Joanna James
Often compared to the Scottish Highlands in terms of weather, Nuwara Eliya is a year-round holiday hotspot for all. Here are 10 engaging things to do during a visit to the hill station.
As one of the most enjoyable activities visitors can experience in Nuwara Eliya, a visit to the Adma Agro Farm is a must for all first timers exploring the area. The strawberry farm is among the region's most successful fruit plantations and travellers can take a tour of the farm and pick strawberries to nibble on at the same time. The cafe on the farm also serves up delectable strawberry infused food items including beverages, strawberry and cream and other tasty treats.
Considered a rite of passage for tourists vacationing in Nuwara Eliya, signing up for a boat ride on Gregory Lake is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the city and the lake itself. The 20-minute ride across the lake which was constructed by Governor William Gregory in the 1870's also provides visitors with the chance to catch their breath during sightseeing activities in Nuwara Eliya.
Ranked among Sri Lanka's most picturesque botanical spaces, a tour of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens is another exciting activity travellers can enjoy. As the world's highest botanical garden, located at an impressive altitude the lush tree lines paths and the many floral species found in this well-maintained garden is truly impressive.
Although the area is a relatively unknown tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers will enjoy the walking trails and forest terrain that makes up the Moon Plains. Ideal for spending a day out in nature the mountainous landscapes and open fields make the area a breathtaking refuge for travellers.
As the town's largest public park, Victoria Park was first established to celebrate Queen Victoria's 60th year as the monarch of Britain. Spread out over 27 hectares, the park is lined with trees from various nations as well as blooms of myriad colours. Complete with a children's playground and a tiny train, the birdlife occupying the park also makes it a haven for bird watchers.
Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka's foremost tea cultivating regions and the area is home to numerous tea estates as well as factories. Tours of tea factories are also available while visitors can also sample the different brews grown and manufactured by different tea estates. Visitors based in Amaya Langdale or similar hospitality hubs or holiday bungalows in Nuwara Eliya can organize a tea factory tour via the hotel.
This one-stop shopping Mecca for winter wear is not only a hit with locals but tourists as well. Known as the Bale Bazaar, the Winter Market is the best place to stock up on winter jackets, socks, mittens and headgear in Nuwara Eliya.
Post a postcard from Nuwara Eliya to a loved one back home and visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office to do the needful. Housed within a resplendent Tudor Manor which dates back to 1894, the post office is one of the oldest in all of Sri Lanka.
Often compared to the Scottish moors, Horton Plains National Park is another attraction in Nuwara Eliya. Perfect for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, the park is also home to the World's End precipice.
Nuwara Eliya is also known as a destination with dozens of idyllic waterfalls and visitors should take the time to explore some of its best-known cascades including Lover's Leap Falls and St Clair's Falls.
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