Top 5 Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya – Up in the Mountains

Victoria Park is one of the most famous destinations found within Nuwara Eliya. This massive park complex was originally created for the ruling British elite to come and relax in. Nowadays, the park is open to everybody and is considered to be one of the most well-maintain parks in South Asia. Following the first few years of its establishment, the park was simply referred to as the 'Marsh". In the early decades of the 20th century, however, the park was mainly referred to as Victoria Park. This is mainly attributed to the rising popularity of Queen Victoria herself, along with the many celebrations held in her honour at the location.

Measuring a colossal 80 metres in height, St. Clair's Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls you'll see in Sri Lanka. It is also quite large, being a contender for the title of the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka as well. It is sometimes referred to as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka" for this reason. The falls are found just 3 kilometres away from Hatton-Talawakele Highway and are often seen by passers-by entering and leaving the area. The falls are sourced by the Kothmale Oya – a tributary of the Mahaveli River. Thousands of gallons of water rush down along the rocky outcrops and crash into the massive pool below every second. St Clair's actually consists of two main waterfalls – the Greater Fall and the Lesser Fall. All in all, this waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Being founded all the way back in 1889, this is one of the oldest golf clubs you'll find in Asia. Measuring a hefty 6070 yards, the course boasts 18 holes and can make for a great afternoon's outing. This is epically true if you're staying at one of the nearby hotels or resorts – say, for example, the Galway Heights. Even if you're not the best at golf, you'll appreciate the verdant landscapes and picturesque scenery that the golf course has to offer. One of the best things you can do is to head to the club with a friend and engage in a friendly competition along the course.

Gregory Lake is found a short distance away from the Nuwara Eliya town centre – it's worth the travel time, however! This tranquil body of water is a great picnic stop and is often frequented by rare bird varieties. In particular, keep your eyes peeled for rare wading birds that take advantage of the lake's bountiful fish stock. If you're particularly lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endemic Ceylon magpie – a rare bird which displays some striking colourations.

When you first travelled to Nuwara Eliya you're sure to have seen a number of expansive tea estates – so why not visit one! While there are many options to choose from, the Pedro Tea Estate might just be the best one. Here you'll be treated to some fantastic views and sights, including the iconic sights of tea pluckers conducting the day's harvest. What's more, you can enjoy a refreshing cup of Sri Lankan tea once you're done touring the premises.