End.

Now you don’t have to think much in order to go here just because of its name.

Because, there is an interesting reason for it to get its name.

This is because, once you are here, you can see a dramatic cliff that drops around 870 meters.

Which basically looks like the end of the world if someone crosses the line.

Furthermore, in here, visitors like you can take a decent hike through different terrains.

However, what’s scary is the time when you get to spot rare wildlife along the way.

But don’t worry, your guides knows how to handle those kinds of situations, so you are in safe hands.

Note: The park is a home to endangered Sri Lankan sambar deer. 

Gregory Lake

This lake was created during British times when they were ruling the area back in time.

Gregory Lake was much popular with people who shows interest in fitness, as it is the go-to recreational spot in Nuwara Eliya.

Here’s something interesting:

Gregory Lake has its name after Sir William Gregory, who was a former British Governor of Ceylon.

Eventhough, as mentioned before, this lake was much popular with fitness lovers, the lake is also perfect for relaxing and having fun for all kinds of ages.

As of today, tourists can go boating around the area and try fishing to catch a meal.

However, there are periods when this place gets lively.

Specially during weekends and holidays the lake comes alive with food stalls, paddle boat rentals, and walking paths.

In addition to that, the evening views are especially lovely, with mountains that are reflecting on the water’s surface. So if you are a photographer, we are sure that you will capture some amazing images around here.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a beautiful green garden that shows off Nuwara Eliya’s historical roots and variety of flower plants.

This park was established in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Where the park covers about 27 acres with an impressive collection of local and foreign plants.

As a matter of fact, it is said that after her name that this park got its name as the Victoria Park.

When it comes to activities that you can do around here: It’s ideal for walks, picnics, and family outings.

Eventhough these are the basic things that you can do in other parks, the scenery that you can enjoy here is quite amazing.

However, depending on the season, the park becomes a colourful place of rhododendrons, roses, and other flowering plants that attracts visitors from all over.

This is because, as you know, there are periods, where certain flowers have it’s own time to bloom. 

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden is right on Hakgala Mountain’s slopes.

This botanical garden is actually a paradise for those who loves plants.

Hakgala Botanical Garden was established in 1861, where the garden spans 28 hectares and houses an incredible variety of temperate and tropical plants.

If you look at this garden from a nature-friendly point of view, its unique elevation between 1,600 and 1,800 meters creates the perfect environment for plants from different climates.

Which means those plants gets the treatment to its best level.

Moving on, visitors can explore sections that have different varieties of plants.

These include, orchids, roses, ferns, and medicinal plants.

In addition to that, the garden is also an important research centre for plant conservation.

Tip: With tranquil paths and mountain views, this garden makes it as a must-visit spot for nature lovers and couples to have a lovely time.

Seetha Amman Temple

The Seetha Amman Temple is a place where religious aspects meets all the mythological history.

This temple is in the Nuwara Eliya region, where the temple is connected to the epic Ramayana story.

Which basically means, this temple is quite different from other temples that you can visit in Sri Lanka.

As a matter of fact, local legends says that this is where Goddess Sita was held captive by King Ravana.

To bring this into reality, the temple has some detailed sculptures and paintings from the Ramayana that attracts both religious pilgrims and cultural tourists.

Therefore, the detail in every art and every sculpture will give you a unique interest to this historical story.

Tea Estate

Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates are the region’s most iconic places that you can visit.

As you know, most countries are known our beautiful country thanks to our natural tea production that goes all over the world.

As a matter of fact, these on-point plantations covers the hillsides in a greenish colour by creating wonderful views.

In here, visitors can tour tea factories to know and learn about the production process of Sri Lankan tea.

In addition to that, you can watch the traditional tea-picking method and learn about the technique of doing it.

We are sure that this will be an unforgettable experience for you.

On the other hand, many places have guided tours that dive into Sri Lanka’s tea industry, which has been crucial to the country’s economy since historical period.

Moreover, some even provide accommodation by letting tourists to experience plantation life and enjoy all the mountain views.

So, if you have any interest in getting this experience, we recommend you to explore everything in here that you can.

St. Clair’s Falls

 St. Clair’s Falls is a spectacular waterfall that you can find near Nuwara Eliya.

This waterfall has got a nickname which goes by “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka.

Well, there is a reason for it to get that name.

This is because, it divides into two sections, as in the upper “Maha Ella” drops about 80 meters, while the lower “Kuda Ella” draws around 60 meters.

St. Clair’s Falls is surrounded by tea plantations and misty mountains, where the falls are perfect for photography and picnics.

So if you are here with your loved ones, don’t forget to have a memorable time in here.

Moreover, the area around the waterfall also has some hiking trails and viewpoints that let visitors to fully enjoy the region’s natural beauty in a unique way.

Devon Falls

This is another stunning waterfall in the area, which is known as Devon Falls.

Now you might be wondering, well, that sounds like a real person’s name.

Actually, that’s correct, this waterfall is named after an English coffee plantation manager who was in Sri Lanka back in the day.

Speaking of the waterfall, it drops dramatically from about 97 meters and is easily accessible along the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya highway.

It is also noteworthy to mention that, the falls are especially impressive during the cold and rainy season.

Whereas, it is surrounded by dense vegetation and tea plantations in order to give a sight of multiple vantage points for photographers and nature lovers.

Strawberry Garden

Nuwara Eliya’s cool climate makes it perfect for growing strawberries.

This is quite special because it is not that easy to find even strawberry trees around other places in Sri Lanka.

Anyway, these gardens will allow you to pick fresh, juicy strawberries directly from the plants.

Many gardens even have cafes and shops that sells these strawberry products like jams and desserts.

So all the products that you can see here are absolutely natural and healthy.

Moreover, the sight of strawberry rows against misty mountain backgrounds creates a natural sight that makes you to get a photograph.

Therefore, once you are here, don’t forget to capture your beautiful moments.

New Zealand Farm

The New Zealand Farm has a unique agricultural tourism experience that you can get.

In here, you can learn about dairy farming by talking with people who does this work as their daily routine.

In addition to that, you can also learn about milk production and also try some to get the natural taste of Sri Lankan milk.

We are sure that you will love it.

Actually, this farm is not an ordinary one that you will see in Sri Lanka. Since it is located among rolling hills and lush greenery surrounding the farm is great for photography and experiencing the rural Sri Lankan life.

Note: Some farms even offer accommodation and dining by letting tourists to fully add themselves to the local agricultural lifestyle.

So there you have it.

Nuwara Eliya is a place that has a different vibe when comparing it with other places in Sri Lanka.

We believe that this guide will be the strongest evidence to prove it, and you can also experience it by visiting these amazing places.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road to find what interest can bring this to you.