Joanna James
Nestled amidst Sri Lanka's lush hill country, Nuwara Eliya is a charming little town that still exudes old-world charm. Affectionately known as Little England, Nuwara Eliya boasts of cool weather, scenic views, and plenty of fun activities to do including hiking and boating. Here are the best places to visit during your time there.
Located right in the middle of the Nuwara Eliya town, the picturesque man-made Gregory Lake was built by Governor William Gregory back in 1872. The banks of the lake are well-kept and generally attract many visitors, especially during the evenings. It's also a great place to picnic with family or friends. The lake park recently underwent a complete face-lift and is a great spot to try out activities such as paddle boating, pony rides, and more. There are also plenty of vendors and street hawkers selling bites to eat.
Built in Tudor style, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a charming remnant of Sri Lanka's yesteryear colonial era. Constructed in 1894, the post office is one of the oldest in the country and was featured on a stamp in the year 1990. This Nuwara Eliya sightseeing spot can also be easily reached from accommodation options such as Heritance Tea Factory.
Created in honour of Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee way back in 1897, the beautiful Victoria Park sprawls over 27 acres of land and features a variety of flora. It's a great place to head towards for a morning or evening stroll especially if one has little ones in tow. It's also a top bird-watching spot as there many types of native and migratory birds that flock here during various times of the year.
Referred to as the'' Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,'' St. Clair's Waterfalls also happens to be one of the island's widest waterfalls. Located just off the Hatton-Talwakele Road, it is among the more scenic waterfalls in the area. The falls get its name as it runs through the rolling slopes of the Clair Tea Estate. The falls are easily accessible and are visible from most elevation points. Consider trekking down a nearby trail with a local guide to get closer to the waterbody, the hike will take you through the estate, and offers great views as well. Access to the very base of the falls is prohibited, but the walk is enjoyable and is a great way to get a feel of the island's beautiful central highlands.
Located just off the Nuwara Eliya town, Moon Plains are also known as Sandatenna and is a famed spot for offering some spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Consider a hike or cycle tour, as there some great trails to explore. The plains are also home to rich wildlife including elk, deer, various bird species, and if one is lucky an elusive leopard. Visiting the site during the early morning or evening is highly recommended.
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