Joanna James
Emerald green tea fields, dramatic waterfalls, rolling green hills, quaint colonial buildings, and the soothing cool climate—Nuwara Eliya is indeed a little England. There's so much to be enjoyed in this charming hill country town that will keep you busy for a good week or two.
You don't have to set out on a prolonged journey far away from the city to get a dose of nature and beauty in Nuwara Eliya. Nestled right in the heart of the city, Gregory Lake is a true oasis of serenity that sets a calm and laid-back vibe to the whole town. Boasting a scenic lake, sweeping garden lawns, beautiful stone pathways, an abundance of pretty flowers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding tea fields, Gregory Lake is the perfect place in Nuwara Eliya to bask in all its glory. Take a stroll on the walking paths, ride a bike or hop on a swan-shaped paddle boat for a relaxing boat ride.
Located just a short 10-minute drive away from the city centre, Hakgala Botanical Gardens is the second-largest and one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The 10,000+ species of colourful flowers and plants scattered across a variety of beautifully manicured gardens make for a perfect getaway to immerse yourself in tranquil nature. Don't forget to take your camera with you, as you will be treated with plenty of photo opportunities that offer magnificent backdrops for some Instagram snaps.
A treat to the adventurous spirit, the trek through Horton Plains to the World's End will take you through some secluded, untouched terrains and sceneries far away from the city. Nestled roughly 30 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya, the Horton Plains National Park affords you several hiking trails that run through scenic landscapes, where World's End is the most famous. The trek will most likely take up the entire day, so unwind at one of the finest villas in Nuwara Eliya, including the likes of Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya, after the tiring trek and continue exploring enchanting Nuwara Eliya.
Resembling the farming grasslands and windmills of New Zealand, Ambewela Farm is another spot where you can get back to quiet, tranquil nature. The sight of cattle grazing in the open grasslands against the backdrop of windmills and dramatic mountains is a scene that will leave you gazing in awe. Take a guided farm tour to see how cows and various other farm animals are taken care of and don't forget to taste some dairy products before you leave.
No visit to Nuwara Eliya is complete without tasting some juicy strawberries. You can find plenty of tiny shops selling strawberries on the side of the road, especially near Gregory Lake, or head off to a strawberry farm to pick strawberries right from the fields and try an assortment of mouth-watering strawberry dishes.
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.
