Joanna James
Nestled high away in the lush hill country, Nuwara Eliya is a city that provides you with loads of trekking and exploration opportunities like no other city in Sri Lanka. Chase breathtaking waterfalls, hike up to a misty hill, and stroll through emerald-green tea fields—it is a city meant for exploration.
Expansive lush green plains set against a backdrop of towering mountains and misty skies, Moon Plains is a serene biodiversity spot that many travellers to Nuwara Eliya visit to get a dose of tranquillity away from the city. It is a popular tourist attraction that is known to leave its visitors gazing in awe with its astonishing beauty. The highlight of the plains is the "Mini World's End", a vantage point perched on the highest peak of the plains, which treats you with breathtaking 360 views of the countryside. You'll be surprised to hear that this awe-inspiring terrain was once used as a dumpsite which has later been cleared and classified as an Agricultural and Environmental Tourism Zone.
Nestled 20 kilometres away from the city centre in the countryside of Nuwara Eliya, New Zealand Farm is a true feast for the eyes. The sight of wide-open green grasslands, grazing cows, and white windmills is one that you simply can't take your eyes off. This scene is immediately reminiscent of a New Zealand farmland, which is probably why it has been given the name "New Zealand Farm". Take in the spectacular view and head inside the farm for a guided farm tour and to taste some delectable dairy products.
Unleash the adventurer in you by setting off on an exciting hike to the World's End through the serene Horton Plains. Set roughly 30 kilometres away from Nuwara Eliya, World's End is a sheer cliff, with a drop of about 4,000 feet, located in the Horton Plains National Park. After a day of trekking through rough terrains, unwind at one of the finest Nuwara Eliya bungalows, including the likes of Oliphant Boutique Villa by Amaya, and wake up fresh to explore the rest of the wonders of the picturesque hill country city.
Standing at a staggering height of 2,524 metres, Pidurutalagala is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. While a hike to the towering mountain through the surrounding dense forest might sound like the ultimate treat for an adventure seeker, the public is not allowed to trek on foot. However, taking a jeep ride to the mountain is possible with permission from the relevant authorities.
Water plunging down from a height of 109 metres, Ramboda Falls is the 11 highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. No visit to Nuwara Eliya is complete without having at least one waterfall on your itinerary, and this white curtain of cascading water is a must-have on your list.
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.
