Joanna James
Nuwara Eliya is located at the country's highest point. Chilly environs, misty hills and colonial bungalows justify the name 'Little England'; plus there is much to see and do around the vibrant town.
The precincts of Lake Gregory are loads of fun. An iconic attraction that's part of the Nuwara Eliya town, the lake offers paved walkways. Swan rides, pony rides and even a zeppelin line for the adventure buff to savour. Around the lake is a lovely open park with food kiosks promising delicious servings of strawberries and ice cream while the annual Nuwara Eliya dirt bike races take place around the lake. Boat hires take visitors on excursions across the chilly lake while simply sitting amidst the flowering shrubs and watching all the fun is highly conducive to rejuvenating mind body and soul. The precincts of Lake Gregory get very busy and come alive especially during the April holiday season.
Just about all Sri Lanka tour packages covering Nuwara Eliya will include a visit to Worlds End Park – and with good reason. One of the country's iconic attractions World End is an hour's drive from Nuwara Eliya. Consider starting your journey at the park by 7 or 8 am this ensures the weather is nice and crisp and you have plenty of opportunities to explore all attractions. A 4km trek will take you to the famous worlds End lookout point around which you can enjoy stunning views across Horton Plains. On your return journey, a further 2km trek will take you to beautiful Baker Falls. Getting to the lookout point early ensures you have the best view – before the mist starts to roll in. You should reserve around 5 hours in total to trek the park; if you are with a tour group there will be a professional guide to take you to the national park for the best experience without harming the environment; Jetwing Eco Holidays is one example of similar tours available in Sri Lanka.
The New Zealand Farm is located just 20kms from Nuwara Eliya; the place houses top breed cattle, used in the production of high quality dairy products. Children especially will love the experience of interacting with the animals and learning about the process of making milk powder, butter, yoghurt and cheese.
Nuwara Eliya is framed by bluish hills that abound with tea bushes; the town is known to produce some of the best Sri Lankan tea. Visiting one of the many factories located around the town is a must for all lovers of tea and even the curious traveller. The warm interiors of the factories are quite welcoming and visitors are shown how the leaves are weighed, dried, chopped and packed for the market. Most outlets have cosy cafes where a delicious snack of a cup of tea and soft butter cake is on the cards.
Spend some time at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club; one of the most beautiful and oldest around the world. The club is located at the base of Mount Pedro at an altitude of 6000 feet. Founded in 1889 the 18 hole course is quite a treat.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
