7 Must Do Activities in Nuwara Eliya - Top Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya

Having the distinct honour of being the world's highest altitude botanical space, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens is no ordinary horticultural hotspot in Nuwara Eliya. Occupying an elevated location on the road towards Badulla, the sheer variety of plant species found in the botanical gardens is enough reason to plan a day at the venue. Some of the most popular areas of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens include its fragrant rose garden while the greenhouse devoted or orchids and medicinal plants are equally interesting points of interest.

No trip to Nuwara Eliya would be complete without a boat ride on Gregory Lake. Located in the heart of town, the manmade lake surrounded by walking paths and benches is the ideal venue to experience a cruise in this autumnal wonderland. The 20 minute rides around the lake are available through a plethora of local tour operators and resorts. Dating back to 1872, the lake was the brainchild of Governor William Gregory who used the lake to engage in a number of water sports activities when Sri Lanka was under British rule.

One of the most popular shopping hotspots in Nuwara Eliya is the Winter Market which is also known as the Bale Bazaar by locals. Retailing affordable winter wear throughout the year, locals who reside abroad as well as holidaymakers flock to this marketplace to stock up on high quality but reasonably price jackets, shawls, woollen caps and sweatshirts. Foodies should stock up on local chutneys and spreads at the Franciscan Sister's Jam Room while a shopping spree at Laksala Gifts shop is also a must for those in search of souvenirs.

As the largest park in all of Nuwara Eliya, travellers should take the time to spend a few hours at this sprawling and verdant locale which was constructed in honour of the 60th jubilee coronation of Queen Victoria in 1897. Sprawled across a whopping 27 acres, the flower bed and tree laden landscapes of the park are ideal for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll while families can enjoy the playground at the venue.

When it comes to tasting local treats, there's nothing quite as refreshing as heading to Adma Agro Farm and sampling fresh strawberries picked right from the farm. Enjoy a glass of strawberry juice or a strawberry infused beverage which also features condensed milk and start your day right when in Nuwara Eliya.

Home to countless tea factories, exploring the confines of these colonial era factories and the picturesque tea estates that surround them is a rite of passage for all first time visitors. In addition to learning about the process of manufacturing quality tea, visitors can also purchase tea packets from the factory shop to take back home as keepsakes.

As one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Sri Lanka, witnessing the beauty of this larger than life cascade is a must for all travellers based in Nuwara Eliya. Those who fly in to Nuwara Eliya via Cinnamon Air or any other charter flights in Sri Lanka can also catch an aerial view of the falls.